bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does anyone care about opinion of people on living in the metaverse?
Authors: Mottura Stefano
Published: September 2023

Metaverse is now a famous topic in society. The Meta company (former Facebook) explicitly strives for realizing it as a new internet, based on virtual reality, augmented reality and on the integration of smart devices. This actualization provoked great attention on metaverse (regardless of Meta) in the scientific world; the hottest topics include: system architecture, enabling technologies, privacy, ethical and security issues, business. It seems that the proposal of Meta is something going beyond advanced ICT solutions and that it is focused on something similar to a new type of life. What is the opinion, the awareness of people about living in the metaverse? After a literature search, few results have been found. Some considerations and a draft of items for a surveying tool are depicted.
cppPosit: a C++ template-based library implementing Posit arithmetic ready for machine learning applications
Authors: Ruffaldi Emanuele , Rossi Federico , Cococcioni Marco , Saponara Sergio
Published: September 2023

This paper presents cppPosit, a C++ open source library to represent real numbers according to a novel format called Posit, recently introduced in literature.  The library offers an unique implementation of numeric traits and templatization making it able to be hot-swapped in a machine learning library with very few modifications. The capabilities of the library are shown benchmarking the k-Nearest Neighbours (k-NN) algorithm, a widely used routine in machine learning. The k-NN algorithm can be implemented using different data structures. One of the most interesting and widely used is the kd-tree. In this work we first improve the kd-tree data structure, in order to make it more accurate and robust when working with small reals, i.e., floating point real numbers represented on a low number of bits (16, 14, 12, 10 or even 8). Then we compare the accuracy of the kd-tree based k-NN algorithm for different choices of Floats and Posits, showing how the Posit format assures a higher accuracy, when using the same number of total bits. Finally we also compare the accuracy of several Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) when using posits and standard 32-bit floating point numbers, showing the little-to-none drop in accuracy when using 16-bit or even 8-bit posit precisions. 
Fasilitasi Pembelajaran Usaha Ternak Kelinci dalam Rangka Penciptaan Wirausahawan Baru di Bidang Pertanian
Authors: Hakim Heikal Muhammad Zakaria , Rizki Mochamad Faizal , Harahap Muhammad Nasim , Harahap Muhammad Nasim
Published: September 2023

Usaha ternak kelinci di Indonesia sangat potensial untuk dikembangkan, khususnya di wilayah perdesaan. Di sisi lain, saat ini pemerintah sedang menggalakkan program penciptaan wirausahawan baru. Untuk itu, diperlukan kegiatan untuk mendukung program tersebut, yaitu kegiatan fasilitasi pembelajaran usaha ternak kelinci bagi calon wirausahawan muda dari kalangan alumni perguruan tinggi. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini menerapkan metode sosialisasi observasional. Hasil kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini memberikan manfaat yang besar, baik bagi bagi P4S Wira Tani, pemerintah dan masyarakat.
Sampan, Upaya Akselerasi Penurunan Stunting Di Kampung Warmon Kokoda Papua Barat
Authors: Sirojjuddin Sirojjuddin , E Sutikno Aldilla Yulia , Sudirman Hendra
Published: September 2023

Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat kampung warmon Kokoda terhadap bahaya stunting, sehingga dengan pemahaman yang dimiliki masyarakat mampu melakukan pencegahan stunting secara mandiri. Selanjutnya, kegiatan ini juga dapat mengelaborasi pengetahuan dasar terkait stunting melalui makanan sehat, pola asuh dan pola hidup bersih sertaa sehat. Sehingga dengan adanya Pendidikan melalui sekolah masyarakat pedalaman (SAMPAN) ini mampu memberikan dampak percepatan/akselerasi penurunan kasus stunting di Kampung Warmon Kokoda Papua Barat. Jumlah Peserta dalam kegiatan SAMPAN ini adalah 100 Orang. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan dengan Tahapan 1. Persiapan, 2. Pelaksanaan, 3. Pendampingan, 4. Monitoring dan Evaluasi, 5. Rencana Tindak Lanjut. Hasil darikegiatan ini adalah terdapat peningkatan pemahaman masyarakat terkait stunting sebesar 60,8% hal ini berdasarkan hasil test di akhir program SAMPAN.
Teknologi Biogas Purifier dengan metode Water Washing-adsorption) sebagai Optimasi Gas Metan untuk Efisisensi Produksi Usaha Rumah Tangga di Kabupaten Sorong
Authors: Rahim Nurfitri , Efendi Ivan Agustian , Syaiku Syaiku , Iriani Rika Tundan , Meishah Nurul , Sholikatin Annisa , Suhria Suhria , Firman Sri Wahyuni , Rossarie Dheni , Risfany Risfany , Athirah Aldila Mawanti
Published: September 2023

