bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring urea concentration at different slope angles in drip fertigation
Authors: Kepp Naila Cristina , Boas Marcio Antonio Vilas , Haupentha Soni Willian , Lopes Allan Remor , Cossich Vinicius
Published: October 2023

The use of statistical process control tools in irrigation is becoming widespread as it allows for quick and effective investigation and detection of possible problems with drippers, especially when fertilizer is used in irrigation water and different slopes. Therefore, the research used statistical quality control charts to monitor urea concentration at different inclinations of the lateral line. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment at the Irrigation and Fertigation Laboratory - LIF) in the city of Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil. It followed a randomized block design, in a 4x3 factorial arrangement, in which fertilizer concentrations were evaluated at three slope angles. Experimental plots were divided into two factors. The first is the type of water (clean water from an artesian well and water with a nitrogen fertilizer at 44% N) subdivided into four subplots, representing concentrations of urea (0, 2, 4, and 6 g L-1). The second factor was slope angle and represented the sub-plots: uphill (2%), level (0%), and downhill (2%). The results show that Shewhart's statistical control charts were sensitive in observing the change in uniformity due to the increase in fertilizer concentration. Water with fertilizer (4 gL-1) affected uniformity at all studied slope levels. The results also show that high concentrations of fertilizers change the pH of the water. The lowest urea concentrations showed the best distribution uniformity results.

Keywords: control charts, drip irrigation, Shewhart, uniformity.
Dietary salt in liver cirrhosis: With a pinch of salt!
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Marrapu Sudheer
Published: October 2023

Patients with liver cirrhosis are advised to limit their sodium consumption to control excessive fluid accumulation. Salt is the most common form in which sodium is consumed daily. Consequently, various recommendations urge patients to limit salt intake. However, there is a lack of consistency regarding salt restriction across the guidelines. Moreover, there is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of salt restriction in the treatment of ascites. Numerous studies have shown that there is no difference in ascites control between patients with restriction of salt intake and those without restriction. Moreover, patients with cirrhosis may have several negative effects from consuming too little salt, although there are no recommendations on the lower limit of salt intake. Sodium is necessary to maintain the extracellular fluid volume; hence, excessive salt restriction can result in volume contraction, which could negatively impact kidney function in a cirrhotic patient. Salt restriction in cirrhotic patients can also compromise nutrient intake, which can have a negative impact on the overall outcome. There is insufficient evidence to recommend restricted salt intake for all patients with cirrhosis, including those with severe hyponatremia. The existing guidelines on salt restriction do not consider the salt sensitivity of patients; their nutritional state, volume status and sodium storage sites; and the risk of hypochloremia. This opinion article aims to critically analyze the existing literature with regard to salt recommendations for patients with liver cirrhosis and identify potential knowledge gaps that call for further research.
Exercise training as an intervention for frailty in cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waiting list: A systematic review
Authors: Loschi Thais Mellato , Baccan Melline D T A , Della Guardia Bianca , Martins Paulo N , Boteon Amanda P C S , Boteon Yuri L
Published: October 2023

Patients with liver cirrhosis are advised to limit their sodium consumption to control excessive fluid accumulation. Salt is the most common form in which sodium is consumed daily. Consequently, various recommendations urge patients to limit salt intake. However, there is a lack of consistency regarding salt restriction across the guidelines. Moreover, there is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of salt restriction in the treatment of ascites. Numerous studies have shown that there is no difference in ascites control between patients with restriction of salt intake and those without restriction. Moreover, patients with cirrhosis may have several negative effects from consuming too little salt, although there are no recommendations on the lower limit of salt intake. Sodium is necessary to maintain the extracellular fluid volume; hence, excessive salt restriction can result in volume contraction, which could negatively impact kidney function in a cirrhotic patient. Salt restriction in cirrhotic patients can also compromise nutrient intake, which can have a negative impact on the overall outcome. There is insufficient evidence to recommend restricted salt intake for all patients with cirrhosis, including those with severe hyponatremia. The existing guidelines on salt restriction do not consider the salt sensitivity of patients; their nutritional state, volume status and sodium storage sites; and the risk of hypochloremia. This opinion article aims to critically analyze the existing literature with regard to salt recommendations for patients with liver cirrhosis and identify potential knowledge gaps that call for further research.
Operation Range Extension of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignited Small-Bore Off-Road Diesel Engine Using Acetone-Gasoline Blends
Authors: Kale Aneesh Vijay , Krishnasamy Anand
Published: October 2023

The Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion eliminates the issues of higher particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions that prevail in the traditional compression ignition (CI) combustion mode. The complete replacement of traditional fuels with renewable fuels for internal combustion engines is challenging because significant infrastructure changes in the production and delivery systems are required to ensure renewable fuel availability and economic feasibility. Thus, the use of renewable acetone blended with traditional gasoline has been proposed in the present study to smoothen the transition from the traditional CI to the HCCI engines. HCCI experiments were performed in a light-duty diesel engine at 1500 rpm rated speed. By varying the volumetric proportion of the acetone in the gasoline from 20% to 40%, the HCCI engine load range from 20%-60% was achieved, significantly higher than the limited diesel HCCI load range of 20%-38%. An ignition-quality enhancer, 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate, at 6 vol.%, was blended in the acetone-gasoline to prevent the higher cyclic IMEP fluctuations at the lower engine loads. The empirical correlation of the start of combustion (CA10) established on a rapid compression machine facility was validated for the HCCI engine. The combustion phasing (CA50) was predicted using CA10 and fresh air equivalence ratio. A double-Weibe function was developed to characterize specifically the high-temperature heat release rate during the HCCI combustion and determine the extent of its fast-burning core region. An in-depth energy balance study was conducted to elucidate the reason for the indicated thermal efficiency trends. The acetone-gasoline-fuelled HCCI engine generated smoke and nitrogen oxides emissions that were less than 0.0007 g/kW-h and 2.5 g/kW-h, respectively, at all the engine loads. This study concluded that lower exhaust emissions could be obtained without compromising engine performance when the acetone-gasoline blends are used as fuels for operating the HCCI engine.
Impacts of eFuels on Solid and Gaseous Emissions of Powersport Two-Wheelers
Authors: Batalha Guilherme Pellizzaro , Schurl Sebastian , Schmidt Stephan , Bonifer Marcus
Published: October 2023

As alternative to electrification or carbon free fuels such as hydrogen, CO2-neutral fuels have been researched aiming to decrease the impact of fossil energy sources on the environment. Despite the potential benefit of capturing CO2 emission after combustion for own fuel production, the so-called eFuels also benefit by using a green source of energy during their fabrication. Among all the possibilities for eFuels, alcohols, ethers (such as MTBE and ETBE) and alternative hydrocarbons have shown positive impacts regarding emission reduction and performance when compared to standard gasoline. Previously in [1] and [2], synthetic fuels and methanol blends were tested at steady state conditions in order to verify advantages and drawbacks relative to gasoline, for power-sport motorcycles. However, for real-world operation, transient behavior must be investigated addressing critical topics such as emissions during engine / aftertreatment warm-up, catalyst light-off and its interaction with eFuels. Therefore, for assessing eFuels impacts on raw / tail-pipe emissions, as well on solid particulate emissions, WMTC measurements were performed whereas engine parameters were adapted to e-fuel operation. Further, targeting at an optimum operation with a selected eFuel, novel catalysts structures and coating strategies were tested aiming to reduce gaseous and solid tail-pipe emissions in the WMTC cycle.
Candida endocarditis: Update on management considerations
Authors: Jamil Yasser , Akinleye Akintayo , Mirzaei Mojtaba , Lempel Matthew , Farhat Kassem , Pan Samuel
Published: October 2023

The rise in incidence rates of invasive candidiasis warrants an increase in attention and efforts toward preventing and treating this virulent infection. Cardiac involvement is one of the most feared sequelae and has a poor prognosis. Despite the introduction of several novel antifungal agents over the past quarter century, complications and mortality rates due to Candida endocarditis have remained high. Although fungal endocarditis has a mechanism similar to bacterial endocarditis, no specific diagnostic criteria or algorithm exists to help guide its management. Furthermore, recent data has questioned the current guidelines recommending a combined approach of antifungal agents with surgical valve or indwelling prostheses removal. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris , a focus on improved prophylactic measures and management strategies is necessary.
Value of cardiac magnetic resonance on the risk stratification of cardiomyopathies
Authors: Vidal-Perez Rafael , Brandão Mariana , Zaher Wael , Casado-Arroyo Ruben , Bouzas-Mosquera Alberto , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Vazquez-Rodriguez Jose Manuel
Published: October 2023

The rise in incidence rates of invasive candidiasis warrants an increase in attention and efforts toward preventing and treating this virulent infection. Cardiac involvement is one of the most feared sequelae and has a poor prognosis. Despite the introduction of several novel antifungal agents over the past quarter century, complications and mortality rates due to Candida endocarditis have remained high. Although fungal endocarditis has a mechanism similar to bacterial endocarditis, no specific diagnostic criteria or algorithm exists to help guide its management. Furthermore, recent data has questioned the current guidelines recommending a combined approach of antifungal agents with surgical valve or indwelling prostheses removal. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris , a focus on improved prophylactic measures and management strategies is necessary.
Review of forms of corrosion and mitigation techniques: A visual guide
Authors: Ekeocha Christopher Ikechukwu , Onyeachu Bede Ikenna , Etim Ini-Ibehe  Nabuk , Oguzie Emeka E.
Published: October 2023

