bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Recognition Method of Chinese Cabbage Growth Periods Based on Swin Transformer and Transfer Learning
Authors: Chen Xin , Shi Yuexin , Li Xiang
Published: October 2023

Highlights

To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first intelligent recognition for Chinese cabbage growth period and proposed the Swin Transformer+1 model.

If the four growth periods were considered, the recognition accuracy rate of the model on the test set was 96.15%. If the transition periods of Chinese cabbage growth were considered, the model recognition accuracy rate was 97.17%.

Experiments showed that the Swin Transformer+1 model was robust and could be applied in real agricultural production.

Abstract. In order to facilitate agricultural management and improve the quality and yield of Chinese cabbage, it is necessary to intelligently identify the growth periods of Chinese cabbage. In this study, a transfer learning-based recognition model for Chinese cabbage growth periods was proposed, which could identify four growth periods of Chinese cabbage: “germination and seedling period,” “rosette period,” “heading period,” and “dormant period.” The data set of Chinese cabbage growth periods was built. The recognition model was named Swin Transformer+1, using Swin Transformer as the backbone network to extract image features, and a fully connected layer as the classifier. To optimize the model, we used Letterbox instead of Stretching to resize the image, used Focal Loss instead of Cross Entropy Loss as the loss function, and used Stochastic Weight Averaging instead of Adam as the optimizer. Transfer learning was used for training, which could solve the problems of overfitting and underfitting when training deep network with a small data set. We verified the effectiveness of the above improved methods through ablation experiments. Experiments showed that the Swin Transformer+1 model had a high recognition accuracy rate. If only the four growth periods were considered, the recognition accuracy rate was 96.15%. If the transition periods between two growth periods of Chinese cabbage were considered, the recognition accuracy rate was 97.17%. The model had strong robustness. It maintained a high recognition accuracy rate when the images in the test set were augmented. In general, Swin Transformer+1 model has high application value in actual agricultural production scenarios. Keywords: Chinese cabbage growth period, Deep learning, Image recognition, Swin transformer, Transfer learning
Minimum Spanning Tree Approach to Path Through K Specified Links
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Munapo Elias , Nyamugure Philimon , Tawanda Trust
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a minimum spanning tree approach to find a path through ‘k’ specified links. This problem has many real-life applications and unlike the shortest route, the path through specified links may have loops. The proposed method determines the route, which may either be an optimal or a near optimal path. It may also contain loops.
The use of drone to study the nesting behavior of milky stork: Some preliminary observations
Authors: MARDIASTUTI ANI , MULYANI YENI A. , AKBAR ANDRIE , WICAKSONO BASUKI , RAHMAWATI TIARA , WULANDARI YULIA P. , WARSAJAYA WARSAJAYA
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Mardiastuti A, Mulyani YA, Akbar A, Wicaksono B, Rahmawati T, Wulandari YP, Warsajaya. 2023. The use of drone to study the nesting behavior of milky stork: Some preliminary observations. Biodiversitas 24: 4549-4557. The use of a drone to census waterbirds has been increasingly popular. However, study on the waterbird’s behavioral response to the drone was still limited. The objective of this study is to reveal the response of the breeding milky stork Mycteria cinerea to the drone as a new and safer tool for collecting breeding behavior data. Factors that influence the success of the observation by using a drone were also identified and a set of recommendations was formulated. The research was conducted during the breeding season of the milky stork in Pulau Rambut, a small island in Jakarta Bay, between December 2022 and March 2023. Three types of drones were tested in the pilot study, and eventually, a small manually piloted drone (Syma X25 Pro) was found to be more appropriate for behavioral study. The bird response to the drone (no, neutral, temporary, negative response) was observed through a combination of various distances and angles of the drone to the nest trees. Despite the weather obstacles, this study suggested that the milky stork mostly (17 out of 20 trials) showed no response or neutral response to the drone. Some temporary responses were detected due to some accidental events, including a sudden launch of the drone. In conclusion, a small-size, easy-to-maneuver drone that produces low noise and mild wind can be used by using a manual pilot mode to study the breeding behavior of milky storks or other similar waterbird species.
Analysis Mycobacterium lepromatosis as the causative agent of diffuse lepromatous leprosy patient in Indonesia
Authors: ALINDA MEDHI DENISA , KARIM ABDUL , PUTRA BAGUS H. KUSUMA , WIDAYATI ERY , LISTIAWAN M. YULIANTO , ADRIATY DINAR , ISWAHYUDI ISWAHYUDI , WAHYUNINGTYAS PUPUT ADE , PRAKOESWA CITA ROSITA