Kabupaten Sorong merupakan kabupaten yang memiliki  industri makan dan minuman terbesar di provinsi Papua Barat dengan total 26 usaha industri makanan dan minuman (BPS, 2019). salah satu desa yang terkenal memiliki usaha industri kuliner yang berkembang yaitu berada di desa Klasmelek. Biogas adalah gas yang dihasilkan oleh bakteri apabila bahan organic mengalami proses fermentasi dalam reactor (biodigester) dalam kondisi anaerob (tanpa udara). Kandungan CO2 pada biogas masih cukup besar. Tahap pembuatan biogas purifier terdiri dari tiga tahap yaitu Tahap input, Tahap Black Box, Output setelah pembuatan biogas purifier selanutnya yaitu Penerapan alat kepada mitra dilakukan dengan metode penyuluhan. Persiapan pertama yang dilakukan dalam perancangan desain biogas purifier yaitu persiapan alat dan bahan contohnya pembelian stik las, amplas dan perakitan. Penyuluhan ini dilakukan kepada masyarakat yang memiliki usaha dibidang kuliner di Kampung Klasmelek. Penyuluhan dilakukan dengan metode presentasi. Pada saat presentasi dijelaskan tentang deskripsi alat, cara pemakaian alat melalui buku pedoman serta uji coba secara langsung pada sampel. Teknologi biogas purifier dengan metode water washing – adsorption dapat memaksimalkan kualitas gas yang dihasilkan sehingga dapat menekan biaya proses produksi olahan makanan mitra.
Gerakan Literasi Baca Tulis Bagi Siswa SD Negeri 17 Kabupaten Sorong
Authors: Hafid Abdul , Hatsama Abdurahman , Mustia Ari , Febrianto Febrianto , Jaya Isni Irna , Halisah Halisah , Ardiansyah M. Fathur , Yuyanti Tri
Published: September 2023

Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini berfokus pengajaran baca tulis bagi siswa kelas IV SD Negeri 17 Kabupaten Sorong. Metode pelaksanaan terdiri dari persiapan, pelaksanaan, evaluasi, dan penyusunan laporan. Pelaksanaan program pengabdian kepada masyarakat dengan judul  Gerakan Literasi Baca Tulis Bagi Siswa SD Negeri 17 Kabupaten Sorong dapat meningkatakan kemampuan membaca dan menulis siswa, khususnya siswa kelas IV.
From institutional series to online inventories: what has changed in the Soprintendenza
Authors: Santolamazza Rossella
Published: September 2023

In the panorama of the institutions of the Italian Archival Administration, the Umbria Soprintendenza archivistica e bibliografica can certainly boast a primacy: its conspicuous editorial production that started in the late 1990s and composed by the series “Segni di civiltà” and “Scaffali senza polvere”, in addition to the many exhibition catalogs. To date, in SIUSA and the SAN Portal - Online Research Tools, there are over 500 inventories of Umbrian archives, more than a quarter of the national production. What path has been taken from printed volumes to downloadable pdfs and browsing archival description software?
From typewriter to bit: how finding aids evolve
Authors: Vassallo Salvatore
Published: September 2023

If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to treat everything as if it were a nail. But is it really so? Some thoughts on what determined the evolution of the finding aids, of the publication of archival databases on the web and of archival information systems. In this article we will analyze several of the solutions adopted during the time, trying to understand if these actually respond to the needs of the users of the archives.
On the edge of knowledge
Authors: Editorial board
Published: September 2023

JLIS.it puts the organization of knowledge at the centre of its interests. Indeed, one can go so far as to say that the study of knowledge management processes as a whole best represents the focal point of our journal's scientific objectives. On the other hand, if we look at archival description as a complicated process of collecting, organizing and processing the information necessary to promote the knowledge and use of archival material, we recognise that it is a process of knowledge management and interpretation. Indeed, if we go beyond the perhaps somewhat breathless perimeters of a consolidated technical vocabulary, describing an archive means processing and transmitting codified information. This particular knowledge domain is also fed by data conveyed by increasingly changing objects such as documents and it is therefore as dynamic and multifaceted as its objects of study. Archival tools, in their typological and informative multiplicity, are in turn the most effective synthesis of archival work, especially when dealing with the world of historical archives. For these reasons it was deemed appropriate and useful to dedicate the present issue of JLIS.it to archival mediation as a peculiar form of knowledge management and to the tools through which it manifests itself. The essays making up the issue derive in almost all cases from the works of the AIDUSA conference Research on the border. Archival tools between production, dematerialization and continuity of use, held in Rome on 13 and 14 October 2022.
‘Liefde voor het vak: dat is de bron, die wil ik laten stromen’. Interview met Monique ten Brinke-van Hoof, openbaar apotheker
Authors: Bolscher Antoinette , de Rooij Marcel
Published: September 2023

Monique ten Brinke-van Hoof is ruim 35 jaar werkzaam als openbaar apotheker. Daarnaast geeft ze college aan apothekers in opleiding, eerder ook apothekersassistenten, en organiseert ze cursussen en abdijdagen voor apothekers. In deze combinatie van werkzaamheden geeft ze invulling aan haar passie: onderwijs vanuit diepgewortelde vakkennis en de vertaalslag maken van theoretische kennis naar de praktijk. Ze vertelt hier bevlogen over, als een waterval, bij tijden geëmotioneerd, maar ze verstilt als ze, aan het eind van het gesprek, vaststelt hoe ethiek en esthetiek samenkomen in bijvoorbeeld een schilderij van Vincent van Gogh. Voor haar professionele ontwikkeling is ze gevoed door de Master Zorgethiek en Beleid, destijds in Tilburg, en de Leergang ‘Waardenwerk in de praktijk’ van Harry Kunneman. In deze opleidingen heeft ze leren verwoorden waar het volgens haar in het vak omgaat: de farmaceutische kennis én de relatie met de patiënt. We zijn geïntrigeerd door de vraag hoe zij de verbinding ziet en maakt tussen haar vak als apotheker, met de meer exacte kennis, en het gedachtegoed van waardenwerk.
Ontgroeien als pijler van Aardewerk: Een inleiding en een antwoord op de hoe-vraag
Authors: van der Rijt Rob
Published: September 2023