Over the years, issues relating to corrosion have been a serious challenge confronting effective scientific and engineering applications of metallic materials in the industry. Annual loss due to corrosion issues has been quite alarming as it runs into trillions of dollars. In this review, forms of corrosion, factors affecting each form, mechanism of formation, and different aggressive environments that propagate corrosion have been identified. Mitigation techniques against this threat were all discussed, especially those involving the use of eco-friendly, cheap, available, and non-toxic materials. It was observed that the principle, process, and conditions governing each form of corrosion must be well understood before it can be effectively mitigated. This can be done either by proper material selection and design, environmental measures, modification and engineering design, modification of corrosive media, use of inhibitors, or sacrificial and protective coatings. However, adequate knowledge of the environment and nature of metal to be deployed in such an environment is essential in ensuring such material's protection, safety, and durability. For efficient and effective corrosion prevention and control, these mitigation techniques can either be implored exclusively or collectively depending on the material's nature and the setting in which it will be used.
DESAFIOS ÉTICOS E OPORTUNIDADES NA EDUCAÇÃO DIGITAL E CIDADANIA
Authors: Praxedes Germano Fonseca , Silva Claudia Kreuzberg da , Magalhães Pedro Soares , Silva Sidnéia da , Santos Vera Liz Silverio dos
Published: October 2023

Neste artigo, abordamos a interseção entre educação, tecnologia e cidadania no século XXI. Nosso objetivo foi examinar como as tecnologias digitais impactam a formação dos alunos e sua participação na sociedade, bem como identificar desafios éticos relacionados a essa integração. No entanto, junto com os benefícios, surgem desafios e riscos relacionados ao uso inadequado das tecnologias. O tema central abordado foi a transformação da educação pela tecnologia, destacando oportunidades e desafios que surgem nesse contexto. Utilizamos uma metodologia de análise de textos acadêmicos e fontes diversas para compreender a relação entre educação, tecnologia e cidadania afim de embasar nossas conclusões. Conclui-se que as tecnologias digitais desempenham um papel significativo na educação, oferecendo aprendizado personalizado e desenvolvimento de habilidades essenciais para o século XXI. No entanto, também foram identificados desafios, como questões de privacidade, acesso desigual à tecnologia e disseminação de informações falsas, que requerem uma abordagem ética e crítica. Além disso, as tecnologias estão redefinindo a cidadania, permitindo maior participação em questões públicas, mas também trazendo preocupações com a autenticidade das informações e o discurso de ódio. a interseção entre educação, tecnologia e cidadania é complexa e dinâmica. É um campo em constante evolução que requer um compromisso contínuo com a ética e a responsabilidade. À medida que avançamos na era digital, é essencial enfrentar esses desafios e aproveitar as oportunidades para promover uma educação de qualidade e uma cidadania informada e engajada.
AVALIAÇÃO DIAGNÓSTICA COMO FERRAMENTA DE VERIFICAÇÃO DE QUALIDADE
Authors: Baía Julia Pereira Nascimento , Velozo Daniele de Souza , Melo Dilza Maria Cruz , Oliveira Fabiana Silva , Santos Silvana Maria Aparecida Viana
Published: October 2023

O presente paper teve como objetivo geral analisar o uso da avaliação diagnóstica como forma de verificar o desempenho dos alunos em uma escola pública da rede pública estadual do Espírito Santo. A partir da contextualização do assunto apresentado, foi possível ampliar a análise que poderia ser uma prática avaliativa diagnóstica com base no ensino-aprendizagem de uma maneira que viesse a contribuir com o processo de aprendizagem, podendo assim entender como o ato avaliativo pode ser empregado na prática para auxiliar as dificuldades de aprendizagem dos alunos, onde a figura do professor é fundamental para oportunizar alternativas mais atinentes ao contexto pedagógico. Para que tudo isto seja desenvolvido, a metodologia escolhida para o tratamento das informações foi do tipo bibliográfico. Ademais, utilizou-se a aplicação da avaliação diagnóstica em uma escola pública da rede estadual do Espírito Santo/ES para melhor tratamento do referencial obtido. Conclui-se, portanto, que a avaliação, como processo de ensino, depende da interação de seus sujeitos: alunos, professores e o objeto de conhecimento. Assim, a avaliação diagnóstica pode ser compreendida como uma ferramenta norteadora de crescimento, priorizado e de grande importância para que o aluno conheça suas potencialidades e dificuldades no seu processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
PROMENE U RADU I NADLEŽNOSTI REGIONALNIH DISPEČERSKIH CENTARA EMS AD
Authors:   Joint Stock Company “Elektromreža Srbije” Serbia, Nikolić Dušan , Ćurguz Željko ,   Joint Stock Company “Elektromreža Srbije” Serbia, Sajić Nenad ,   Joint Stock Company “Elektromreža Srbije” Serbia, Karanović Dragan ,   Joint Stock Company “Elektromreža Srbije” Serbia
Published: October 2023

