bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLOBAL FEED PRODUCTION DOWN SLIGHTLY IN 2023. Р.2
Authors: Agri-Food Outlook Alltech
Published: August 2024

Alltech’s Agri- Food Outlook estimates that global feed tonnage totaled 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT) in 2023, a decrease of 2.6 million metric tons (MMT) — or 0.2% — from 2022*. The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. Slower production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. The feed tonnage rate — defined as the amount of feed produced and distributed per unit of livestock or poultry — is influenced by multiple factors that affect the demand and supply of feed, as well as the efficiency and profitability of animal production. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.
Evaluating Machine Learning-based Security
Frameworks for Public Cloud Data Protection
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Paranjape Vishal , Hasan Zohaib , Verma Saurabh
Published: August 2024

The rapid adoption of cloud computing services has fundamentally transformed data management and
storage within organizations. Public cloud computing offers numerous advantages, including cost efficiency,
scalability, and accessibility. However, these benefits come with significant concerns regarding data security. As
sensitive data increasingly migrates to public cloud environments, the potential risks associated with unauthorized
access, data breaches, and other cyber threats become more pronounced. Traditional security measures often prove
insufficient to address the dynamic and complex nature of threats in public cloud settings, driving interest in advanced
technologies such as machine learning (ML) to enhance data security. This paper explores the challenges associated
with data security in public cloud computing and proposes a solution framework based on machine learning. The
proposed method demonstrates an accuracy of 97.6%, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.403, and a root mean square
error (RMSE) of 0.203. Various machine learning models and techniques are integrated into comprehensive security
architecture capable of adapting to evolving threats and providing robust data security. The effectiveness of the
proposed solution is evaluated through a series of experiments and case studies. The findings highlight the potential of
machine learning in transforming data security practices in public cloud computing. As organizations continue to rely
on cloud services, adopting advanced security measures will be critical to ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and
availability of their data. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cloud security and provides a
foundation for future research and development in this domain
Effect of Fiber Length and Orientation on the
Mechanical Properties of Glass Reinforced
Fibre Concrete
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Tiwari Vaibhav , Khare Arun Kumar , Tiwari Preeti , Jain Pranshul
Published: August 2024

Glass Reinforced Fibre Concrete (GFRC) has emerged as a superior alternative to traditional concrete
due to its enhanced mechanical properties and durability. This research paper investigates the effects of fiber length and
orientation on the mechanical properties of GFRC. Through a series of experiments, the study evaluates how variations
in glass fiber length and orientation influence key properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural
strength. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing GFRC formulations for improved performance in
structural applications.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Polymers Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Tiwari Ashish
Published: August 2024

Graphene-based nanocomposites have emerged as a revolutionary class of materials owing to their
extraordinary mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This research paper provides a detailed review of recent
advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and enhancement of mechanical properties in graphene-based polymer
nanocomposites. The study delves into various synthesis techniques such as chemical vapor deposition, liquid-phase
exfoliation, and in situ polymerization, emphasizing the importance of graphene functionalization for improved
dispersion and interfacial bonding within the polymer matrix. Characterization methods, including Raman
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy, are explored comprehensively. The mechanical
properties of these nanocomposites are analyzed, highlighting their potential applications in the automotive, aerospace,
and electronics industries.
Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Concrete Quality with Partial Replacement of Cement by Silica Fume and Metakaolin Using M-Sand as Fine Aggregate
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Verma Parth , Hoonka Vaibhav , Khare Arun Kumar , Mishra Gurusharan , Sirbaiya Bhupendra
Published: August 2024

The review explores alternative construction strategies to stretch existing budgets and increase road capacity. It presents three options: replacing cement with Metakaolin, GGBS, and Silica Fumes, which can reduce cement dependency in concrete and enhance its strength and durability. High-strength concrete, with a characteristic cube strength above 40 MPa, is used in bridges, aqueducts, high-rise buildings, and dams. The study found that substituting cement with metakaolin, GGBS, or a combination of these materials improved compressive strength, workability, and durability. Additionally, the study examined the strength properties of M-80 grade concrete with Glenium B233, revealing that the strength of concrete increases with the addition of metakaolin, and the workability of concrete with GGBS is also improved.
Ethical AI: Developing Frameworks for Responsible Deployment in Autonomous Systems
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Pali Pankaj , Dhanwani Mohit , Jagwani Sarthak
Published: August 2024