Ontgroeien, of degrowth in het Engels, is een term die de laatste jaren steeds zichtbaarder is in het wetenschappelijke discours. In het IPCC-klimaatrapport van 20221 werd degrowth als strategie om klimaatdoelen te halen niet minder dan zeven keer genoemd. Ook in de mainstreammedia krijgt het onderwerp steeds meer aandacht en is het bij sommige politieke partijen onderdeel van het (interne) debat geworden. Afgelopen maart nog vond, op uitnodiging van de Tweede Kamer, een lezing plaats door Jason Hickel, econoom-antropoloog, auteur van het boek ‘Less is More’ en een van de leidende figuren van de internationale degrowth-beweging. Reden temeer om het hele katern Aardewerk in dit tijdschrift te wijden aan het thema ontgroeien. En als onderzoeker en beleidsbeïnvloeder op dit gebied vind ik het een eer dat ik hier gastredacteur voor mag zijn! Samen met duurzaamheidsexperts Lars Moratis en Frans Melissen onderzocht ik vorig jaar of er kenmerken van ontgroeien te vinden zijn in Nederlandse gemeenten. Het onderzoek kreeg de titel ‘Ontgroeien als strategie om binnen planetaire grenzen te blijven’ en de resultaten daarvan werden onder meer in het afgelopen zomernummer van Waardenwerk gepubliceerd. Ons essay over het onderzoek werd onlangs gepubliceerd in de eerste editie van het internationale tijdschrift Degrowth. Sinds ik met het thema van ontgroeien in de weer ben, ontmoet ik steeds meer mensen die er ook mee bezig zijn of aanvoelen dat dit een belangrijk onderwerp is. En dan is het heel waardevol om te leren hoe je er vanuit verschillende invalshoeken naar kunt kijken. Dat er veel invalshoeken zijn, zult u ervaren bij het lezen van alle bijdragen in dit themadeel. Maar laat ik om te beginnen een definitie geven van ontgroeien, want dat helpt om als lezer de bijdragen in dit themadeel te kunnen plaatsen. Er zijn natuurlijk meerdere definities beschikbaar en die zult u ook in de diverse bijdragen terugzien, maar ik vind deze van de al eerder genoemde Jason Hickel een heldere: ‘Ontgroeien is een geplande vermindering van overtollig energie- en materialenverbruik om de economie op een veilige en rechtvaardige manier terug in balans te brengen met de levende wereld4.’ In deze definitie zit een milieutechnisch element dat gaat over de afname van materiaal- en energieverbruik.
Hoe entropie ons aanzet tot ontgroeien
Authors: Rammelt Crelis
Published: September 2023

Een vraatzuchtig beest verorbert om de 20 maanden een hele Mount Everest aan grondstoffen en verhoogt zijn stofwisseling dusdanig dat het over 20 jaar slechts 10 maanden nodig heeft om de berg weg te werken.1 Terwijl het beest zijn buik vult, put het zijn omgeving uit en belast het deze met afval, waardoor natuurlijke systemen die verantwoordelijk zijn voor het regenereren van grondstoffen en het absorberen van afvalstoffen ontwricht raken. Het beest vernietigt zijn eigen habitat. Ik heb het natuurlijk over het kapitalisme op wereldschaal. Dit systeem vereist dat er voortdurend kapitaal wordt geaccumuleerd en wankelt zodra het proces wordt belemmerd. De reactie op de ecologische crisis is doorgaans niet om de economische groei af te zwakken, maar om te vertrouwen op efficiëntie, circulariteit, dematerialisatie, de-carbonisatie en andere winstmakende groene innovaties binnen het kapitalisme. In dit stuk betoog ik dat deze hoop vals is, omdat entropie altijd op de loer ligt. Entropie is een natuurkundige maatstaf voor wanorde, en dat zien we overal om ons heen toenemen: alles vergaat, rot, desintegreert en raakt in wanorde. Tegelijkertijd brengt de biosfeer ook orde aan door middel van fotosynthese, ecologische successie of celregeneratie in organismen. Dit vertraagt en verlaagt de entropie. In dit artikel demonstreer ik hoe het kapitalistische systeem deze balans verstoort en de entropie alsmaar sneller doet toenemen. Dit heeft tot gevolg dat natuurlijke entropie-verlagende processen overweldigd worden. Vervolgens maak ik duidelijk waarom circulaire en andere groene economieën gevangen zitten in vruchteloze pogingen om groei los te koppelen van zijn negatieve ecologische gevolgen. We moeten ons openstellen voor het idee van een economie die niet per se hoeft te groeien. Ik pleit daarom voor het radicale alternatief van degrowth of ontgroeien.
EDUCAÇÃO GEOGRÁFICA EM REDE: A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DO PROJETO NÓS PROPOMOS (NP)!
Authors: Sérgio Claudino Loureiro Nunes  , Raimundo Lenilde de Araújo  , Márcia Cristina de Oliveira Mello  , Adilson Tadeu Basquerote Silva  , Andrea Coelho Lastória  , Odair Ribeiro de Carvalho Filho
Published: September 2023

