bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious extremism, youth restiveness and national security in Kaduna northwest Nigeria
Authors: Achimugu Hassan ,   Kogi State University, Ifatimehin Olayemi Olufemi , Daniel Micheal ,   Kogi State University,   Kogi State University
Published: May 2023

This paper includes the analysis of religious extremism, youth restiveness and national security in Kaduna northwest Nigeria. The Christian and Islamic radicalism promote religious allegiance, ethnic identity and youth restiveness in the major parts of Kaduna northwest Nigeria. As such, youth without sufficient knowledge and critical information about religion easily finds agitation to answer the thrilling questions of human basic needs. This has led both Christian minority and Muslim majority in the state to open confrontation. This however, endangered Nigerians national security, fundamental human right, peace and unity in many parts of the country. This confrontation has taken ethno-religious dimension in Kaduna state. Indeed, the effort of state to resolve this ethno-religious conflict is challenging; this is because the state has failed in its ability to manage her diversity. The paper examined how religious extremism and youth restiveness threatened peaceful coexistence of different groups in Kaduna state. Data for this paper were drawn from both primary and secondary source, mainly from focus group discussion and relevant literatures that were analyzed via content analysis. Abraham Maslow theory of human needs was utilized, this is predicated on the notion that all humans have basic needs, which they seek to fulfill, and the denial of these needs by other groups will lead to conflict. The paper revealed that religious extremism and youth restiveness are consequence of ignorance, illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, unhealthy communication, among others. These problems create possibility for vulnerability among the warring parties. As such it is recommended that government should initiate social security programs to cushion poverty, unemployment and illiteracy among Nigeria youths.
Impact of state joint local government account (SJLGA) on the capacity of some selected local government councils in Borno state to execute capital projects
Authors: Dibal Naomi ,   University of Maiduguri
Published: May 2023

The creation of State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) was primarily to serve as a medium through which funds from the federation account are disbursed to local governments for developmental purposes. However, in spite of increased efforts through allocation there are still major gaps to be filled in the area of service delivery at the local government level. The study adopted the survey research where both primary and secondary data were sourced. Data were presented on tables using frequency counts and simple percentages. A total of 800 questionnaires were administered randomly on respondents out of which 400 to local government staff and 400 to community leaders, 353 for community leaders and 344 from local government staffs were retrieved as valid and used for data analysis. Meanwhile, Spearman Rank order, an inferential statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed that the operations of joint account has not significantly improved the performance of local governments in the execution of capital projects in key areas of primary health care, primary education, agriculture and rural infrastructure. The study concluded that State Joint local government account has not significantly improved the performance of selected local government councils in service delivery in Borno state. It was recommended among others that State Joint local government account should be scrapped so as to ensure financial autonomy of local governments in Borno state. It is only then that service delivery can be greatly improved at the local government level.
Effect of youth empowerment programs on youth unemployment in Kaduna south local government area of Kaduna state
Authors: Gabriel Nelson ,   Kogi State University, Isyak Ibrahim O , Ahmed Nuhu Ahmed ,   Kogi State University,   Kogi State University
Published: May 2023

The study focused on empowerment programs on youth unemployment in Kaduna South LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Unemployment is a major problem ravaging Nigeria’s population today and youths are worst hit by it. In an attempt to harness the potentials of youths and address the problem of unemployment, Kaduna South LG in collaboration with Kaduna State government introduced skills acquisition programs to empower youths of the area. Against this backdrop, the study examined effect the programs on youths in terms of empowering them to be economically productive and be self-reliant. The study, a survey research generated its data through the conduct of interviews with coordinators of the programs and administration of questionnaires to beneficiaries. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics to answer the research questions while Spearman rank correlation was used to test hypotheses. Results show that though a sizeable number of beneficiaries (youths) of the programs are now productively engaged and self-reliant as their income level have risen visibly and can now afford basic necessities of life to some extent. However, challenges of inadequate funding, shortage of qualified and experienced trainers and lack of soft loans were encountered. On this basis, the study recommends adequate budgetary provision, engagement of adequate qualified and experienced trainers, provision of soft loans and increased commitment of Kaduna South LG to ensure continuity.
Isolation and Characterization of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Degrading Bacteria from Rice Cultivated Soil in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. Nigeria
Authors:   Kampala International University, B.M JAHUN
Published: June 2023