Ensuring ethical deployment of AI in autonomous systems is crucial to mitigate potential risks and societal impacts. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that integrates ethical principles into the AI development lifecycle. By utilizing adaptive and resilient mechanisms, the framework ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems. Experimental results highlight significant improvements in ethical compliance and operational safety compared to traditional AI deployment methods.
Salinity and oven-drying effects on the plasticity of a marine soft clay
Authors: Suwal Laxmi , Pineda Jubert Andres , Turner Brett , Musso Guido
Published: August 2024

Considering the extensive use of plasticity-based correlations in geotechnical practice to estimate soil parameters, this paper evaluates the influence of pore fluid salinity and soil drying on the plasticity of Ballina clay, an estuarine soft clay from northern New South Wales (Australia). A comprehensive experimental study, which includes controlled leaching/salinisation paths applied to natural (remoulded) as well as oven-dried clay, prior to the estimation of the Atterberg limits, is presented. Plasticity tests are complemented with chemical analysis of the pore fluid carried out to evaluate the processes involved in the leaching/salinisation mechanisms for remoulded and oven-dried clay. A strong dependency of liquid limit on pore fluid salinity and oven-drying is observed in Ballina clay. Leaching modifies the soil fabric from an initially saline–sodic flocculated towards a normal flocculated arrangement. The experimental results show that changes in soil plasticity upon leaching are largely reversible upon salinisation paths. Oven-drying promotes the stacking of clay minerals (aggregation), which in turn reduces the water absorption capacity of the clay. The consequences of neglecting both salinity and drying effects in practice when adopting well-established relationships between mechanical parameters and soil plasticity are also briefly discussed.
An accident severity prediction framework with consideration of features interaction
Authors: Dong Lei , Gong Ruidong , Wang Zhijian , Chen Zhongxin , Li Yanfeng , Ren Weibo
Published: August 2024

Accident severity prediction is increasingly important for preventing and reducing losses due to traffic accidents. However, many studies ignore the complex relationship between features during feature selection. To improve the prediction accuracy of an accident severity prediction model, in this paper, the interactions between multiple features are considered. First, the feature selection algorithm of recursive feature elimination with cross-validation is improved by using Shapley additive explanations as the feature importance assessment metric. Then, to decrease the time expense of manually finding hyperparameters of the model, the hunter–prey optimisation (HPO) algorithm is introduced and logistic mapping together with stochastic perturbation is added to it, which makes it easier to skip out of the partial optimum during the optimisation search. Finally, the improved HPO algorithm is used to optimise the hyperparameters of the CatBoost model. The US traffic accident dataset is introduced for the validity of the proposed framework. Experimental results show that the proposed framework achieves a prediction accuracy of 96.63%, which is better than other state-of-the-art methods. The high accuracy of the prediction model can help decision-makers develop more rational transportation policies; some traffic management measures are also proposed in this study, based on the selected features.
Litigating the right to basic education for undocumented children in South Africa: The role of the courts in advancing access to schools
Authors: Maistry Anjuli , van Schalkwyk Cecile
Published: August 2024

The right to basic education is enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which clearly states that basic education is extended to 'everyone'. In 2016 the Eastern Cape Department of Education took a decision to stop funding the education of learners without birth certificates, passports or permits. In 2019 the High Court in Makhanda declared this decision unconstitutional and found that all learners, irrespective of their documentary status or their nationality, are entitled to attend school in South Africa. This article considers the Centre for Child Law & Others v Minister of Basic Education & Others judgment and its role in advancing the right to basic education in South Africa. It maps the events leading up to the litigation, the strategy in bringing the matter and the findings of the Court, and considers the challenges in implementing the judgment. It finds that while the findings of the Court have provided some clarity on the interpretation of section 29(1) of the Constitution and its application to undocumented learners, some ambiguity in the framing of the order and a lack of awareness of the judgment among schools and provincial education departments have hampered implementation. In addition, new legislative and policy developments may undo some of the strides occasioned by the judgment.
Realising the right to basic education through strategic litigation in Kenya
Authors: Skelton Ann , Mutu Perekeme
Published: August 2024