Apresentam-se resultados do Projeto Nós Propomos!, que aposta na organização do currículo de Geografia a partir da identificação de problemas locais pelos estudantes das escolas envolvidas. Desde 2011 este Projeto tem sido implementado pelo Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento Territorial da Universidade de Lisboa/IGOT-ULisboa, mobilizando escolas de todo o país, no quadro da disciplina de Geografia, tendo em vista um efetivo compromisso com a comunidade. A partir de 2014, o projeto ganhou fôlego internacional no espaço iberoamericano e já para além do mesmo. Tem como proposta metodológica desafiar os estudantes a identificarem problemas locais relevantes, desenvolver trabalho de campo sobre os mesmos e apontar possíveis soluções. Centram-se as aprendizagens nos próprios alunos. Espera-se que os estudantes desenvolvam a cidadania territorial, entendida como participação responsável nas tomadas de decisões sobre os problemas da localidade de base espacial.
ESTRATEGIAS PARA PROMOVER LA INVESTIGACIÓN EN ESTUDIANTES DE INGENIERÍA EN UNIVERSIDADES LATINOAMERICANAS
Authors: Edwin Gerardo Acuña Acuña
Published: September 2023

En la actualidad, en las instituciones universitarias están creando nuevas políticas y estrategias orientadas a reducir la brecha entre la investigación, el currículo y la práctica pedagógica profesional de los estudiantes de ingeniería. Por lo cual debido a la insipiente investigación en los grados de Ingenierías tanto en Industrial, mecatrónica, sistema y biomédicas de las distintas universidades de América Latina, se trazó como objetivo en este proyecto diseñar e implementar un modelo, que de manera sistemática, interrelacionada y con orientación a la industria, permita iniciar estudiantes de Ingenierías en procesos de investigación científica, actuando como coproductores de su propia formación. Para las universidades participantes, la actividad investigativa se convierte en un factor de oportunidad y de crecimiento académico para sus universidades. Todo esto a través de la elaboración de proyectos de investigación y de la formación en diferentes líneas de las ingenierías, gracias a la participación de sus estudiantes en los semilleros de investigación planteados, los cuales contribuyen al fomento de la cultura investigativa entre su población a partir de actividades que generen formación investigativa, investigación formativa y trabajo en red. La organización de los aprendizajes en estos casos las universidades participantes en cada nivel de formación de las carreras de Ingeniería se sustentarán en el proceso de investigación correspondiente al proceso de investigación formativa de cada uno de los proyectos tratados y al proceso de investigación generativa. Potencializará al desarrollo de conocimientos, procesos y actitudes para la innovación tecnológica, científica, financiera, humanista y artística, enmarcado en la investigación en las facultades de ingeniería de las universidades participantes en los pregrados, grado y posgrados. La participación conjunta de los docentes de cada escuela y los estudiantes posibilitará que el proceso de investigación de la Escuela comience a adquirir una identidad propia naturalmente asociada al perfil.
A UTILIZAÇÃO DE ENTREVISTAS AUTO-REFERENCIADAS NA INVESTIGAÇÃO DE TRAJETÓRIAS OCUPACIONAIS DE TRABALHADORES DE COMIDA DE RUA
Authors: Eveline Nogueira Pinheiro de Oliveira  , Cássio Adriano Braz de Aquino  , Lia Silveira Adriano
Published: September 2023

Introdução: O mundo do trabalho contemporâneo engloba novos tipos de trabalhos alternativos no cenário brasileiro, em que a informalidade e o empreendedorismo se destacam como marcas do modo de organização laboral. Objetivos: compreender e analisar trajetórias ocupacionais de trabalhadores de comida de rua. Métodos: Este trabalho é fruto de um percurso de pesquisa mais amplo que busca compreender alguns dos movimentos mais recentes do capitalismo: a precarização laboral, o empreendedorismo, a flexibilização e a incorporação da informalidade nos novos modos de vida. Produz-se a partir de um viés dos estudos sobre trabalho e da Psicologia Social do Trabalho (PST). Em um estudo de inspiração longitudinal, fez-se o resgate de entrevistas já realizadas com trabalhadores de comida de rua no ano de 2017, realizadas em percurso de investigação anterior. Considerando a velocidade com que o trabalho tem se transformado e a crise pandêmica que se desenvolve, questionou-se como estaria organizada a vida laboral daqueles mesmos trabalhadores entrevistados à época. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas entrevistas auto referenciadas: o objetivo foi ir em busca novamente desses sujeitos e rememorar a entrevista realizada anteriormente para a compreensão das trajetórias laborais nesse intervalo temporal. Resultados: A análise das trajetórias de vida laboral, a partir do viés analítico das trajetórias ocupacionais, serviu para a compreensão de um movimento mais amplo na história de vida desses trabalhadores: o que poderia ser chamado de movimento empreendedor, que se traduz em precarização e volatilidade na realidade dos trabalhadores. Conclusões: O que parece compreensível é que foram criadas condições para uma ampliação da referência ao empreendedorismo como política de enfrentamento a um Estado frágil na condução da relação capital-trabalho e como mecanismo de difusão do individualismo e da precarização difundidos na esfera laboral.
VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA, LEI MARIA DA PENHA E OS FATORES QUE INFLUENCIAM A DENÚNCIA
Authors: Josiane Pinheiro Prestes de Souza  , Fátima Regina Ney Matos  , Ivanez Pinheiro Prestes
Published: September 2023