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Adriaty D, Alinda MD, Karim A, Putra BHK, Agusni RI, Iswahyudi, Wahyuningtyas PA, Wahyuni R, Widayati E, Listiawan MY, Prakoeswa CR. 2023. Analysis Mycobacterium lepromatosis as the causative agent of diffuse lepromatous leprosy patient in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4521-4529. The present investigation deals with identifying, besides clinical signs, both microscopically and molecularly, to clearly differentiate the Mycobacterium lepromatosis genome against Mycobacterium leprae so that treatment can be carried out properly. To date, there has yet to be a report on this discovery in Indonesia. A 53-year-old Javanese man had ulceration on both legs that had been reoccurring in the past two years. Some of the ulcers were preceded by blisters that rapidly turned into a wound. The ulcers were described as wide and deep, covered with blackish crusts and some exudative areas with irregular edges. He had a history of recurrent epistaxis and had never been treated for leprosy. There was rapid progression and the development of new ulcers on his legs and hands for two weeks before hospitalization. There was body weakness, no fever, and the skin was shiny and ichthyosiform. On the face, diffuse infiltration will appear without nodules, and madarosis also occurs. Examination in this study used the BTA examination method, histopathological examination with HE and Wade-fite staining with biopsy material and the PCR method using skin slit smear material. The results of the BTA examination showed that BI was 3+, and MI showed 7%. Histopathology showed thinning of the epidermis with many foam cells containing BTA, including endnotes and perivascular tissues. Nested PCR examination with LERF2-MLER4 primers for detecting M. leprae showed a positive result with amplicon 135bp in size. Advanced PCR examination using LPMF2-MLER4 primers for detecting M. lepromatosis also showed a positive result with amplicons 142bp in size. The result of DNA sequencing was consistent with the order of nucleotides of M. lepromatosis. Based on the clinical and histopathological results, it was consistent with diffuse lepromatous leprosy and Lucio’s phenomenon. The DNA sequencing showed a suitable result with M. lepromatosis, which has been reported in Mexico. Thus, it can be concluded that in biomolecular strain, this bacterium is an M. lepromatosis that has never been reported in Indonesia.
Short Communication: Molecular identification of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose on shallot in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: SYAFITRI LUTHFIANA M. , WIBOWO ARIF , WIDIASTUTI ANI , SUBANDIYAH SITI , HARPER STEPHEN
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Syafitri LM, Wibowo A, Widiastuti A, Subandiyah S, Harper S. 2023. Short Communication: Molecular identification of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose on shallot in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4530-4534. Anthracnose is one of the most common diseases in shallot cultivation which contributes to cause a significant production loss in Indonesia. Morphological identification of C. gloeosporioides causing anthracnose in Indonesia had been described, however there is no report on the molecular identification to confirm the pathogen species. This report is conducted to reveal species of Colletotrichum causing shallot anthracnose based on specific primer for special complex of Colletotrichum. The method used in this study was sample isolation, morphological observation and molecular identification. The symptomatic leaf sample was collected from Bantul, Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's shallot productions, to be cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Morphological identification was carried out by using macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Molecular identification of the isolated fungi was amplified using specific primers for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex, CgInt and ITS4. Based on molecular identification, the pathogens were identified as C. gloeosporioides Penz, which showed 98.07% percent identity with C. gloeosporioides AJ311884.1 isolate. This study elucidated that CgInt and ITS4 primers showed as a reliable primer set to be used for Colletotrichum species complex identification. The primer set was able to differ the conserved region among some Colletotrichum spp. Therefore, it is potential to be used for molecular identification. To our best knowledge, this is the first novel report on molecular identification of C. gloeosporioides causing anthracnose in shallot in Indonesia.
Applying culturomics to understand the motives behind the surrender of pet gibbons: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: ABDI AFRIZAL MAULANA
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Abdi AM. 2023. Applying culturomics to understand the motives behind the surrender of pet gibbons: Evidence from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4606-4616. Seven of nine gibbon (Hylobatidae) species in Indonesia are protected by national regulation with threats to habitat fragmentation and illegal trade. People persist in owning gibbons as pet animals, violating the protected species law. To date, numerous pet gibbons have been surrendered to the authorities, which could result from intensified public awareness. More targeted demand reduction campaigns may be possible with a better understanding of the motivations behind these handovers. This study aims to document gibbon surrenders by the public to authorities and the motives behind these actions. Instagram posts and online local news were collated and analyzed between 2016 and 2023, comprising information on gibbon handovers to the authorities. From the 138 posts analyzed, 161 gibbon individuals, including 6 species from Sumatra (47.2%), Kalimantan (29.8%), Java (21.7%), and Bali (1.2%) were surrendered. Since 2016, the annual number of gibbons received by authorities has steadily increased. Handover motives appear to be overwhelmingly based on legal reasons. Although regarded as ineffective in mitigating trade, law enforcement and fear of the law were the primary reasons for gibbon handovers. Therefore, publicizing successful law enforcement cases of gibbon trade in the media could deter future buyers and reduce demand.
Mapping Islamophobia: The Indian Media Environment
Authors: Haque M. Mohibul , Khan Abdullah
Published: October 2023