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used pre-/post emergent systemic herbicide that controls broad-leaved weeds and other vegetation on rangelands purposely used for increasing agricultural yield, soil productivity, products quality, minimizing losses of agricultural products caused by crop pest. However, excessive use of this herbicide results in both soil and water pollution which is detrimental to humans, animals and the environment. Aboriginal bacteria normally occurring in low density in soil have been shown to degrade pesticides and other chemicals, such microbes have possibility for use in bioremediation of polluted environments. Isolation of 2,4-D degrading bacteria was accomplished through incubation experiments in mineral salt medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Aboriginal bacterial strain capable of using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated from Rice cultivated soil with a long-term history of herbicide use in Kura L.G.A, Kano State. The strain named K2-BUK-BCH was recognized as Pseudomonas plecoglossicida based on its 16S rRNA sequence analysis, morphological, and biochemical features. The degradation characteristics of strain K2-BUK-BCH were evaluated using one factor at a time approach (OFAT). The degradation conditions for 2,4-D were as follows: pH 8.0, 35°C, 200µgL-1 inoculum size, and 2,4-D concentration of 0.72gL-1.The degradation potential of 2,4-D was determine using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Up to 96.68% of the 2,4-D was degraded under optimal conditions after 6 days of incubation. Pseudomonas plecoglossicida sp was reported for the first time as able to degrade 2,4-D in Kano State, Nigeria. The isolated strain represents a great potential for bioremediation.
Heydar Aliyev's reform strategy is the basis of agricultural development
Authors: İslam Hacı oğlu İbrahimov
Published: May 2023

National Leader Heydar Aliyev identified the need for agrarian reforms in Azerbaijan, determined their main directions, substantiated the strategy of this process and led the development of mechanisms for the preparation and implementation of their legislative framework. Systematic and purposeful mechanisms for implementing the planned strategy were developed, foundations were created for ensuring entrepreneurship and socio-economic development based on the formation of new economic relations.
Modern national economic development model in the context of updated global and regional perspectives
Authors: Ayətulla Suvahil oğlu Cabbarov
Published: May 2023

The Azerbaijani national model of economic development not only differs from others in a number of aspects, but also stands out with certain advantages. One of the advantages of this model is its ability to develop freely, which contributes to the growth of domestic investment in the country, the implementation of global projects at the expense of the state budget, and skillful protection from the consequences of global crises.

In the article, in the context of updated global and regional perspectives, the main principles of the modern model of national economic development, theoretical, methodo-logical and practical aspects of strategic directions of development are described.

The article analyzed the national economic model of Azerbaijan from a scientific, theoretical and practical point of view, indicated its features, gave an objective assessment of the economic results obtained, substantiated the concept of a national economic model at a new stage, and identified priority areas for long-term sustainable and balanced economic development. At the same time, the national model of Azerbaijan's economic development, formed within the framework of global trends, challenges and opportunities, a stable and increasingly competitive economy, and a society based on dynamic, inclusive and social justice, was considered.
Heydar Aliyev and investment policy in Azerbaijan
Authors: İsmayil Cəfər oğlu Həsənov
Published: May 2023

After regaining its state independence, one of the top priority of Azerbaijan was the determination and implementation of the country's investment policy based on national interests. In order to get the country out of its difficult situation, it was necessary to form an efficient and pragmatic investment policy. National Leader Heydar Aliyev initially renewed the goals of Azerbaijan's investment policy and led the reconstruction of the country according to its strategic interests. First of all, practical changes were made considering the current realities and aimed at protecting the interests of the country by working to eliminate the tense in Azerbaijan state budget as a result of gross mistakes made during the previous government in the field of investment policy formation. The Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, who prioritized the expansion of relations with international financial and credit organi-zations, accepted their participation in the projects implemented in the country as the main condition for the successful outcome of the economic reforms leading in the country. From this point of view, decisions on attracting foreign investments to the country were considered as one of the main factors leading to economic development at that time.
Heydar Aliyev's economic development strategy and a new quality phase
Authors: Səbinə Təbriz qızı Əliyeva
Published: May 2023

Heydar Aliyev, who played an exceptional role in the development of the Azerbaijani people and economy both during the Soviet period and after independence, and who was one of the most powerful personalities of his time, successfully used the qualities of a true leader and mobilized the government of the republic and all administrative structures to eliminate the backwardness in the economy.

Independence Day is the brightest day in the history of Azerbaijan. Our people are celebrating state independence, moving forward on the glorious path of national indepen-dence, even though it is difficult. The years of independence are years of self-awareness and self-affirmation for our people.
OUTPUT DAN MUTU PENDIDIKAN
Authors: Indrati Briliantina , Hermawan Andi
Published: May 2023

Schooling is social institution needed to produce educational products and services, which useful for the existence of individual, community, or nation and state. In the term of economic of education, education production processes consume resources which scarce or limited, so education stakeholders should be capable to use the available resources effectively and efficiently. Educational results can be categories as consumption and investment. As consumption, the results are immediately and directly enjoyable, called outputs. While as investment, education give benefits indirectly and in the long term continuously, named outcomes. Also the results can be differentiating as economic valued outputs and non-economic valued outputs. The first one is outputs which potentially useful to get financial or monetary advantages, as knowledge and skills. While the second one is benefits which can not be measured as money, like friendship, happiness etc. The calculation of economical education results carried out by formulas: the earnings differentials, net present value, or internal rate of return, etc. This computation is very important to make decision or consideration in choose and continue study, to explain manpower condition, and to improve education program to meet with manpower demand.
TRANSIÇÕES SUSTENTÁVEIS DA FONTE SOLAR FOTOVOLTAICA: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA ESTRUTURADA
Authors: Costa Correa Kleber , Uriona Maldonado Mauricio , Vaz Caroline Rodrigues
Published: May 2023