Introdução: As situações de violência no âmbito conjugal resultam numa diversidade de consequências e danos físicos, psicológicos, relacionais e nos casos mais graves, poderão conduzir à incapacitação, temporária ou permanente, da vítima ou, mesmo, à sua morte. A Lei Maria da Penha, dispõe a respeito da criação de mecanismos para coibir a violência doméstica e familiar contra mulher; trata também da Convenção sobre a Eliminação de Todas as Formas de Discriminação contra as Mulheres e da Convenção Interamericana para Prevenir, Punir e Erradicar a Violência contra a Mulher. Dispõe ainda a respeito da criação dos Juizados de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra Mulher e promove alteração no Código Penal e na lei de Execução Penal a respeito da punição da violência contra a mulher. Objetivo:  Identificar e compreender os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão da vítima em denunciar atos de violência doméstica. Especificamente pretende-se verificar o conhecimento dos recursos disponíveis à vítima de violência doméstica, bem como analisar se tais recursos influenciam na decisão da vítima denunciar o agressor. Método:  Foi feita uma pesquisa qualitativa básica, com a participação de 12 mulheres que se identificaram como vítimas de violência doméstica. Foi utilizada como técnica de colheita a entrevista semiestruturada e para o tratamento dos dados, foi feita análise categorial. Resultados: Das entrevistadas, quatro mulheres não denunciaram o agressor, uma destas saiu de casa e preferiu não denunciar. As que denunciaram, o fizeram por diferentes motivos, como traição, agressão na presença de filhos, medo de perder os filhos, entre outros. Conclusões. Os fatores apontados estão relacionados com a dependência financeira e emocional e por descrédito na justiça.
Point prevalence multicenter survey of antimicrobial consumption in Russian hospitals: results of the Global-PPS 2021
Authors: Belkova Yu.А. , Rachina S.А. , Kozlov R.S. , Kuleshov V.G. , Vasilieva I.S. , Kurkova A.A , Bochanova Е.N. , Elokhina Е.V. , Popov D.А. , Portnyagina U.S. , Reshetko О.V. , Sychev Igor N. , Shegimova V.D. , Drogashevskaya D.V. , Chesnokova M.S. , Dovgan E.V. , Korolkov S.O. , Kurtz E.M. , Levitan A.I. , Lutsevich T.S. , Osokina R.A. , Popova L.D. , Sventitskaya E.E. , Fedina L.V.
Published: September 2023

Objective.
To evaluate prescribing patterns of antimicrobials and quantify them in relation to quality indicators in Russian multi-field hospitals.

Materials and Methods.
Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption as a part of an international Global-PPS project was conducted in 8 multi-field hospitals in different Russian cities (Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, Omsk, Saratov, Smolensk, Ulan-Ude, Yakutsk) during the period from May till December 2021. Case records of patients who received therapeutic or prophylactic systemic antimicrobial agents were analyzed. Local practices of antimicrobials’ utilization were evaluated in relation to quality indicators defined by the study protocol.

Results.
Common mistakes requiring a prompt intervention included low adherence to clinical guidelines, absence of stop/review dates in the medical records, extended duration of surgical prophylaxis, III generation cephalosporin’s overuse and low rate of targeted therapy.

Conclusions.
The results of the project can be valuable for the improvement to antimicrobial utilization approaches at the study centers as well as for monitoring of antimicrobial stewardship programs’ implementation.
Mandi Balimau dalam Tradisi Kenduri Sko di Semurup sebagai Bentuk Interaksi Sosial Masyarakat Islam Nusantara
Authors: Afriyanti Nera
Published: September 2023

Mandi Balimau merupakan tradisi mandi bersama yang dilakukan oleh seluruh lapisan masyarakat  Semurup- Kerinci setiap lima sampai enam tahun sekali di tepi sungai. Mandi Balimau yang dilakukan pada tradisi Kenduri Sko yang ada di Semurup tidak seperti Mandi Balimau di daerah lain karena memiliki makna berbeda. Di dalam tradisi Mandi Balimau disini terdapat beberapa unsur-unsur yang belum diketahui makna dan fungsinya. Oleh sebab itu, penilitian ini hendak melihat esensi dari tradisi  Mandi Balimau di Semurup. Di dalam penelitian ini digunakan pendekatan teori simbolic interacsionisme atau interaksi simbolik. Melalui aspek simbolik dikaji unsur yang terdapat dalam tradisi Mandi Balimau sehingga menemukan esensinya. Salah satunya yaitu  lokasi Proses Mandi Balimau yang dilakukan di tepi sungai memiliki makna tersendiri dan berpengaruh pada esesnsi tradisi Mandi Balimau. Adapun esensinya adalah sebagai media menyucikan diri, baik secara zahir maupun batin serta sebagai bentuk interaksi sosial.
Tradisi Sekaten dalam Pandangan Santri Milenial
Authors: Idza Adzan Ponulele Muhammad , Faizullah Muhammad Yusuf Mahmud , Tri Astuti Heni
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengemukakan dinamika tradisi Sekaten di Yogyakarta dalam pandangan santri milenial di Pondok Pesantren Darul Qur’an Wal Irsyad Wonosari Gunungkidul. Metode penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif-kualitatif. Pengumpulan data diambil dari observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa banyak santri generasi milenial di Darul Qur’an Wal Irsyad yang mengetahui tradisi sekaten, tetapi tidak mengetahui sampai mendasar. Hal tersebut karena dari mereka bukan asli dari Yogyakarta dan sejak kecil belum pernah ikut merayakan tradisi Sekaten. Sejarah tradisi sekaten sendiri dilaksanakan untuk memperingati kelahiran Nabi Muhammad Saw, sehingga setiap tahun tradisi ini terus diselenggarakan di Yogyakarta.
Use of Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis from Fournier’s gangrene
Authors: García Córdova CE , Flandes Aguilar IE , Guillen Martínez EA , Pérez Silva LA , Dominguez Castillo RE
Published: September 2023

La gangrena de Fournier es un tipo de fascitis necrotizante que afecta el área genital, se caracteriza por su inicio agudo y alta mortalidad.