India’s diverse and complex media environment reflects the wide range of linguistic, social, political, and economic differences encompassed by the country’s population. A recent Islamophobic trend in the Indian media environment—the spread of fake news and incendiary narratives in online media against Muslims—has led to social, religious, political polarization, and recurrent violence against Muslims. It seems that Islamophobia is holding sway in the entire country and a certain mentality has developed. If we analyze contemporary Indian society, it is apparent that every layer of the society is in the grip of deep Islamophobia. The dissemination of Islamophobic information in media, particularly social media, often peddled by political actors and their supporters to further xenophobic politics, has in recent years emerged as a formidable challenge that threatens to tear apart the social fabric of India. This chapter will examine the Islamophobic media coverage in India, the deliberate and carefully designed dissemination of factually inaccurate narratives, signs of Islamophobia, and the government’s stance on this issue.
VIS-NIR TMOKE enhanced dielectric-metal hybrid structure for high performance dual-channel sensing
Authors: Li Lixia , Du Linqiao , Zong Xueyang , Liu Yufang
Published: October 2023

Magneto-plasmon sensors based on the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) have been extensively studied in recent years. In this paper, we theoretically propose a hybrid structure composed of a one-dimensional bismuth iron garnet: yttrium iron garnet (BIG: YIG) nanowire arrays and thin film stack, which is grown on an infinite thick silicon wafer. The thin film stack, from top to bottom, consists of the following layers: BIG: YIG, SiO2, and Au. By exciting the magnetic dipole resonance mode between the cylindrical nanowires and the SPP mode on the surface of the Au film, dual-channel sensing has been achieved in both visible and infrared spectra. The results demonstrate that the TMOKE response spectrum of the structure supports ultra-narrow linewidths of 0.03 nm in the visible light range and 1.54 nm in the infrared range. By changing the refractive index of the analyte, the detected sensitivity of the sensor system in visible and infrared bands is 553 nm RIU-1 and 285 nm RIU-1, and the Figure of merit (FOM) can reach up to 69125 RIU-1 and 303 RIU-1, respectively. This work provides a theoretical basis and a feasible approach for the design of dual channel gas sensors.
Second-order coherence across the Brillouin lasing threshold
Authors: Cryer-Jenkins E. A. , Enzian G. , Freisem L. , Moroney N. , Price J. J. , Svela A. Ø. , Major K. D. , Vanner M. R.
Published: October 2023

Brillouin–Mandelstam scattering is one of the most accessible nonlinear optical phenomena and has been widely studied since its theoretical discovery one hundred years ago. The scattering mechanism is a three-wave-mixing process between two optical fields and one acoustic field and has found a broad range of applications spanning microscopy to ultra-narrow-linewidth lasers. Building on the success of utilizing this nonlinearity at a classical level, a rich avenue is now being opened to explore Brillouin scattering within the paradigm of quantum optics. Here, we take a key step in this direction by employing quantum optical techniques yet to be utilized for Brillouin scattering to characterize the second-order coherence of Stokes scattering across the Brillouin lasing threshold. We use a silica microsphere resonator and single-photon counters to observe the expected transition from bunched statistics of thermal light below the lasing threshold to Poissonian statistics of coherent light above the threshold. Notably, at powers approaching the lasing threshold, we also observe super-thermal statistics, which arise due to instability and a “flickering” in and out of lasing as the pump field is transiently depleted. The statistics observed across the transition, including the “flickering,” are a result of the full nonlinear three-wave-mixing process and cannot be captured by a linearized model. These measurements are in good agreement with numerical solutions of the three-wave Langevin equations and are well demarcated by analytical expressions for the instability and the lasing thresholds. These results demonstrate that applying second-order-coherence and photon-counting measurements to Brillouin scattering provides new methods to advance our understanding of Brillouin scattering itself and progress toward quantum-state preparation and characterization of acoustic modes.
Microtubules oppose cortical actomyosin-driven membrane ingression during C. elegans meiosis I polar body extrusion
Authors: Quiogue Alyssa R. , Sumiyoshi Eisuke , Fries Adam , Chuang Chien-Hui , Bowerman Bruce
Published: October 2023