O desenvolvimento, o uso e a difusão das energias renováveis estão no centro da linha de pesquisa conhecida como Transições Sustentáveis. Considerando a expansão das fontes renováveis nos países desenvolvidos, em especial o crescimento recente da fonte na matriz elétrica brasileira, o presente trabalho busca avaliar as principais linhas de pesquisas globais considerando a teoria das Transições Sustentáveis associadas a Fonte Solar Fotovoltaica por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica estruturada através da metodologia SYSMAP (Scientometric and sYStematic yielding MApping Process), composto por 5 fases, sendo elas: i) construção da coleção de artigos; ii) processo de filtragens; iii) análise bibliométrica, iv) análise de conteúdo e, v) construção de oportunidades/lacunas de pesquisa. Se buscará entender o estado da arte das pesquisas globais envolvendo as transições sócio-técnicas e a Energia Solar Fotovoltaica, apresentando oportunidades/lacunas de pesquisa nesta área.
COLETORES FRESNEL COMO ALTERNATIVA PARA REDUÇÃO DO CONSUMO DE GÁS NATURAL NAS INDÚSTRIAS LOCALIZADAS NA CIDADE DE RECIFE – PE
Authors: Bueno Grazielli , Lucas Konrad Burin Eduardo
Published: May 2023

Mundialmente ocorre a busca por alternativas que possam reduzir o consumo de combustíveis fósseis. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a viabilidade técnica e econômica de um sistema híbrido, utilizando a energia solar térmica, tecnologia de coletores Fresnel, sem armazenamento, combinada com caldeiras de gás natural, para a produção de vapor de processo no setor industrial da cidade de Recife, localizada no estado de Pernambuco. A simulação quanto à geração de vapor pelo campo solar se deu por meio do software SAM. Quanto aos resultados encontrados, observou-se que a operação híbrida promoveu uma redução de até 11,01% no custo nivelado do calor (R$/MWht) referente à produção do vapor saturado. Além disso, para todos os cenários propostos, houve redução no consumo de gás natural. Com isso, a hibridização se torna uma opção a ser considerada no setor industrial que utiliza a energia térmica, uma vez que o estudo aponta a viabilidade econômica, além dos benefícios ambientais, como o aproveitamento de uma fonte inesgotável de energia, assim minimizando a emissão de gases de efeito estufa. Contudo, por se tratar de uma tecnologia pouco explorada no Brasil, o uso da energia solar em processos industriais para produção de calor deve ser analisado em diversas situações, tais como a parte técnica e local a ser instalada.
PROBLEMAS EM INSTALAÇÕES FOTOVOLTAICAS DE MICRO E MINIGERAÇÃO: POR QUE OCORREM E COMO PREVENIR?
Authors: Francisco Lisboa Santos Hugo , Vassalo Maia da Costa Pedro , Cláudia Silva Gonçalves Motta Ana , Bezerra Pimentel Matheus
Published: May 2023

Os aumentos constantes no custo de energia elétrica e a redução no preço de sistemas fotovoltaicos têm feito com que o número de instalações no Brasil aumente de forma exponencial. Contudo, esse aumento rápido no número de instalações com frequência está associado a uma redução na qualidade das instalações. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar esses problemas e indicar como preveni-los ou como remedia-los. Tais problemas podem ser divididos em três grupos: 1) Estruturais, 2) Elétricos e 3) Desempenho. Para cada grupo, foi construído um Diagrama de Ishikawa, com as respectivas causas-raiz.
Pengaruh Gaya Kognitif Terhadap Hasil Belajar dengan Menerapkan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah
Authors: Shepa Maria Januaria , Uskenat Kristina
Published: May 2023

Masalah utama dalam penelitian ini adalah adakah pengaruh dari gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berdasarkan masalah (Problem Based Instruction). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui pengaruh dari gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran berdasarkan masalah. Gaya kognitif merupakan variabel penting yang mempengaruhi pilihan-pilihan pebelajar dalam bidang akademik, kelanjutan perkembangan akademik, bagaimana pebelajar belajar serta bagaimana pebelajar dan pembelajar berinteraksi di dalam kelas. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dan penelitian asosiatif dengan hasil ketuntasan 79,9% dan rata-rata keseluruhan, kelas VIID tergolong dalam gaya kognitif field independent. Gaya kognitif berpengaruh terhadap hasil dengan persamaan regresi Y = 64,083 + 1,295X dan kontribusi yang di sumbangkan gaya kognitif (X) terhadap hasil belajar (Y) sebesar 20,6%.
Pendugaan Air Tanah Dengan Metode Geolistrik Resistivitas di Desa Matabesi
Authors: Boimau Yanti , Maubana Wenti Marlensi , Pakaenoni Yohanes
Published: May 2023