El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento quirúrgico agresivo son cruciales para lograr los mejores resultados, generalmente se requieren múltiples desbridamientos quirúrgicos. La herida quirúrgica resultante puede curarse por segunda intención o con tratamientos adicionales.

Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón que acude a urgencias por tumefacción inguinal izquierda aguda, dolor y secreción purulenta. Después de varios desbridamientos quirúrgicos y control de la fuente infecciosa, se aplicó un dispositivo de cierre asistido por vacío (VAC) hasta lograr el cierre de la herida.
PROSODIC PRINCIPLE IN PUNCIATION IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Authors:   Linguistic Institute of the Altai State Pedagogical Institute, Maizenger Natal'ia Vladimirovna
Published: September 2023

The article discusses the role of punctuation in the transmission of the rhythmic and melodic pattern of speech, provides an overview of the fundamental theoretical approaches to the study of punctuation and intonation, analyzes examples of the influence of prosody on the punctuation of a sentence using the material of modern English fiction.
What Influences Customers to Revisit Full-Service Restaurants in Malaysia?
Authors: Rahman Maria Abdul , Sulaiman Yaty , Mat Nik Kamariah Nik , Hassan Zuraida
Published: September 2023

The full-service restaurant segment contributed significantly to the Malaysian restaurant industry in 2020. However, the full-service restaurant segment has been facing fierce competition from the other segments, such as cafes and bars, street stalls, fast food, self-service cafeterias, and home-based segments, particularly after the government’s announcement to loosen the COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, this study intends to examine predictors of customer revisit intention towards full-service restaurants in Malaysia. The variables investigated in this study were food safety, price fairness, customer satisfaction, and customer revisit intention. This research followed a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 291 customers that had previously experienced dining in full-service restaurants in Malaysia through an online platform using a Google Form. The gathered information was entered into SPSS as coded data and subjected to partial least squares analysis with SmartPLS 3.0. The findings confirmed food safety and price fairness do not have any significant influence on customer revisit intention towards a full-service restaurant. On the other hand, the results of this study show that food safety and price fairness have a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction. Also, customer satisfaction positively and significantly influences customers’ intentions to revisit. Finally, the analysis confirmed that customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between food safety and price fairness with customers’ revisit intentions towards full-service restaurants in Malaysia. Price fairness was found to have a greater influence than food safety on Malaysian consumers’ revisitation intentions towards full-service restaurants in Malaysia. Industrial players can improve customer revisit intentions for their restaurants using the research findings.
The Relationship between the Board’s Characteristics, Ownership Structure, and the Probability of Delisting in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Thai Nguyen , The Nu Tran
Published: September 2023

Delisting refers to the situation where a listed firm is disqualified because it is ineligible for transactions in the stock market. A delisting situation is bad news for investors; it not only impacts shareholders but is also a sanction imposed on managers. This paper aims to identify the determinants of delisting firms in Vietnam from a corporate governance perspective. A dataset comprising 370 firms was collected in the period from 2014 to 2021; 185 of these firms were delisted firms and the rest were matching firms. Our results show that firms with larger sizes, greater board activities, and a higher proportion of state and institutional ownership are generally less likely to be delisted. Notably, there is no empirical evidence to support the finding that board ownership, concentrated ownership, and foreign ownership impact the probability of delisting in the context of Vietnam. This study contributes to the literature by providing specific empirical evidence on the relationship of non-financial indicators, measured by the corporate governance characteristics, and the probability of delisting. Our findings may be considered an early warning signal for shareholders or investors to anticipate the probability of delisting, allowing them to make better decisions.
Constraints and Opportunities for Greenhouse Farming Technology as an Adaptation Strategy to Climate Variability by Smallholder Farmers of Nyandarua County of Kenya
Authors: Muriithi David Ikua  , David Ikua Muriithi  , Boniface Nzuve Wambua  , Kennedy Japhan Omoke
Published: September 2023

Nyandarua County of Kenya has been for a long time, manifested itself as one of the major food baskets in the country. This is because of its high and sustainable output in crop farming i.e., maize, Irish potatoes, wheat, and other horticultural crops like vegetables and fruits. However, this scenario has recently changed because the usual high crop output has not been forthcoming due to recent changes in climatic patterns where rainfall has become very unreliable and temperatures very extreme. In an attempt to adapt to this climate variability and its associated negative impacts on crop farming, smallholder farmers have tried to apply the greenhouse farming technology for them to be able to maintain and or improve the various crop output amid the climatic changes. The study aims to examine and assess the socio-economic determinants and constraints associated with this attempt of adaptation strategy. Using the primary data of 300 respondents (Smallholder farmers) in the County, the study adopted a logistic regression analysis model to associate the demographic, socio-economic, and constraints encountered by the smallholder farmers with the adoption of the greenhouse farming technology. The study results indicate that this adaptation strategy was reported by 25 out the 300 smallholder farmers (5.83%). The study results further suggest that financial constraints (27%) and lack of information (22.3%) are the major constraints preventing smallholder farmers from effectively adopting this adaptation strategy. However, the probability results of logistic regression analysis (68%) indicate that if properly adopted, the method can provide a solution to the currently reduced food shortages and increase food security among the smallholder farmers of Nyandarua County of Kenya.
Consumption patterns and characteristics of free-range chicken consumers in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Shivachi Benson  , Abong George  , Isaac Likami Shivachi
Published: September 2023