During C. elegans oocyte meiosis I cytokinesis and polar body extrusion, cortical actomyosin is locally remodeled to assemble a contractile ring that forms within and remains part of a much larger and actively contractile cortical actomyosin network. This network both mediates contractile ring dynamics and generates shallow ingressions throughout the oocyte cortex during polar body extrusion. Based on our analysis of requirements for CLS-2, a member of the CLASP family of proteins that stabilize microtubules, we recently proposed that a balance of actomyosin-mediated tension and microtubule-mediated stiffness limits membrane ingression throughout the oocyte during meiosis I polar body extrusion. Here, using live cell imaging and fluorescent protein fusions, we show that CLS-2 is part of a group of kinetochore proteins, including the scaffold KNL-1 and the kinase BUB-1, that also co-localize during meiosis I to structures called linear elements, which are present within the assembling oocyte spindle and also are distributed throughout the oocyte in proximity to, but appearing to underlie, the actomyosin cortex. We further show that KNL-1 and BUB-1, like CLS-2, promote the proper organization of sub-cortical microtubules and also limit membrane ingression throughout the oocyte. Moreover, nocodazole or taxol treatment to destabilize or stabilize oocyte microtubules leads to, respectively, excess or decreased membrane ingression throughout the oocyte. Furthermore, taxol treatment, and genetic backgrounds that elevate the levels of cortically associated microtubules, both suppress excess membrane ingression in cls-2 mutant oocytes. We propose that linear elements influence the organization of sub-cortical microtubules to generate a stiffness that limits cortical actomyosin-driven membrane ingression throughout the oocyte during meiosis I polar body extrusion. We discuss the possibility that this regulation of sub-cortical microtubule dynamics facilitates actomyosin contractile ring dynamics during C. elegans oocyte meiosis I cell division.
Perceptions and acceptability of co-administered albendazole, ivermectin and azithromycin mass drug administration, among the health workforce and recipient communities in Ethiopia
Authors: McPherson Scott , Geleta Dereje , Tafese Getinet , Tafese Temesgen , Behaksira Sinkinesh , Solomon Hiwot , Oljira Birhanu , Miecha Hirpa , Gemechu Lalisa , Debebe Kaleab , Kebede Biruck , Gebre Teshome , Kebede Fikreab , Seife Fikre , Tadesse Fentahun , Mammo Belete , Aseffa Abraham , Solomon Anthony W. , Mabey David C. W. , Marks Michael , Gadisa Endalamaw
Published: October 2023

Several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) employ mass drug administration (MDA) as part of their control or elimination strategies. This has historically required multiple distinct campaigns, each targeting one or more NTDs, representing a strain on both the recipient communities and the local health workforce implementing the distribution. We explored perceptions and attitudes surrounding combined MDA among these two groups of stakeholders. Our qualitative study was nested within a cluster randomized non-inferiority safety trial of combined ivermectin, albendazole and azithromycin MDA. Using semi-structured question guides, we conducted 16 key informant interviews with selected individuals involved in implementing MDA within the participating district. To better understand the perceptions of recipient communities, we also conducted four focus group discussions with key community groups. Individuals were selected from both the trial arm (integrated MDA) and the control arm (standard MDA) to provide a means of comparison and discussion. All interviews and focus group discussions were led by fluent Afaan oromo speakers. Interviewers transcribed and later translated all discussions into English. The study team synthesized and analyzed the results via a coding framework and software. Most respondents appreciated the time and effort saved via the co-administered MDA strategy but there were some misgivings amongst community beneficiaries surrounding pill burden. Both the implementing health work force members and beneficiaries reported refusals stemming from lack of understanding around the need for the new drug regimen as well as some mistrust of government officials among the youth. The house-to-house distribution method, adopted as a COVID-19 prevention strategy, was by far preferred by all beneficiaries over central-point MDA, and may have led to greater acceptability of co-administration. Our data demonstrate that a co-administration strategy for NTDs is acceptable to both communities and health staff.
Congestion in multi-function parallel network DEA
Authors: Kassaei Sarvar Sadat , Lotfi Farhad Hosseinzadeh , Amirteimoori Alireza , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh Mohsen , Rahmani Parchikolaei Bijan
Published: October 2023

Congestion is an economic phenomenon of the production process in which the excessive values of inputs lead to a reduction of the outputs. As the existence of congestion makes to increase costs and decreases efficiency, this issue is not acceptable for decision makers. Hence, many methods have been proposed to detect the congestion in the Data Envelopment Analysis framework (DEA). Most of these methods are designed to deal with the decision making units (DMUs) that have no network structure. However, in most real-world applications, some units are composed of independent production subunits. Therefore, a new scheme is required to determine the congestion of such units. A multi-function parallel system is a more common case in the real world that is composed of the same number of subunits such that each subunit has specific functions. In this paper, considering the operation of individual components of each DMU, a new DEA model is proposed to identify and evaluate the congestion of the multi-function parallel systems. It is shown that the proposed method is highly economical in comparison with the existing black-box view from a computational viewpoint. Then, the proposed model is illustrated using a numerical example along with a real case study.
Development of New Business Opportunities for Sustainable Development – Lesson Learned from Pandemic Crisis
Authors: ȘERBAN Octavian , VÎLCU (TĂNASE) Elena Crizantema , SABIE Oana Matilda , DUMITRACHE Victor Marian
Published: October 2023