In the last few years, there have been major changesin the system of work and organization of the Joint Stock Company "Elektromreža Srbije" Belgrade (hereinafter EMS AD), and especially at the direcorate of Transmission System Operations (TSO). Among other things, the changes are mostly reflected in the introduction of a remote control system (RC) and a new organizational scheme. A remote control system is being introduced in the existing 400/220 kV, 400/110 kV and 220/110 kV facilities. Also, newly built facilities owned by EMS AD, as a rule, are introduced into the RC system. Realization of remote control is done from Regional Control Centres (RCC) The development of industry, the investment of domestic and foreign capital, increases the need to connect transformer substations (TS) that will supply electricity to these newly built industrial plants. What we must not skip is the continuous increase in the number of renewable energy sources (wind farms) that are connected to the transmission system via connection switchyard. Investors are obliged to hand over the property to EMS AD after the construction of the connection switchyard. These connection switchyards are, as a rule, introduced into the remote control system and are managed by the competent RCCs.
BUKA USLED KORONE NA NADZEMNIM VISOKONAPONSKIM VODOVIMA: STATUS PROBLEMA U SVETU
Authors:   Institute ", Salom Iva ,   Mihajlo Pupin",   Belgrade, Serbia, Čelebić Vladimir ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Kabović Milenko ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Kabović Anka ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Gajica Jovanka ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Todorović Dejan , Petrović Nebojša ,   Public Enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia, Curović Nada ,   Public Enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia
Published: October 2023

Along with other topics related to environmental protection, the problem of corona audible noise from overhead transmission lines has recently become a subject of high interest. In this review paper, we analyze corona as the main source of audible noise on high voltage overhead transmission lines. We give the description of the problem, present state-of-the-art investigations and solutions used worldwide, and discuss them as a starting point for further research - in particular, with the goal to establish a clear methodology for solving, as well as preventing, this problem in the Republic of Serbia and beyond.
AMP-EF: An Ensemble Framework of Extreme Gradient Boosting and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network for Identifying Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors:   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, China, Zhang Shengli , Zhao Ya ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, China, Liang Yunyun ,   School of Science, Xi’an Polytechnic University, China
Published: October 2023

In recent years, bacterial resistance becomes a serious problem due to the abuse of antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have rapidly emerged as the best alternative to antibiotics because of their ability to rapidly target bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells and counteract the toxins they produce. In this study, a two-branch ensemble framework is proposed to identify AMPs, which integrates extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and bidirectional long short-term memory network (Bi-LSTM) with attention mechanism to form a stronger model. First, one-hot coding and -mer are used to represent the sequence features. Then, the feature vectors are input into the two base classifiers respectively to obtain two predicted values. Finally, the prediction results are obtained by compromise. As one of the classical machine learning methods, XGBoost has strong stability and can adapt to datasets of different sizes. Bi-LSTM recurses for each peptide from N-terminal to C-terminal and C-terminal to N-terminal, respectively. As the context information is provided, the model can make more accurate prediction. Our method achieves higher or highly comparable results across the eight independent test datasets. The ACC values of XUAMP, YADAMP, DRAMP, CAMP, LAMP, APD3, dbAMP, and DBAASP are 77.9%, 98.5%, 72.5%, 99.8%, 83.0%, 92.4%, 87.5%, and 84.6%, respectively. This shows that the two-branch ensemble structure is feasible and has strong generalization. The codes and datasets are accessible at https://github.com/z11code/AMP-EF.
Analysis of Acceptance and Success of Digipos Aja Telkomsel in Kalimantan Region Using The Integration of UTAUT and DeLone & McLean Models
Authors: Mirandi Febriana Hestika , Tricahyono Dodie
Published: October 2023