Telah dilakukan pendugaan air tanah di Desa Matabesi dengan metode geolistrik resistivitas konfigurasi Wenner-schlumberger. Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui nilai resistivitas batuan, batuan penyusun bawah permukaan dan mengklasifikasikan batuan akuifer pada semua titik ukur pada lokasi penelitian. Interpretasi  menggunakan software res2dinv dengan hasil interpretasi Nilai resistivitas batuan pada lokasi Penelitian  adalah lintasan I, 0,026 Wm–13,6 Wm,  lintasan II,  0,0096 Wm–19,6 Wm. Pada lokasi penelitian, diduga terdapat 2 jenis batuan yaitu Alluvium dengan nilai resistivitas 0,026-6,68 Wm dan lempung dengan nilai resistivitas 10-19,6 Wm. Akuifer pada daerah penelitian ditunjukkan dengan nilai resistivitas 0,0096 Wm-19,6 Wm dengan kedalaman berkisar ±4 m-12,4m.
Studi Potensi Tinta Printer Berbahan Dasar Pigmen Organik Dari Daun Jambu Biji
Authors: Bukit Minsyahril , Pingak Redi K. , Medi Yovilia
Published: May 2023

Telah dilakukan penelitian mengenai potensi pigmen organik berbahan dasar daun jambu biji (Psidium Guanjava L) dalam pembuatan tinta printer. Parameter fisika yang dikaji yakni taraf intensitas cahaya dari tinta dengan variasi massa karbon yang berbeda, laju serap tinta, juga untuk mengetahui kinerja tinta dengan pigmen organik dari limbah daun jambu biji pada printer komersial. Karbon limbah daun jambu biji yang dibakar dihaluskan sampai menjadi serbuk karbon menggunakan blender, selanjutnya adalah memisahkan tinta menurut variasinya masing-masing kemudian mengukur taraf intensitas cahaya.  Berdasarkan hasil analisis dari pengukuran transmitansi cahaya yaitu 0,42, 0,46, 0,58 dan 0,63 dalam satuan lux untuk variasi massa komposisi karbon 8, 16, 24, 32 gram. Laju serap tinta maksimum adalah  1,75 cm/menit pada variasi pelarut karbon menggunakan aquades 30 ml. Uji kinerja tinta dengan pigmen organik dari daun jambu biji memperlihatkan bisa digunakan dengan baik sebagai tinta printer, meskipun secara rata-rata kualitas tinta printer komersil masih lebih baik.
Pengukuran Tingkat Kebisingan di Lingkungan Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Ximenes Ina , Maubana Wenti Marlensi , Lipikuni Hilary F
Published: May 2023

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang tingkat kebisingan di lingkungan Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat kebisingan di lingkungan Perpustakaan. Penelitian dilakukan selama tiga hari kerja dalam tiga pembagian waktu yaitu pada jam 09:00-10:00 WITA, 10:30-11:30 WITA dan 12:00-13:00 WITA. Alat yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Sound Level Meter (SLM) tipe digital sound level mwrwt AS804. Data penelitian meliputi data primer dan data sekunder. Data primer merupakan data pengukuran yang diperoleh dari pengukuran langsung menggunakan alat SLM, sedangkan data sekunder adalah data jumlah kendaraan yang melintasi di sekitar perpustakaan. Berdasarkan hasil pengukuran tingkat kebisingan selama tiga hari diperoleh nilai rata-rata tingkat kebisingan tertinggi berturut-turut sebesar 117,38 dB(A), 91,16 dB(A), dan 89,93 dB (A) yaitu pada hari kedua pada jam 12:00-13:00 WITA, hari ketiga jam 12:00-13:00 WITA dan hari pertama jam 10:30-11:30 WITA. Hasil analisis data primer menunjukan bahwa tingkat kebisingan di Lingkungan Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur telah melebih ambang batas yang ditentukan oleh KEP-48/MENLH/11/1996 tentang baku tingkat kebisingan kawasan sekolah dan sejenisnya adalah 55 dB(A). Hasil ini didukung oleh data sekunder yang menunjukkan tingginya aktivitas transportasi/kendaraan yang melewati lingkungan perpustakaan pada jam-jam tersebut.
Pengaruh Jumlah Produksi Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Terhadap Paparan Gelombang Elektromagnetik Frekuensi Radio GSM 900 MHZ dengan Kultur Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)
Authors: Resvina Resvina , Mahrom Choirotul Aftafiyani
Published: May 2023