During the pandemic crisis it was observed that the whole global economy was affected especially by severe disruption of supply-demand balance. Even so, the most affected were low-income economies because of lack of resources to redistribute in the sake of resilience and recovery. We cannot say that the developed economies were not affected, in real terms probably much more than the lower-income ones, but developed countries or regions were capable to dislocate huge financial support to overcome the crisis and to quickly regain the level before shock. The purpose of this research is to analyse the effects of health crisis over the economy.  Because four crises are overlapping (health, energy, geostrategic conflict, and food), it is quite difficult to measure the impact of each driver with accuracy. To determine the impact of those four factors is necessary to understand the dynamic of productivity and competitiveness during shocks, even though we cope with health influence, energy prices, geopolitical turbulence, or food security. All in all, partially for energy crisis, the other crises were totally unexpected, and the response of humanity, global institutions, alliances, and association of countries is customized according to the evolution of turbulences. Here is the role of government because, from the capacity building perspective, there is necessary more integration between government, research/education, and business ecosystem in order to encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. In the 4th Industrial Revolution, the main resource and key factor is knowledge embedded in every step of the process, embodied in equipment and machinery, on the one hand, and in human, on the other hand. Robotics, new materials, nanotechnologies, and digital environment give a new dimension to productivity and competitiveness. From this perspective, our goal is to demonstrate de supremacy of collaborative approach for shaping knowledge in the way of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity, and competitiveness.

Keywords: productivity, competitiveness, crisis, sustainable development, knowledge economy
Sustainability Through Extroversion: The Curious Case of Municipal and Public Libraries in Greece
Authors: Katsira Georgia , Koulouris Alexandros
Published: October 2023

Public and municipal libraries, besides being keepers of local community documents and books, are - or should be - modern hubs of knowledge and diffusers of information to the community that surrounds them. This article reveals the areas of extroversion that municipal and public libraries can undertake, focusing on the efforts they need to make in order to best interact with local communities, going beyond their traditional usage of addressing only their patrons. Furthermore, the results of a survey conducted in the frame of the 4th Panhellenic Public Libraries Conference are presented, showing how much extroverted librarians working in public and municipal libraries are considered, as well as what kind of extroversion programs they implement in their library.

Keywords: public libraries, municipal libraries, extroversion, innovation, sustainability of libraries, lifelong learning, information literacy
Analysing the Design Criteria of Public Open Spaces for the Disabled Persons: An Evaluation of Kumsal Park in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Erçin Çilen , Al Hindwan Ibtihal
Published: October 2023

Every person, regardless of their race, culture, origin, or religion, has an inherent right to move and live comfortably in various environments. This principle extends universally to include individuals with disabilities. It is crucial to recognize and uphold the rights of disabled individuals to equal access, participation, and inclusion in all aspects of life, including physical environments, public spaces, transportation, communication, and social interactions. By promoting inclusivity and eliminating barriers, society can create a fairer and more accessible world that allows people with disabilities to fully engage in their rights as valued members of the community. Hence, it is crucial to guarantee the convenient accessibility of all public areas since they play a substantial part in our everyday experiences. The objective of the research paper is to examine the standards for designing POS, particularly emphasizing their appropriateness for people with disabilities. The study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of Kumsal Park's design elements, assessing whether they adequately consider the needs of disabled individuals. The data collection involves a structured questionnaire that covers demographics, general information about Kumsal Park, park design features, and design criteria for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, data is collected through observations using a checklist created based on the study's observations. While Kumsal Park in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus, demonstrates satisfactory design criteria in certain areas, improvements are required to cater to disabled individuals and enhance the overall park experience. Addressing the identified issues, such as lighting, parking, security, activities, and signage, and improving accessibility features will contribute to creating a more inclusive and satisfying environment for all visitors.

Keywords: design criteria, public open spaces, parks, disabled persons, universal design, Kumsal Park, Northern Cyprus.
The Sustainable Development Program with the Neoliberal Approach: A Reflection on The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Zou Qijia
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, addressing the environmental issues through deliberate educational interventions was optimistically seen by multiple actors, and has become a dominant discourse in current policy agendas. Since Education of Sustainable Development (ESD) is contextualized in the grand socio-political canvas, and certainly complicated in terms of its ways that came into existence and manner of expression. As we are half-way to approaching the education 2030 agenda, it’s time for us to take a step back and re-examine the ideological and political drivers. This is an important step to reflect on where the path we embark on is leading us to.

This paper aims to uncover how the ESD was shaped by the logic of neoliberalism in the first place, and how this manifested in the contemporary sustainable development education program. Next, using a rhetorical analysis along with the Hyatt’s Critical Discourse Policy Analysis Frame into the textual construction of The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) initiative document, this article considers about how neoliberal beliefs are reversing as reasonable grounds for mainstream discourse of ESD. Ultimately, the paper argues neoliberalism has been embedded, normalized and hence concealed in the discourses and practices of sustainable development, as exemplified by DESD initiative.