The current development of technology and information is driving various business sectors to undergo transformation. Telkomsel continues to strive to enhance ease in providing digital connectivity support solutions. One of these efforts is the establishment of a supply chain ecosystem through the management of Telkomsel resellers by introducing the Digipos Aja application. This research aims to identify factors that influence acceptance and success of implementing Digipos Aja. It employs variables from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and Delone and McLean IS Success model. A mixed methods approach is utilized to integrate quantitative data in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors that affect application usage. Quantitative method involves collecting data about usage frequency, user satisfaction levels, and benefits received through a questionnaire distributed to 400 resellers using DigiPOS Aja in the Kalimantan region. Quantitative data is analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the data processing tool SmartPLS. The research results indicate that two variables, System Quality and Service Quality, are not significant in relation to Continuance Intention.
Significado de las experiencias en torno a las prácticas profesionales de Educación Física durante la pandemia por COVID-19 (Meaning of experiences around professional Physical Education practices during the COVID-19 pandemic)
Authors: Garduño Durán Jorge
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de la investigación es, comprender los significados de la experiencia durante las prácticas profesionales realizadas por estudiantes normalistas de los últimos semestres de la Licenciatura en Educación Física, durante la pandemia por COVID-19 de los ciclos escolares 2020-2021 y 2021-2022. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo y el paradigma interpretativo con perspectiva fenomenológica, para analizar el contenido de las entrevistas realizadas, teniendo como referente los principios de la experiencia enunciados por Jorge Larrosa, entendida ésta como eso que me pasa. Se encontró que cuatro principios de la experiencia son los más evidentes. Principio de exterioridad, al reconocer el acontecimiento en el que sucede la experiencia. Principio de reflexividad, al advertir los efectos de la experiencia. Principio de pasión y pasaje, al identificar las marcas que ha dejado el vivir dicho acontecimiento. Principio de singularidad y pluralidad, dado que, ante un mismo acontecimiento, el sentido otorgado tiene diferentes alcances e interpretaciones. Los principios revelan que, la mayor parte de los significados no se centran en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, sino que se configuran en las interacciones con las figuras de autoridad, como son el acompañamiento académico, las prácticas burocráticas y la comunicación asertiva.
Palabras clave: Prácticas profesionales, formación, educación física, experiencia, principios de la experiencia.
Abstract. The objective of the research is to understand the meanings of the experience during the professional practices carried out by normal students of the last semesters of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, during the COVID-19 pandemic of the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school cycles.  A qualitative approach and the interpretive paradigm with a phenomenological-logical perspective were used to analyze the content of the interviews carried out, taking as a reference the principles of experience stated by Jorge Larrosa, understood as what happens to me. Four principles of experience were found to be most evident. Principle of exteriority, by recognizing the event in which the experience occurs. Principle of reflexivity, noticing the effects of experience. Beginning of passion and passage, when identifying the marks left by experiencing said event. Principle of singularity and plurality, given that, in the face of the same event, the meaning given has different scopes and interpretations. The principles reveal that most of the meanings are not focused on the teaching and learning processes, but rather are configured in interactions with authority figures, such as academic accompaniment, bureaucratic practices and assertive communication.
Keywords: Professional practices, training, physical education, experience, principles of experience.
Pelatihan Digital Marketing Dalam Membentuk Branding Sekolah
Authors: Sularno Sularno , Astri Renita , Zulfahmi Zulfahmi , Prima Mulya Dio , Faradika Faradika , Anggraini Putri
Published: October 2023

The pandemic situation demands very fast and significant changes in various fields including education. Teachers as human resources in schools must be able to follow dynamic changes by adapting according to the development of developing technology fast. The pandemic has caused a decrease in the number of students attending school, because of school implementing study from home so that many prospective students postpone going to school. This matter becomes a problem for the school to maintain its existence, therefore the team devotion to carry out community service by providing training and mentoring. The result is: the training goes well with the formation of SOPs and examples creation of social media to show the uniqueness of Miftahul Huda Superior Islamic Elementary School the.
Sosialisasi Pendewasaan Usia Perkawinan Sebagai Pencegahan Stunting Oleh Mahasiswa KKN Kolaboratif Kelompok 188 di SMP 3 Ledokombo Desa Sumbersalak Kecamatan Ledokombo Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Prasetya Chandra Wahyu , Amiruddin Naufal , Rafikri Rizky Maulana , Suwae Grace Rita Rovina , Sari Anggita , Safitri Adisty Bella , Pasaribu Jhon Feliks
Published: October 2023