Gelombang elektromagnetik dapat diartikan sebagai gelombang yang terbentuk dari perpaduan medan magnetik dan medan listrik. Paparan dalam jangka waktu yang lama menyebabkan imunologis dan stres oksidatif antara lain limfosit dengan salah satu sel T yang memproduksi sitokin salah satunya adalah interleukin-2 (IL-2). Tujuan penelitian ini menganalisis pengaruh paparan gelombang elektromagnetik frekuensi radio GSM 900 MHz terhadap jumlah produksi  IL-2 dengan variasi jarak dan waktu yang ditentukan. Sampel yang digunakan adalah sampel darah sehat dari 13 pendonor yang telah dikultur Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC). Metode dalam penelitian ini: darah normal diberikan paparan radiasi gelombang elektromagnetik frekuensi radio GSM 900 MHz dengan menggunakan perangkat VSG25A ke sel darah putih yang telah dikultur dalam kotak aluminium yang dilapisi timbal. Variasi jarak yang diberikan, dihitung dari ujung antena perangkat VSG25A dengan wadah sampel adalah 0 cm, 2.5 cm, dan 5 cm dan waktu paparan selama 15, 30, 45, dan 60 menit. Semua sampel yang diberikan paparan maupun tidak diberikan paparan (normal) dihitung jumlah Interleukin-2 menggunakan flowcytometry. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semakin lama paparan gelombang elektromagnetik frekuensi radio GSM 900 MHz, produksi IL-2 cenderung meningkat. Pada jarak 2,5 cm produksi IL-2 menurun setelah diberikan paparan selama 30 menit. Sedangkan produksi IL-2 terhadap jarak paparan apabila lama paparan kurang dari 30 menit dapat diartikan tidak ada pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap perubahan jumlah produksi IL-2.
Analisis Kualitas Fisika Air DAS (Daerah Aliran Sungai) Kali Dendeng Kota Kupang
Authors: Solo Anna Apriani Maniuk , Solo Vebronia M D , Leko Leonardus  Lewa , Da Costa Madalena
Published: May 2023

Peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan ahli fungsi lahan di sekitar DAS Kali Dendeng dapat menyebabkan penurunan kuantitas dan kualitas air. Penururnan kualitas air dapat diketahui dengan menganalisis parameter fisik air sepanjang aliran DAS Kali Dendeng. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi parameter fisik air, diantaranya suhu, pH, TDS, DHL, Salinitas dan Kekeruhan. Penelitian dilalukan pada 6 stasiun yang mewakili daerah hulu, tengah dan hilir DAS Kali Dendeng pada bulan Maret, Agustus dan November. Metode analisis yang dilakukan adalah survei dan analisis in situ dan membandingkan hasil analisis fisika dengan baku mutu air yang berlaku sesuai dengan peruntukannya. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa berdasarkan analisis fisika air, kualitas air DAS Kali Dendeng masih memenuhi standar baku mutu untuk keperluan higienis sanitasi, air minum, prasarana atau sarana rekreasi air, pembudidayaan ikan air tawar, peternakan, dan pengairan tanaman.
Self-exposure on instagram and bmi: Relations with body image among both genders
Authors: Abrante Desiré , Carballeira Mónica
Published: May 2023

Social media users can actively choose how they portray themselves and review the information they share to form and manage positive impressions on their audience. A high Body Mass Index (BMI) can lead to a bias of attention towards self-reported unattractive personal body areas. This dysfunctional body-related attention can lead to increased body dissatisfaction. Concerning social networks, people who usually post more photos on Instagram more frequently show higher body satisfaction. The main objective of this work was to analyze the relationship between BMI in young people, their own exposition on Instagram, positive body image and certain psychological variables: self-esteem, coping and well-being. The population-based sample consisted of 687 young Instagram users aged between 18 to 35 years old. The results found in this work revealed that BMI had a significant influence on the body exposure on Instagram in both genders, as well as in body image and certain psychological variables, such as coping and well-being. Moreover, we found that there is not a direct relation between BMI and the exposure of the entire body on Instagram. This relationship exists through positive body image, appearance care and management appearance behaviors. These results imply that positive body image affects body’s exposure, so people with obesity or overweight tend to upload less photos with half or full body visible than people with normal weight or underweight. This is not because of their weight, but their valuation and appreciation of their bodies.
Parents or peers? (In)congruence effect of adolescents’ attachment to parents and peers on self-esteem
Authors: Karunarathne Rotumba A. I. C.
Published: May 2023

Building on the attachment theory and extending prior research that has hinted strongly at the important influence of social relationships on self-esteem, this study examined the simultaneous effect of adolescents’ attachment to parents and peers on self-esteem. To test our hypotheses, we collected data from a sample of 267 adolescents. We used polynomial regression coupled with response surface analysis to assess the (in)congruence effect of adolescents’ attachment to parents and peers on self-esteem. The results of polynomial regression analysis show that the congruence effect of attachment to parents and peers did not relate to adolescent self-esteem. However, self-esteem is high when attachment to both parents and peers is at a high level rather than a low level. Moreover, results show that attachment to parents is more significant than attachment to peers in developing adolescents' self-esteem. Interpretation of findings and theoretical contribution of congruence perspective to attachment theory and self-esteem literature are discussed.
Effects of social media social comparisons and identity processes on body image satisfaction in late adolescence
Authors: Martinac Dorčić Tamara , Smojver-Ažić Sanja , Božić Ivana , Malkoč Izabela
Published: May 2023