Keywords: DESD; ESD; neoliberalism; sustainability citizenship
Using Automated Decision-Making and Macroeconomic Data Flows for Governance Resilience
Authors: Bran Florina , Bodislav Dumitru Alexandru , Crețu Cătălin Romeo , Petrescu Irina Elena
Published: October 2023

This study is based on an algorithm created for the American stock market to improve closed investment funds' efficiency, which had as a secondary output a suitable and sustainable model that could be scaled to fit solutions for problems with automated decision making at the government level, similar to a fundamental business intelligence solution (that adheres to similar procedures as the IBM Cognos workflow), which provides a solution in creating the best sustainable model. The model is based on businesses that are listed on the NASDAQ and LSE since these markets offer the finest examples of transparency and accurate audits. It also replicates the economic sectors that make up a fictitious national economy. In order to provide a better perspective and to report the main findings of this study, we also created an overview to analyze the development of B.A.D.E.M., an indicator that simulates a national economy, which in 2023 reached its tenth version, and HSS, a micro-indicator that simulates the healthcare sector.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, automated decision making, business intelligence, economic growth, resilience
Supporting Policies for the Renewal of Public Vehicle Fleets to Achieve Efficient Carbon Mitigation
Authors: Jakovics Tibor Princz- , Horváth György Ádám
Published: October 2023

The aim of the research is to establish an assessment framework for evaluating transport-related carbon emission reduction options. The reduction of fleet-related emissions must build momentum, as the transport sector remains a substantial contributor to global carbon emissions. Through the use of this framework, better supporting policy for the transition of public service vehicle fleets to electromobility would be prepared. The greatest impact for investment can be achieved by facilitating the transition of vehicles with the largest distances driven. Hence, careful consideration of the operational conditions and the level of efficiency of different modes of public transport would be subject of analysis. The energy consumption of public vehicles can be calculated on the basis of the specific fuel consumption patterns and operational data of fleets. This method can be used to estimate the decarbonisation potential of different vehicle types, which may nevertheless differ significantly. The assessment framework will make abatement costs comparable and provide a basis for the targeted application of supporting policies. As preference should be given to vehicles with the lowest marginal abatement costs to effectively reduce the sector's carbon emissions, these must be identified. The theoretical contribution of this research is an evaluation framework that provides relevant data for decision makers to assess the long-term financial and social impacts of different public fleet renewal supporting strategies.

Keywords: assessment framework, emission calculations, electromobility, supporting policies, marginal abatement costs.
Work Alienation and Work Engagement. The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Stănescu Dan Florin , Romașcanu Marius Constantin
Published: October 2023

In the present research, we aimed to study the relationship between work alienation and work engagement and the mediating role of perceived social support. The current study used data from 178 participants (48 men and 130 women) aged 21 to 53 years (M=30.88, SD=9.00). Participants were invited to complete the following instruments: Work Alienation Scale (Nair & Vohra, 2009), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli & Bakker, 2003). Findings indicate that work alienation and work engagement correlate significantly negatively (r=-.755, p<.01). Similarly, work alienation also correlated significantly negatively with perceived social support (r=-.744, p<.01). Also, perceived social support has proven to be an important mediator between work alienation and work engagement (z=-10.17, p<.01).

Keywords: work alienation, work engagement, perceived social support, mediation.
Determinants of the Probability of Non-repayment of Loans Granted to Individuals
Authors: Calin Ana Maria , Pargaru Oana Iacob , Raducan Dragos , Buzoianu Ovidiu Andrei Cristian
Published: October 2023

This paper presents non-performing loans granted to individuals as well as methods of prevention and recovery. This risk of non-repayment is recorded when the debtor cannot honor his due obligations to the bank in time according to the credit agreement. The objectives of the homework are to understand the credit system of natural persons, to know and carefully analyze the client's file with the aim of making or not the credit decision and finally granting the loan. Credit restructuring is an essential method in counteracting the appearance of non-performing loans, which aims to support a bank's customers, so that they can deal with financial impasse situations that have temporarily arisen in the various stages of the development of credit contracts. The process of periodic verification of the contract with the borrower, the guarantees offered, including visits to the place where the client operates are essential factors in order to prevent the risk of default. Loans approved for borrowers who, during the course of the lending period, experience a worsening economic-financial situation are called non-performing loans, that is, they can no longer meet the terms of repayment of the loan, nor can they cover the interest expense and related commissions.