Stunting is a disease that affects children's brain and physical growth as a result of a long-term lack of proper nutrition. The lack of nutritional intake that children receive is caused by a lack of knowledge and unpreparedness of parents in caring for their children. This is related to the rise of early marriage which occurs as a result of various factors, one of which is the mindset of the people who consider early marriage to be commonplace, especially for rural communities. To support the reduction of stunting due to early marriage, the students carried out an outreach on maturing the age of marriage which was carried out targeting students of SMP Negeri 3 Ledokombo. This activity aims to make students understand the importance of maturity and careful preparation before deciding to go through with marriage. This counseling will give birth to prospective parents with adequate knowledge in parenting, which in turn will also have a contribution to preventing the birth of stunted children. The author concludes, this activity is very relevant to the problem of stunting faced in Wonorejo Village, where the many cases of early marriage experienced by students of SMP Negeri 3 Ledokombo are the main factors that increase the stunting rate in the area.
Pengaruh Promosi dan Kesadaran Merek sebagai Variabel Mediasi Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Wafer Tango di Wilayah Surabaya
Authors: Aidhaningtyas Fera Tri , Purwanto Sugeng
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of promotion and brand awareness on purchasing decisions and to examine the role of brand awareness as a mediating variable between promotion and purchasing decisions on Wafer Tango in Surabaya region. The population in this study were all people who had bought and consumed Wafer Tango in Surabaya, the sampling technique used was non-probability sampling, so that the results obtained were 104 respondents. The measurement scale used in this studi is the Likert Scale. The data collection method used is by distributing questionnaires containing questions to respondents througt the Google Form. The data analysis technique is Partial Least Square (PLS) with validity test, reliability test, and hypothesis testing. The results of this tsudy that the promotion variable has a positive effect on brand awareness and also the purchasing decision. Furthermore, the brand awareness variable has a positive effect on purchasing decisions. As well as brand awareness variables can be used as mediating variables between promotion variables and purchasing decisions variables.

Keywords : Brand Awareness; Promotion; Purchasing Decision.
Yerel Toplulukların Miras Alanlarına Atfettiği Değerleri Ortaya Çıkartmak İçin Yöntemler
Authors: Kıvılcım Çorakbaş Figen , Kunt Zeynep
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışmada, bir miras alanına toplum ve çeşitli topluluklar tarafından atfedilen değerlerin keşfedilmesi için uygulanabilecek katılımcı yöntemler tartışılmıştır. İstanbul Kara Surları ve çevresinde gerçekleştirilen ve TÜBİTAK Katip Çelebi - Newton İkili İşbirliği Programı tarafından 2016-2019 yılları arasında 116K830 numarası ile desteklenen “Miras Alanlarını Çoklu Perspektiften Yorumlamak: İstanbul Kara Surları” başlıklı projede uygulanmış olan yöntemleri ve bu yöntemlerin birbiriyle ilişkisini tartışan bu çalışma, katılımcı yöntemle miras değerlerinin belirlenmesi konusundaki literatür ve deneyimlere katkıda bulunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, yürüyüş etnografisi geliştirilen tüm yöntemlerin temelini oluşturmuş, bu yöntemin yanı sıra kültürel sorgulamalar, birlikte üretim ve foto-ses çalıştayı toplulukların bir kültürel miras alanına atfettikleri değerleri keşfetmek için kullanılmıştır.
Character Education the Crème of Learning
Authors: Ogu Emmanuel N.
Published: October 2023

Learning and educating will not be reasonable if it is not geared towards good character formation. Good character is not formed in isolation or automatically. It is developed over a while through a sustainable process of teaching, learning and practice. This is developed through character formation. Today both the young and old are bombarded with many negative influences of the Mass media and other external sources prevalent in our culture. Our educational systems must resume a proactive role in assisting families and communities in developing a caring, respectful environment where students can learn care and ethical values. This paper comes from personal reflections and readings on character education. This paper will provide a guideline for effective and comprehensive character education to help students develop good character, which will entail knowing, caring, and acting upon core ethical values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness and compassion. Character education should aim in shaping students to be rooted in good character formation.
Overview of Pleurotus spp., edible fungi with various functional properties
Authors: Juárez-Hernández Estefanía Odemaris , Pérez-Zavala Ma. de Lourdes , Román-Reyes Mariana , Barboza-Corona José E. , Macías-Sánchez Karla Lizbeth
Published: October 2023

Pleurotus fungi, also known as basidiomycetous fungi, have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. They exhibit anticancer, antitumor, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects, having biotechnological, medicinal, and aesthetic applications. They are also versatile, highly resistant to illnesses and pests, and do not require special growing conditions. These properties make them readily marketable, and can be found in supermarkets worldwide, generating multimillion-dollar sale revenues. The global edible mushroom market was valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2021, which is expected to grow to USD 6.43 billion in 2028. China produces about 87% of Pleurotus spp. globally; other Asian countries generate 12%, and Europe and America account for approximately 1%. Pleurotus spp. have distinct functional characteristics, including high protein content with a proper essential amino acid score pattern, dietary fibre profile, high amounts of vitamins (e.g., B and D) and minerals (e.g., Fe, Zn, Cu, and Se), and low fat. Therefore, Pleurotus spp. can provide alternative industrial tools. The present review discusses Pleurotus spp. as biotechnological tools for acquiring metabolites of interest, studying them, and analysing bioactive substances that can be used in various fields, including medicine and food.
Effects of whole quinoa flour addition on the pasting property, dough rheology, and steam bread textural property of wheat flour
Authors: Feng Ya Yun , Zhu YiLin , Wang Zhuo , Li XiaoLong
Published: October 2023