One of the important developmental tasks in adolescence and emerging adulthood is the questioning of identity issues, with body image being a prominent concern. In the age of modern technology, many processes of social comparison take place on social media, which serve as an ideal platform for comparison with others. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of identity dimensions, social media use, and social media social comparison, on different domains of body image satisfaction (i.e., appearance, weight, and attribution). An online survey was conducted with 354 young people in Croatia (Mean age = 18.49, SD = 1.44; Women/girls = 78.9%). The results revealed that each of the body image domains had a different pattern of association with identity dimensions and social media social comparison. The contribution of identity dimensions was more important for evaluation attributed to others about one’s body appearance, whereas social media use and social comparison were more crucial for thoughts and feelings about appearance and weight satisfaction. Higher identity commitment and exploration were related to more positive thoughts about how others evaluate one’s appearance, regardless of social comparison. On the other hand, social media use and social media social comparison were associated with lower satisfaction with appearance and weight.
Exploring the Impact of Microfinance on Socio-Economic Characteristics of Borrowers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ume Ruqia Saadat  , Dr. Muhammad Imran Qureshi  , Dr. Abdul Manan  Tauqeer  , Dr. Aman Ullah Khattak  , Dr. Munawar Fatima
Published: May 2023

Microfinance facility in Pakistan is extended by microfinance institutions to the micro entrepreneurs including Khushali Bank who took initiative being founder institution in Pakistan. It is operating since 1983 and extended enormous financing through loans employing a collateral with a sound recovery rate. This study attempted to find the effect of microfinance on the socio-economic conditions of the borrowers in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Based on data gathered from old and new borrowers, the study analyzed the effect of microfinance on welfare of the household of the borrowers’ households concerning the housing conditions, food security, children’s education, poverty status, monthly income, and expenditures before and after availing the loan using “with or without approach”. Likewise, a non-parametric method was also employed to check the difference between old and new borrowers regarding income, consumption expenditure, housing improvement, access to education, and access to medical facilities, poverty status. The study reported that Microfinance significantly improve the borrowers life and living conditions, furthermore, this impact was much greater for the old borrowers as compared to the new ones.
Factors Affecting Employee Absenteeism at Workplace: Moderating Effect of Supervisor Support
Authors: Dr. Muhammad Imran  , Liaqat Ali  , Muhammad Taous Khan
Published: May 2023

Workplace absenteeism among Dera Ismail Khan Bank employees is the focus of this research. Assuming that supervisor support was linked to working conditions, a theoretical model was developed to disentangle the effects of role ambiguity and work stress. As part of the investigation, researchers developed a questionnaire to gather necessary information. On the 5-point Likert scale, 1 means "strongly disagree" and 5 means "strongly agree" for each question. There was an effort to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Both causal and correlative relationships were investigated. The information was analyzed using SPSS. There was some analyzing done using regression and correlation. Absenteeism was found to be significantly linked to job stress and job ambiguity. Workplace morale is boosted in part because absenteeism has decreased. This study also found that the relationship between absenteeism and working conditions is significantly tempered by supervisor support. Therefore, further analysis and conclusions from the study encourage the development or implementation of a variety of techniques to deal with employee absenteeism, which may ultimately lead to an improvement in the quality of the employees' working circumstances. An organization's success can also be attributed to its highly engaged workforce. In reaching this verdict, we were able to show that having a supervisor around can boost work quality by allowing for course corrections to be made when necessary. Colleagues can help one another out by sharinginformation about challenges they're facing on the job, generating ideas for how to address those challenges, and generally fostering an environment that is conducive to new ways of thinking and doing things. This is a possibility for all staff members, regardless of their existing ranks. Hence, these preventative measures are crucial for not only professional but also individual success.
Virtual Reality in Healthcare: Exploring the Patients’ Behavior through the Lens of Extended Stimulus, Organism, and Response Framework
Authors: Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Kundi
Published: May 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is a recently emerged tool in healthcare. However, there is dearth of research since literature lacks studies on factors that enhance patients' visits to VR-health facilities. The current study has proposed a theoretical framework to engulf this gap, employing the stimulus, organism, and response (SOR) framework to investigate patients' attachment, patient’s cognitive and affective response, authentic experience, and intention to visit VR-health facilities. The study has found significant influences of the patients' authentic experience on their cognitive and affective responses. It shows that patients' authentic experience plays a significant role in VR health. The results further verified that patients' cognitive and affective responses have significant mediating effects to predict the attachment and intentions to VR visit. The patients' intention to visit health facilities reveal that attachment to the VR predicts VR-health. Likewise, cognitive response shows a powerful impact compared to the affective response on the intention to visit health facilities over virtual reality. This research brings to fore why prospective patients visit healthcare facilities using virtual reality.
Mechanisms and challenges of renewable energy cooperation in Northeast Asia
Authors: Huaicun Zhang , Yuna Kim , Kada Yukiko
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, sustainable economic growth has caused an increase in energy consumption in North Asia, especially in China, Japan and South Korea. However, internal supply cannot meet energy demand, bringing two related consequences: First, the enlargement of the gap between production and consumption leads to dependence on external energy sources. Second, forcing the government to map its energy policy. However, unlike other regions such as the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian nations, the dependence of the Energy of Northeast Asia has not caused the closest intra-regional cooperation. Conversely, in some cases, it damages cooperation and worsens non -constructive competition. Therefore, in this study, we aim to highlight the problematic relationship between energy securitization and regional energy cooperation in Northeast Asia and provide an analysis of the reasons, mechanisms and challenges for regional cooperation led by energy. In this case, we think that, by exploiting regional compatibility in the generation of renewable energy and in the consumer model, building a mechanism of integration and multimodal communication will promote greater integration and contribute to filling the gap between securitization and energy cooperation in the east and work the same in the east and working with Asia.
Persona-driven journalism at Radio24syv
Authors: Moestrup Steffen
Published: May 2023