Key words: bank, COVID-19, credit, loans
Metaverse Marketing – The Future of Sustainable Marketing
Authors: MOISE Daniel , DIACONU Amelia , OANCEA NEGESCU Mihaela Diana , DINU Mihai
Published: October 2023

Society is evolving and even trying to “conquer” new universes, no matter if they are physical, virtual online. The CoVid-19 Pandemic, wars, natural catastrophes, are pushing humans to adopt and to spend more time in Metaverse platforms, as a means of escaping the ordinary and their daily problems. Where there are potential customers, companies, or organizations will follow in order to change the behavior and make them purchase products, or services, increase the brand awareness, or in the case of politicians, or politics, determine them to vote, or agree with the wanted strategies. Not only will the customers have avatars, as well as organizations are becoming more humane and attractive towards users. Organizations are investing in technologies related to AI (artificial intelligence) and technologies related to multiverse as the attractiveness of these virtual universes are more and more appealing. In this study, we are conducting research in order to discover what the benefits are, but also how brands, companies and organizations that are joining, use marketing strategies, policies and tactics to increase their sales. In the Metaverse platforms, there will not be only the place to spend leisure time, socialize, do the shopping, even working, or why not, even voting, there being practically no limits. We have discovered in this study that customers would also like some sort of regulations, which relate to how marketing and experiential marketing are conducted in Metaverse platforms. Like the Internet, the Metaverse has the power to drastically change economic and social life for all the parties involved.

Keywords: Metaverse, marketing, experiential marketing, customer behavior, AI
Sustainable Science Through a Case Study of Sample Preparation Using 3D Printed Tools.
Authors: Whitmore Lawrence
Published: October 2023

The combination of cloud-based resources, user-friendly cloud-based design applications and 3D printing (3DP) is making possible a new sustainable paradigm in scientific research. Tools and components can be self-made by downloading model designs, optimizing those designs for individual experiments and printing locally. Together with the use of materials for 3DP filaments derived from renewable resources and recycling of old printed structures, science labs and institutes can significantly reduce their carbon footprint to meet their Sustainable Development Goals. This new sustainable paradigm is evaluated through a case study of sample preparation - a fundamental aspect of materials science. For high quality investigation of material microstructures, even to the atomic scale, sample preparation is critical. A range of 3DP plastic tools for preparing samples has been developed. The design and fabrication of a 3DP vibrational polishing machine and a 3DP dimpling machine are described along with test results from microstructural analyses of brass and silicon that show the high-quality scientific studies possible using these low-CO2e tools.

Keywords: 3D printing, sustainable development, sustainability mindset, carbon footprint, materials science, sample preparation.
A Conceptual Framework for Subdomain Specific Pre-Training of Large Language Models for Green Claim Detection
Authors: Moodaley Wayne , Telukdarie Arnesh
Published: October 2023

Detection of false or misleading green claims (referred to as “greenwashing”) within company sustainability disclosures is challenging for a number of reasons, which include the textual and qualitative nature, volume, and complexity of such disclosures. In recent years, notable progress made in the fields of artificial intelligence and specifically, large language models (LLMs), has showcased the capacity of these tools to effectively analyse extensive and intricate textual data, including the contents of sustainability disclosures. Transformer-based LLMs, such as Google’s BERT architecture, were trained on general domain text corpora. Subsequent research has shown that further pre-training of such LLMs on specific domains, such as the climate or sustainability domains, may improve performance. However, previous research often uses text corpora that exhibit significant variation across topics and language and which often consist of heterogeneous subdomains. We therefore propose a conceptual framework for further pre-training of transformer based LLMs using text corpora relating to specific sustainability subdomains i.e. subdomain specific pre-training. We do so as a basis for the improved performance of such models in analysing sustainability disclosures. The main contribution is a conceptual framework to advance the use of LLMs for the reliable identification of green claims and ultimately, greenwashing.

Keywords: greenwashing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, sustainability reporting, sustainability disclosures.
Sustainable - Lifelong Learning in Transit from TVET to the University: A Recognition of Prior Learning Phenomenon
Authors: Masoabi Charles S
Published: October 2023

This study seeks to explore the application of recognition of prior learning (RPL) process on N6 students from Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at the university of technology (UoT). In the context of this study RPL is seen as a vehicle that promotes lifelong learning for sustainable development among youth. The researcher employs case study design situated in qualitative research approach. The target group of participants are heads of departments (HODs) in the UoT from faculties that render similar studies as those found in the neighbouring TVET college. The HODs are the custodians of admission process. Open-ended question online survey will be developed on Question-pro and emailed to the respective HODs for their response. Content analysis will also be used on documents such as institutional and the department of higher education (DHET) RPL policies. The study revealed that the RPL process is a lengthy and costly exercise, and there are no funds dedicated to the assessment process. Although the institution under study has RPL policy, it is rather inadequate to guide HODs in promotion of lifelong learning for sustainable development of human resources.