In pursuit of creating an inclusive and equitable society, the right to basic education stands as a cornerstone, serving as a catalyst for individual empowerment and social progress. It is not surprising that in Kenya's Vision 2030, education stands as one of the pillars to actualise the objectives set out in that document. The constitutional framework of Kenya recognises education as a fundamental human right, which is the basis for the development of a knowledgeable and skilled citizenry. This article examines the crucial role that strategic litigation can play in actualising the right to basic education in Kenya, exploring the constitutional provisions that underpin this legal strategy and emphasising the pivotal role of the judiciary. The article argues that the Kenyan Constitution and the entire legal framework provide a solid legal background for civil society organisations and other interested parties to deploy strategic litigation to pressure the government for the realisation of the right to basic education in the country. However, the success of such efforts is largely dependent on how the judiciary understands its crucial role in driving the transformative potential of the Constitution.
Public property in South Africa: A human rights perspective
Authors: Viljoen Sue-Mari
Published: August 2024

This article reviews public property and the distinct role of the state as public land owner within a rich human rights framework. To critically rethink the significance and purpose of this understudied legal subject, foundational observations are shared in the article. From a conceptual perspective, a distinction is drawn between common property that is openly accessible to all, and public property that is exclusively managed by the state for specific governmental purposes. Characteristically, the article suggests that these are two vastly divergent types of property that serve distinct aims; they are also subject to separate regulatory frameworks. The notion and communal significance of common property is unpacked with reference to the use of such property in the city of Cape Town to engage with some theoretical concerns dealing with the gradual degeneration of the public sphere. In the context of public property that is exclusively used and managed by the South African government, the article submits that the accustomed private property discourse is ill-suited to uncover and explore the nature, character, as well as the rights and interests of the state as public land owner. Instead, public land ownership should be approached and repurposed in line with constitutional commitments expressed in relation to property.
Extraction of information about the molecule structure directly from GC-MS data
Authors: Matyushin Dmitry D. , Sholokhova Anastasiya Yu.
Published: August 2024

Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a very important method of chemical analysis. GC-MS can be used for non-target chemical analysis and preliminary screening of completely unknown compounds. Electron ionization mass spectrometry is commonly used in GC-MS. Some information can be extracted directly from GC-MS data using machine learning methods. There are several previous works in which machine learning models extract information about the presence or absence of given substructures in a molecule directly from the electron ionization mass spectrum. Rarely, the additional data such as molecular weight and retention index are used together with the mass spectrum as input features of such models, however, no systematic comparison of how the use of such data increases the accuracy of the prediction was previously conducted. In this work, gradient boosting was used for prediction of the presence or absence of given substructures in a molecule. The following substructures were considered: aromatic ring, 5-membered aromatic ring, 6-membered aromatic ring without heteroatoms (benzene ring), nitrogen-containing aromatic ring, primary, secondary, and tertiary amino groups, nitrile, hydroxyl, carbonyl, methoxy, methyl, and carboxyl groups. Three types of additional features were used: molecular weight and neutral loss spectra (molecular weight also allows for the neutral loss spectra computation), retention index for the non-polar stationary phase, and retention index for the polar stationary phase. A total of 8 feature sets were considered. In most cases, the molecular weight and neutral loss spectrum considerably improve the accuracy. Retention indices also allow for further accuracy increase. For polar functional groups such as carbonyl and hydroxyl, the effect of using retention indices is maximal. The use of retention indices for two stationary phases allows for the achievement of the best accuracy. The best accuracy of prediction was achieved for the benzene ring and aromatic ring, the worst (but still high) accuracy was observed for the secondary amino group. The achieved accuracy was compared with the previous results. In addition to the classification tasks, the regression tasks were considered. The gradient boosting models that predict the number of aromatic atoms, methyl groups, and benzene rings were developed. It was observed that the use of additional features considerably improves the accuracy in this case. Finally, it should be noted that the regression models underestimate the number of occurrences when the number is high.
Estimation of lipophilicity parameters of 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol by reverse phase HPLC
Authors: Kulikova Tatyana I. , Kuznetsova Olga V. , Arseniev Maxim V.
Published: August 2024