Addition of whole quinoa flour (WQF) into wheat flour is a promising approach to make quinoa food efficient, but the amount of WQF addition has a great influence on the quality of the quinoa food. The water-soluble index, swelling power, pasting property, dough rheological properties, and steam bread textural property of wheat flour containing 10 - 50% (w/w) WQF were investigated in the present work. Results showed that water soluble index and swelling power of mixed flour decreased gradually as the WQF content increased. Mixed flour containing higher WQF content (30 - 50%) had a lower peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback value than mixed flour containing lower content WQF (10 - 20%). Doughs containing 30 - 50% WQF had a weaker dough stability, less dough development time, but an increased water absorption and softening degree than the doughs containing 10 - 20% WQF. Dough’s extension resistance increased and then decreased with the addition of WQF. Dough energy and extensibility of the mixed flour decreased with increasing level of WQF (10 - 50%). In addition, hardness and chewiness of steam bread made by mixed flour increased with increasing amount of WQF (10 - 50%). In view of the practical point, the maximum addition level of WQF was 20% when making a quinoa-wheat steam bread without any food additives.
Fitting a Nonlinear Curve to the Ratio (Positive/Tested) of COVID-19 in Japan
Authors:   Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Cheng-Yen Tsai , Yuki Tanaka ,   Nihon University, Japan, Masao Igarashi ,   Nihon University, Japan
Published: October 2023

We examine the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Japan from March 1st, 2020 to November 19th, 2022. To estimate the trends of infected people, we introduce a ratio defined by the number of "Positive" people to "Tested" people. The bar graphs of the ratios increase rapidly from November, 2021. We divide the ratios into 3 intervals (increasing, decreasing, and oscillating) along the time series and evaluate the fitting curve for each interval. Mathematica built-in function named FindFit is applied to calculate the coefficients of the curve. When FindFit does not converge within the given iteration times, we slightly change the initial value, reverse the sign of the coefficients of the curve, or increase the number of parameters for the curve. As the results, the number of iteration times and the residual errors are reduced. Keywords : COVID-19, PCR tested, Tested positive, Ratio, Week sum, Sinc(x), Nonlinear curve
Decolonizing Kenyan Curriculum and Self-Reliance
Authors: Murungi James Mwenda , Njoki N.Wane , Muthaa George M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Education is meant to develop capacity and enable members of society to become productive. African indigenous education systems inculcated self-reliance among members of society and every individual had a specific defined role within the society. The colonial education system introduced the aspects of unemployment, underemployment and job seekers. In an effort to address growing mismatch between expectations by graduates and societal employment provisions, the government has regularly formed commissions and made reforms in the education system. Despite these efforts there has been growing concerns on the effectiveness of the current education system to inculcate self-reliance among graduates. This study sought to establish the influence of decolonizing the Kenyan education system on self-reliance among students. The study was carried out in universities in Kenya.

Methodology: This study utilized the descriptive survey design and the correlational research design. A sample size of 384 respondents made up of 60 members of teaching faculty and 324 fourth year bachelor of education students was selected to participate in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics was used for measures of central tendencies including mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Inferential statistics through correlation analysis using the Pearson‘s coefficient of correlation was applied to measure the degree of influence of decolonizing curriculum on self-reliance. To test hypothesis, simple linear and multiple regression models were used to test significance between independent and dependent variable. Qualitative data from interviews was organized into themes, categories and patterns pertinent to the study.

Findings: The study found that the contemporary Kenyan curriculum influenced self-reliance to a moderate extent and that integration of selected elements of African indigenous curriculum was capable of improving the Kenyan curriculum to a large extent. It was concluded that decolonizing curriculum had a statistically significant relationship with self-reliance among students in the Kenyan education system.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The findings of this study will hopefully shed light on factors attributable to colonization that continue to impact on students’ attainment of self- reliance and help planners to make early interventions with regard to self-reliance in education.
THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN FAMILY SETTING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MICRO,
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA (MSMES): THE CASE OF BAYELSA STATE MEDIUM SMALL
AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Department of Management, Faculty
            of Management Sciences, Niger Delta University, Nigeria, Poazi Francis , Basuo Kuroakegha ,   Department of Management,
            Faculty of Management Sciences, Niger Delta University, Nigeria
Published: October 2023