The article proposes an analytical approach to the study of persona-driven journalism. Drawing on concepts from performance studies, the article builds an analytical framework for engaging with empirical material where the performance of the journalist’s personality becomes a central part of the journalistic product. The analysis of journalist and radio host Ditte Okman identifies a journalism practice that draws on bodily expressivity, outspoken attitudes and the creation of a socializing media space. This practice is used to showcase an unashamed persona that creates journalism based on a performance of authenticity and sincerity, which is read as an example of doing affective labor. The main contribution of the article is to conceptualize a methodological approach to the study of persona-driven journalism practices by drawing on ideas and concepts from performance studies, thus adding methodologically to journalism studies.
Color as the meaning-forming concept of Zhang Yimou's film "Hero"
Authors: Bykova Natalia Ivanovna
Published: May 2023

The subject of the study is the color meaning in the film of the famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou "Hero", the conceptual understanding of color as the main semantic element of the artistic solution. The object of research is the techniques of visual solutions in cinema. The perception of color in the culture of different peoples differs in certain nuances and depends on many factors, including national traditions and historically established stereotypes. Films by Chinese, Korean, and Japanese filmmakers are interesting from the point of view of color solutions, as they differ in artistic originality and often offer the Russian audience an extraordinary semantic solution of the idea not only at the level of comprehension of the content, but also at the level of a specific color palette. The author similarly examines the color symbolism of Zhang Yimou's film "Hero". The conceptual content of the visual-figurative series, the originality of the coloristic solution of the film is comprehended. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the study of the color symbolism of Zhang Yimou's film "Hero" in the aspect of the correlation between the perception of the coloristic solution of the visual series and the conceptual content of the film. The author comes to the conclusion that despite the ambivalence of perception of a particular color in visual art, the coloristic solution is predetermined by the conceptual content of each episode, so color becomes the leading semantic concept of Zhang Yimou's film "Hero".
Phase-preserving theory and its linearization approximation for forward scattering field of scalar acoustic wave equation
Authors: Feng Bo , Xu Wen-Jun , Cai Jie-Xiong , Wu Ru-Shan , Wang Hua-Zhong ,   Wave Phenomena and Intelligent Inversion Imaging Group (WPI), School of Ocean and Earth Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China,   Key Laboratory of Intelligent Infrared Perception of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200083, China,   SINOPEC Geophysical Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing 211103, China,   Modeling and Imaging Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz 95060, CA, USA
Published: June 2023

The conventional wave-equation linearization methods, such as the first-order Born or Rytov approximation, always implicitly imply a weak-scattering assumption, making it valid only for weak perturbation models. To extend the wave-equation linearization theory to strong perturbation models, we consider a scenario that the reference model is smooth within the scale of the incident wave length, and propose a phase-preserving method which can predict the phase perturbation of forward scattering wave field. First, we introduce the WKBJ approximation to the scattered- and incident wave fields so that the integral of the unknown solution (i.e. the scattered field) in the nonlinear Ricatti integral equation can be replaced by the integral of scattering-angle and model perturbation, yielding an explicit expression of the scattered field. Theoretical derivation shows that the proposed phase-preserving method can accurately predict the phase-perturbation of forward scattered wave field regardless of the strength of velocity perturbations for one-dimensional wave propagation problem. To apply the phase-preserving approximation to the inverse problem, we further consider a scenario of small-angle forward propagation. In this case, the phase-preserving approximation can be linearized by neglecting the influence of scattering angles, leading to a linear relation between the scattered field and the model perturbation, which we refer to as the generalized Rytov approximation. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the generalized Rytov approximation can predict the phase perturbation of the scattered field with higher accuracy for small-angle forward propagation, and is suitable for strong model perturbations. The generalized Rytov approximation extends the validity and the scope of application of the traditional Rytov approximation. In specific application fields such as the seismic traveltime tomography or medical ultrasonic transmission imaging, a new traveltime/phase sensitivity kernel can be derived by replacing the conventional Rytov approximation with the proposed method, which can increase the inversion accuracy and speed up the convergence.
Phase shift migration based plane-wave imaging of cortical bone
Authors: Zhang Yun-Yun , Li Yi-Fang , Shi Qin-Zhen , Xu Le-Xiu , Dai Fei , Xing Wen-Yu , Ta De-An ,   Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China,   Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
Published: June 2023