Consumption of free range chicken is on the increase in Kenya and more so in urban set up with sources being Peri-urban or rural areas. Limited information exists on consumption pattern of free range chicken among peri-urban inhabitants in major Kenyan cities, Nairobi included. The current study aimed at determining the consumption pattern among inhabitants in Embakasi Sub-county Nairobi County. This was a cross-sectional survey involving both qualitative and quantitative aspects, data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that there was high consumption of free-range chicken (78.1%) than exotic broilers (15.7%) among the 242 inhabitants that were surveyed. Consumption was also high among males (61%) compared to females (39%). Those who consumed the free-range chicken once a week accounted for 35.1% while those who consumed the chicken once a month accounted for 22.7%. Chicken muscle had a preference of 85.1%. The gizzard and liver had a preference of 4.5%, and 1.7%, respectively. The units of packaging ranged from 0.25kgs to >1kg, though most consumers preferred whole chicken at 47.5%. Significantly (p<0.05) high number of respondents (43.8%) purchased poultry products from the street-side market, Kiosk-Butchers (40.5%) while few (8.3%) purchased products from supermarkets. Consumption of free-range chicken is more popular among male gender, frequencies are dependent on disposable income, occupation and quality attributes such as taste. This study provides information on free range chicken consumption useful to consumer, producer, policy makers, authorities and other stake holders in Poultry research.
Current practices concerning the environmental management systems among horticultural processing MSMES in Kenya
Authors: Abong George  , Linda Maryann Obiero  , Okoth Michael Wandayi  , Duke Omayio Gekonge  , Elmah Odhiambo Geoffrey  , Marion Villacampa
Published: September 2023

The horticultural industry in Kenya is a key income earner with intensive utilization of natural resources in water, energy, and production of enormous quantities of agricultural wastes that negatively affect the environment. Despite the increased horticultural production and processing, the current practices in sustainable horticultural processing by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) concerning efficient use of resources and potential impact on the environment are yet to be established.  This study involved a baseline survey in establishing the practices and trends in horticultural processing by MSMEs in Kenya. The digital Open data kit (ODK) platform was used to collect descriptive data from processors (n=122) across 19 counties of Kenya. Results indicated that most of the processors (57.8%) were small-scale enterprises while the micro and medium enterprises were 26.5% and 15.7%, respectively.  The processed products include dried fruits and vegetables (64.7%) and frozen products (11.8%). To ensure efficient marketing, processors give out free samples (78.4%) regardless of the processor capacity (c2= 6.17, p=0.046), carry out product delivery (60.8%), and offer products on credit to clients (21.6%). There was no association between the type of enterprise and standard certifications (c2= 5.6, p=0.061), with most (59.8%) of the organizations lacking local and international certifications. Only 39.4% had certifications from the Kenya Bureau of Standards, although a weak correlation (r=0.225, p=0.023) between the certified firms and auditing was reported. Over 55% of the respondents did not know of ISO 14001 environmental management standards. Awareness of sustainable consumption and production was deficient, and only 24.5% agreed that there is strictness in the implementation of environmental legal requirements and regulations.  In conclusion, the survey shows that environmental awareness scored poorly (29.5%) and, therefore, a need to conduct training on the importance of environmental sustainability during processing.
Formulation, of cassava root - leaf flakes, acceptability evaluation and determination of nutritional value
Authors: Christine Kasichana Masha  , Okoth Michael Wandayi  , Abong George  , Solomon Shibairo
Published: September 2023

Cassava is an important food crop grown for its roots to supply daily needed calories to households in the cassava growing communities including coastal Kenya. The region contributes up to 30 % of the national cassava production though it remains food insecure with a high prevalence of malnutrition. Cassava roots are deficient in most nutrients except carbohydrates while the leaves are rich in a range of nutrients including protein but are moderately consumed as vegetables. The study sought to establish the most acceptable cassava root-leaf blend/s with improved nutrients’ content. This involved formulation of blends of cassava flakes through mixing roots and leaves in varying levels ranging from 0 % to 50 % that led to 18 different blends, with most accepted being 20%.  Fermented and unfermented flakes were developed. A total of 18 formulations were developed before consumer acceptability and nutritional content were determined in the most preferred blends. The results showed cassava root-leaf flakes were best accepted when fermented root material is blended with 20% leaf component. Percent leaf content above 40% was unacceptable as such blends exuded poor smell. A calculation from the nutrients contained in blend 100 5 cassava roots against the blend that contained leaf material showed that the nutritional value showed that cassava root-leaf flakes have vitamins A and C improved by 353% and 53%, minerals- iron and zinc by 5.6% and 85% respectively and protein by 430% when compared with flakes processed from 100% cassava root.  It is recommended that more studies be carried out to determine the bioavailability and nutritional effect of consumption of the flakes on children and pregnant women.
Postharvest Handling Practices of Sweetpotato in Kenya: A case of Bungoma and Homabay Counties
Authors: Ndanyi Victoria  , Abong' George Ooko  , Okoth Michael Wandayi  , Odhiambo E G
Published: September 2023