The study was commissioned to determine the role of traditional African family
settings in the performance of Bayelsa's micro, small, and medium enterprises. Indeed,
to some extent, micro, small, and medium enterprises have played a crucial role in
driving the economic and industrial transformation of Nigeria. In other words, MSMEs are
the lifeblood of any economy, and hence hindering factors ought to be taken care of to
experience sustainable growth and development of the economy. Of course, traditions and
customs somewhat play a significant role in the success and dearth of any business, and
MSMEs are not immune from the interference and the constant challenges associated with
traditional African family settings. The African family settings in most parts have
contributed to the success and collapse of MSMEs. To this end, the study applied a
descriptive survey research design methodology to scrutinize and give analytical views
on existing works of literature and concepts surrounding the role of traditional African
family settings as well as the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in
Nigeria. After a thorough analysis, it is very clear that there is budding and enormous
potential and opportunities for MSMEs in Nigeria and, as such, they can be seen to be
the engines of growth, wealth creation, industrialization, or employment generation that
are geared towards the reduction of poverty. Also found were the features of African
family settings and challenges, which are quite extraordinary and uniform across the
African regions. Nonetheless, there is some uniqueness to these African family settings
that are familiar and evident in the Nigerian context. Interestingly, after giving an
analytical point of view with regards to African family settings and challenges, it is
significantly clear that African family settings and challenges are very instrumental in
determining whether an entrepreneurial venture is successful or not. It recommends that
promoters of MSMEs should ensure the availability of managerial capacity and acumen to
manage the role of the traditional African family settings as regards the performance of
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
SUCCESS OF MICROENTERPRISES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA, THE ROLE OF RESILIENCE, AND
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
Authors:   Department of Business
            Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Folagbade Aderonke , Gonam Meshach ,   Department of Business
            Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Vem Linus ,   Department of Business
            Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos
Published: October 2023

Microenterprises continue to hold the promise of economic success for many
countries, but many of these businesses are thought to be the most vulnerable to failure
following the economic shock caused by COVID-19. This study looked into how resilience
helped microenterprise owner-managers succeed after an economic shock. The study
specifically looked at the role of self-directed learning as a mediator in the link
between resilience and success of microenterprises in North Central Nigeria. Our
research discovered a strong and significant link between success, self-directed
learning, and resilience. It should be emphasised that while resilient owner-managers
can have a positive and significant impact on the success of microenterprises, the
impact of self-directed learning further supports and enriches their businesses in times
of challenging business circumstances.
GETTING OVER OVERDRAFT
Authors:   Center on Regulation and Markets,
            Brookings Institution, Washington D.C, Klein Aaron
Published: October 2023

Bank account overdraft fees have not always been with us. Overdraft privileges as
a paid service became common in the 1990s, when it was introduced by banks as a
convenience for account holders who ran out of funds with checks outstanding and would
rather have them honored than returned. What began as a modest add-on service to select
customers quickly morphed into a profit center for banks (and credit unions), with
estimates of total fees paid ranging up to $30 billion a year. Now, $30 billion is real
money even for a banking system as large as America’s: The biggest banks were making
over $1 billion a year on overdraft fees, while overdraft income grew to an astonishing
20% or more of earnings for smaller ones. Overdraft fees, effectively interest on loans,
are extremely high cost given the small amount of money loaned via an overdraft, the
short term of the loan, and the minimal chance of default. As a result, overdraft fees
result in nearly pure profit for the bank (or credit union).
CONSUMER BRAND PERCEPTION VARIABLES AND PURCHASE DECISION OF SELECTED FAST-MOVING
CONSUMER GOODS FIRMS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Business
            Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan
            –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, Kabuoh Margret , Omokorede Abosede ,   Department of Business
            Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan
            –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Published: October 2023

Consumers play a vital role in the success of organizations as their purchasing
decision can have a significant impact on the organisation's performance. Therefore, it
is important for organizations to maintain a positive brand perception in the minds of
consumers. This can be achieved through excellent customer service. However, poor
consumer brand perception could lead to a decline in purchase decision leading to low
sales and possible organizational failure. This study investigated the effect of
consumer brand perception variables and purchase decision of selected fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCGs) firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey
research design. The population of the study was 1,774,657 consumers of fast-moving
consumer goods firms that reside in different local governments of the different five
regions in Lagos state Nigeria, and a sample size of 499 was determined using Krejcie
and Morgan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire with a
Cronbach alpha value greater than 0.7. Both descriptive and inferential tools were used
for the data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of
the variables using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. The study
revealed that consumer brand perception variables have significant effect on the
purchase decision of selected fast-moving consumer goods firms in Lagos State, Nigeria
(Adj. R2 = 0.426; F (4, 425) = 59.236, p < 0.05). The study concluded that consumer
brand perception has significant effect on the purchase decision of selected fast-moving
consumer goods firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is recommended that management should
invest in creating and maintaining strong brand perception among consumers to positively
influence their purchase decisions. This can be achieved by developing effective
branding and marketing strategies that focus on building brand awareness,
attractiveness, positioning, associations, and image.