Cortical bone, a highly attenuated, anisotropic, and multilayered biological medium with high acoustic impedance, presents significant challenges for high-frequency ultrasound to penetrate its complex structure and acquire high-quality images. The traditional method of using uniform sound velocity in ultrasonic dynamic focusing imaging is limited by emission energy and frame rate, which hinders the accurate and rapid reconstruction of multi-layer structures and clinical applications. In order to meet these challenges, this study proposes a novel method, called the phase shift migration-based plane-wave bone imaging via velocity inversion (PSM-PW-VI), that can accurately and quickly image the multi-layer structure of cortical bone. In the PSM-PW-VI method, two identical linear array probes are arranged in parallel on both sides of the cortical bone for data acquisition. First, the ultrasound velocity distribution in the imaging region is obtained by using ultrasound travel time inversion. Next, two images corresponding to the upper probe and lower probe are acquired in parallel in the frequency domain by employing a phase shift migration-based coherent plane-wave compounding method. Finally, the two images are merged to generate a complete ultrasound image of the cortical bone. Wave propagation in cortical bone is simulated by using the open source toolbox k-wave in MATLAB. Ex-vivo experiments are conducted on 2.5-mm-thick sawbones phantom and 2.45-mm-thick bovine bone plates to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method, by using the Verasonics platform. Simulation, phantom (Sawbones), and ex-vivo experiments validate the effectiveness of the method. Notably, the average error of the thickness is less than 0.2 mm, and the relative error is less than 7% for both three-layer and five-layer cortical bone. The influence of the number of plane wave compounding angles on imaging quality is investigated, revealing that only 15 angles are sufficient to produce high-quality images. The influence of the velocity model on imaging accuracy is also examined since accurate sound velocity estimation is crucial for obtaining high-quality images of cortical bone. Finally, the performances of PSM-PW-VI and PSM-SA in imaging depth and efficiency are compared. The results demonstrate that the proposed PSM-PW-VI method offers significant improvements in temporal resolution, data storage and processing quantity, emission energy, and imaging depth. The experimental findings validate the effectiveness of the proposed method as an accurate and efficient ultrasound imaging tool for cortical bone, and its substantial role in promoting ultrasound bone imaging technology and clinical applications.
Viral genome sequence datasets display pervasive evidence of strand-specific substitution biases that are best described using non-reversible nucleotide substitution models
Authors: Sianga-Mete Rita , Hartnady Penelope , Mandikumba Wimbai Caroline , Rutherford Kayleigh , Currin Christopher Brian , Phelanyane Florence , Stefan Sabina , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L , Martin Darren Patrick
Published: May 2023

The vast majority of phylogenetic trees are inferred from molecular sequence data (nucleotides or amino acids) using time-reversible evolutionary models which assume that, for any pair of nucleotide or amino acid characters, the relative rate of X to Y substitution is the same as the relative rate of Y to X substitution. However, this reversibility assumption is unlikely to accurately reflect the actual underlying biochemical and/or evolutionary processes that lead to the fixation of substitutions. Here, we use empirical viral genome sequence data to reveal that evolutionary non-reversibility is pervasive among most groups of viruses. Specifically, we consider two non-reversible nucleotide substitution models: (1) a 6-rate non-reversible model (NREV6) in which Watson-Crick complementary substitutions occur at identical relative rates and which might therefor be most applicable to analyzing the evolution of genomes where both complementary strands are subject to the same mutational processes (such as might be expected for double-stranded (ds) RNA or dsDNA genomes); and (2) a 12-rate non-reversible model (NREV12) in which all relative substitution types are free to occur at different rates and which might therefore be applicable to analyzing the evolution of genomes where the complementary genome strands are subject to different mutational processes (such as might be expected for viruses with single-stranded (ss) RNA or ssDNA genomes).Using likelihood ratio and Akaike Information Criterion-based model tests, we show that, surprisingly, NREV12 provided a significantly better fit to 21/31 dsRNA and 20/30 dsDNA datasets than did the general time reversible (GTR) and NREV6 models with NREV6 providing a better fit than NREV12 and GTR in only 5/30 dsDNA and 2/31 dsRNA datasets. As expected, NREV12 provided a significantly better fit to 24/33 ssDNA and 40/47 ssRNA datasets. Next, we used simulations to show that increasing degrees of strand-specific substitution bias decrease the accuracy of phylogenetic inference irrespective of whether GTR or NREV12 is used to describe mutational processes. However, in cases where strand-specific substitution biases are extreme (such as in SARS-CoV-2 and Torque teno sus virus datasets) NREV12 tends to yield more accurate phylogenetic trees than those obtained using GTR.We show that NREV12 should, be seriously considered during the model selection phase of phylogenetic analyses involving viral genomic sequences.