Postharvest losses in sweet potato can occur due to poor handling practices and inadequate knowledge on maintaining the quality and safety of the roots by handlers across the value chain. This study involved an assessment of postharvest handling practices of sweet potato in Bungoma and Homabay Counties, Kenya. A survey was carried out between November 2015 and February 2016, structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 165 respondents comprising 96 farmers, 64 traders, and 5 processors drawn from two constituencies of each of the Counties. Four key informants were also interviewed. Results showed that 68%, 87%, and 40% of sweet potato farmers, traders, and processors respectively, were women. Iron bars and wooden sticks were used in piecemeal harvesting while hoes (jembes) and ox-plows were used in wholesale harvesting of roots. Informal marketing systems that quantified roots using bags, buckets, and heaps were prevalent. Motorcycles, donkeys, bicycles, public service vehicles, foot, and carts were used by 26%, 21%, 11%, 8%, 7%, and 6% respectively to transport roots to the markets. Storage was rarely practiced by 43% of farmers and 45% of traders. Root curing was not common. Processed products included flour, puree, and dried chips. High perishability and unreliable supply of roots were major challenges indicated. The establishment of storage facilities, promotion of processing opportunities as well as formulation and enactment of a comprehensive sweet potato policy could move this industry to a commercial level. There is a need for collective action by policymakers and other stakeholders to address the challenges noted to ensure the reduction of postharvest losses for food security and better incomes.
Energy and Water Use for Processing by Horticultural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Linda M. Obiero  , Abong George  , Okoth Michael Wandayi  , John Nzioka Muthama
Published: September 2023

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for over 99% of companies and about 60% of employment opportunities can be attributed to them in most countries globally.  MSMEs uses energy and water intensively, is a major driver in the economy with respect to innovations, Gross Domestic Product, investments as well as exports.  Despite MSMEs key role in the economy, they have not been the focus in the energy and water policy actions of the majority of countries in spite of their intensive usage of energy and water for horticultural processing.   Thus, to address this gap the paper undertook a systematic literature review of energy and water for horticultural processing.  Out of the 486 articles retrieved from the various databases, 18 publications met the inclusion criteria. From the literature synthesis, it’s evident that energy conservation opportunities lie in the use of renewable energy.  The food processing sector globally utilizes 200 exajoules of energy annually. This consumption causes decreasing resources and large levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Processing operations consume 78% of the water supplied to a processing plant. The study recommends the utilization of the best available technologies so as to ensure energy and water use efficiency. Efficient use of energy and water by MSMEs is largely dependent on a country’s legal and regulatory framework.
Characterization of Provitamin A Status and Distribution in Commercial Grown Maize Varieties in Tanzania
Authors: Selly Msungu  , Pavithravani B. Venkataramana  , Arnold Mushongi
Published: September 2023

Provitamin A carotenoids are important as precursors for vitamin A, essential for stronger immune system and eyesight. Consumption of a plant-based diet rich in provitamin A such as provitamin A maize is an easy and affordable source of vitamin A. The majority of the commercially grown maize varieties in Tanzania are white whose provitamin A status is uncertain and undocumented. The existing current information suggests that white maize varieties have low provitamin A, an active form of vitamin A, thus putting maize consumers at risk of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Characterization of provitamin A status in commercial maize varieties grown and consumed in Tanzania is important to provide baseline information required for vitamin A rich-maize improvement programs. Therefore, this study was conducted to map the status of provitamin A in commercial maize varieties to accrue the information needed to improve maize nutrition quality toward controlling VAD in the country. The study involved 14 maize varieties including commercial yellow and white pigmented maize from 3 regions of Tanzania. From maize samples, carotenoid extraction was conducted based on a protocol adapted from Kurilich and Juvik (1999). The concentration of beta carotene (BC), beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX), alpha-carotene (AC) were determined by an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and provitamin A computed for the individual carotenoids components. The study found that the concentration of provitamin A and associated carotenoids significantly differed (p<0.001) among varieties studied. The mean concentration (in μg/g) for provitamin A and its components in range as provitamin A (2.64-6.50), BC (1.91-4.66), BCX (0.649-1.21), and AC (0.819-1.46). The concentrations of provitamin A in the studied maize varieties were below the recommended levels (15 μg/g).  The low concentrations of provitamin A among commercial maize varieties signify the
Product and process development of mango flakes using response surface methodology
Authors: Jumbale Mwarome , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Abong' George Ooko , Ambuko Jane Lukachi , Gekonge Duke
Published: September 2023

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the tropical fruits which are produced in large volumes in Kenya. Transformation of the perishable fruit into shelf-stable nutritious products is one of the interventions that can be used to reduce losses while accruing better returns for farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum processing parameters in the production of consumer-acceptable mango flakes. Fifteen treatments were obtained using sugar variations of 0%, 2%, and 4%, and starch at 0%, 10%, and 20%. Process variables were determined by varying pressure of steam (0.8 BAR, and 1.6 BAR) and speed of drum drying (2.2 rpm and 7.6 rpm). Sensory analysis was done using a 7-pointer hedonic scale while physicochemical, and proximate lab analysis was done using predetermined AOAC procedures. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of Design Expert 13 software, was used to optimize mango flakes production procedures by adjusting settings of factorial variables. Results indicated that formulations that were incorporated with 20% starch, 0% sugar, and dried at 7.57 rpm for 5 minutes and 2 seconds at a constant gauge pressure of 0.8 BAR were the most preferred with a mean overall score of 5.79. Homogeneity of variances was observed between different formulations for overall acceptability (P=0.192). The predictive model of the Central Composite Design stipulated that an increase in sugar concentration reduces the sensory quality of drum-dried mango flakes. Nutritional profile of the most acceptable mango flakes was a composite of 1.9g/100g, 2.8g/100g, 0.9g/100g, and 0.5g/100g for carbohydrates, vitamin C, crude protein, and crude fat, respectively. A significant difference was observed between values for protein and vitamin C (P=0.002). In conclusion, the organoleptic acceptability and nutritional profiles of drum-dried mango flakes were affected by the time: pressure exposure of the puree as well as the product ratios of ingredients.