Keywords: Recognition of prior learning, lifelong learning for sustainable development, TVET.
Through Circularity Towards Sustainability: Assessing the Progress and Challenges of the Circular Economy in the EU and Slovakia
Authors: Huttmanová Emília , Chovancová Jana , Steiner Martin J.F. , Ramharter Peter M. , Kočiščáková Kristína
Published: October 2023

Sustainable development poses a significant challenge to modern civilization. The current problems and crises underscore the urgent need to establish a sustainable society, marking a crucial milestone in human evolution. The concept of sustainability has gained increasing prominence as a scientific, social, and political concern. The European Union strongly emphasizes the transition to a circular economy as a sustainable approach to economic growth. This circular economy model, one of the transformative policies of the Green Deal, is intended to pave the way for a sustainable future. It is now recognized as one of several approaches to achieving sustainability, as it encompasses and interconnects the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. The main objective of this paper is to assess the present state and progress of the circular economy in Slovakia, employing selected indicators within the context of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

Keywords: Circular economy. Sustainability. Municipal waste. Recycling rate. European Union countries.
Abu Hureyra, Syria, Part 3: Comet airbursts triggered major climate change 12,800 years ago that initiated the transition to agriculture
Authors: Moore Andrew M.T. , Kennett James P. , Napier William M. , LeCompte Malcolm A. , Moore Christopher R. , West Allen
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the hypothesis that Earth collided with fragments of a disintegrating comet, triggering Younger Dryas climate change 12,800 years ago. This collision created environmental conditions at Abu Hureyra, Syria, that favored the earliest known continuous cultivation of domestic-type grains and legumes, along with animal management, adding to the pre-existing practice of hunting-and-gathering. The proposed airburst coincided with a significant decline in local populations and led to architectural reorganizations of the village. These events immediately followed the deposition of the Younger Dryas Boundary layer that contains peak concentrations of high-temperature meltglass, nanodiamonds, platinum, and iridium. These proxies provide evidence of a nearby low-altitude airburst by a comet-like fragment of a former Centaur, one of many <300-km-wide bodies in unstable orbits between the giant planets. This large body is proposed to have undergone cascading disintegrations, thus producing the Taurid Complex containing Comet Encke and ~90 asteroids with diameters of ~1.5 to 5 km. Here, we present substantial new quantitative evidence and interpretations supporting the hypothesis that comet fragments triggered near-global shifts in climate ~12,800 years ago, and one airburst destroyed the Abu Hureyra village. This evidence implies a causative link between extraterrestrial airbursts, environmental change, and transformative shifts in human societies.
Firefly Algorithm Optimization of Manipulator Robotic Control Based on Fast Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Mallem Ali , Douak Fouzi , Walid Beneziza , Asma Bounouara
Published: October 2023

In this paper a new algorithm of optimization in the field of manipulator robotic control is presented. The proposed control approach based on fast terminal sliding mode control (FTSMC) in order to guarantee the convergence of the position articulations errors to zero in finite time without chattering phenomena, and the firefly algorithm in order to generate the optimal parameters that ensure minimum reaching time and mean square error and achieve better performances, whose ensure the asymptotic stability of the system using a Lyapunov candidate in presence of disturbances. The simulations are applied on a two-link robotic manipulator with different tracking references by using Matlab/ Simulink , results show the efficiency and  confirm the robustness of the proposed control strategy.
A Distributed Big Data Analytics Models for Traffic Accidents Classification and Recognition based SparkMlLib Cores
Authors: El Mallahi Imad , Riffi Jamal , Tairi Hamid , Ez-Zahout Abderrahamane , Mahraz Mohamed Adnane
Published: October 2023

In this paper, our focus is on predicting the severity of traffic accidents, which represents a significant advancement in road accident management. Addressing this issue holds crucial implications for emergency logistical planning within urban areas. To assess accident severity within congested settings, we analyze the potential consequences of accidents, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of accident management protocols.
In the context of this study, we introduce a real-time big data project. Our approach involves the implementation and comparison of various machine learning algorithms, namely Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The objective is to accurately classify and predict the severity of traffic accidents. Our methodology revolves around the real-time capture of incoming datasets, which are then stored within a Hadoop Distributed File System cluster. Subsequently, we leverage the core functionality of Spark MLlib, making use of pre-implemented Lambda functions. Throughout the project, classification and recognition tasks are conducted as part of the data locality processing paradigm.
To validate our approach, we utilize a confusion matrix, which enables us to gauge the interclass impacts among Pedestrians, Vehicles or pillion passengers, and Drivers or riders. For empirical validation, we employ the TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS_2019_LEEDS dataset sourced from the Road Safety Department of Transport. This dataset facilitates the classification of severity predictions into three distinct categories: Pedestrian, vehicle or pillion passenger, and driver or rider. Notably, our experiments reveal impressive results. The Random Forest algorithm achieves an accuracy rate of 93%, outperforming SVM at 82% and ANN at 87%. Furthermore, in terms of precision-recall metrics, Random Forest also excels with a score of 93.82%, compared to SVM's 82.22% and ANN's 87.88%.