Lipophilicity is one of the important parameters influencing the biological activity of compounds. In practice, this parameter is estimated using the distribution coefficient (logP) of the compound between the non-polar phase (n-octanol) and water. The main method of experimental determination of logP is the shaking flask method. However, in the case of the poor solubility of the studied compounds in water, the determination of logP using direct method is complicated, due to the difficulty of accurate determination of too low concentrations. In this case, indirect methods, including liquid chromatography, are successfully used for the estimation of logP. The lipophilicity of 12 new derivatives of 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol was determined using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. A methanol-water mixture was used as the mobile phase, and Separon Si C18 was used as the adsorbent. It is known that pyrocatechol derivatives have a wide range of biological activity; recently a large number of studies have been devoted to the investigation of their antioxidant properties. For each derivative of 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol (1-12) a linear relationship between the retention factor lg k and volume fraction of organic modifier φ in the mobile phase was established. By extrapolation of the retention to φ=0 using linear dependences, the lg k0 values were estimated and logP parameters were calculated. It was found that most of the studied derivatives of 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrocatechols have an octanol/water distribution coefficient log P in the range from 6 to 8. For compounds 1, 3, and 4 logP values turned out to be close to 4, which allows them to be considered as being promising for further study of antioxidant activity. Additionally, lipophilicity parameters log P of derivatives of 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrocatechol (1-12) were evaluated using the Kowwin and Molinspiration calculation methods. Comparison of experimental and calculated logP values showed good convergence of the results, while for most compounds the closest experimental and calculated values were shown by the Molinspiration method (the deviation did not exceed 10%).
Paley cross union protocol for congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia
Authors: Sananta Panji , Nopianto Hasri
Published: August 2024

Aim Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare, dysplastic condition causing significant disability in the lower limbs. A treatment aims to achieve long-lasting union, prevent limb length discrepancies, and prevent soft tissue lesions. Traditional surgery often yields satisfactory results, but amputation may be proposed in failed cases. This report presents a congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia and fibula, treated with the Paley cross-union protocol.
Methods A 15-month-old girl presented with a crook-ed right lower leg at the age of two months, history of a right lower leg fracture at the age of eight months, and pain when moving her leg. She had undergone an initial surgical procedure to maintain tibia alignment with K-Wire insertion and was cast at a private hospital. 
Results The patient's physical examination showed a cast causing limited range of motion, but no tenderness or distal neurovascular issues. The Paley cross-union protocol was performed, involving anterior approach, curettage, and insertion of a titanium intramedullary elastic nail into the tibia. The fracture site area was covered with a meshed periosteum layer and filled with synthetic bone grafts. A long leg cast was performed after the procedure. An imaging examination post-cross-union protocol showed a good result.
Conclusion Cross-union for CPT represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of this horrible child disease. Given the promising result, the cross-union approach has to be regarded as a fresh criterion for treating CPT.
Clinical Presentations of PCOS in Association with Insulin Resistance and Serum Esterase Enzymes: A Case-control Study
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, 5618953141 Ardabil, Iran.
Published: August 2024

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disease affecting women in their childbearing age. Although, it has a high prevalence (3-10%), the exact etiology is poorly understood. Insulin resistance (IR) is involved in pathophysiology of PCOS, and some esterase enzymes such as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) have been found to be affected in IR disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate serum esterase enzymes and their relationship with IR and clinical presentations PCOS. In this case-control study, 56 PCOS and 62 non-PCOS women were enrolled. Demographic and clinical parameters including working, marital, parity and menstrual status, body mass index (BMI), IR, BuChE and PON1 activity were measured and compared between the groups. The marital and parity status of PCOS women were lower than control group. In comparison with control, PCOS women had significantly higher menstrual irregularity, IR and BuChE activity as well as lower PON1 activity. There was a significant correlation between BuChE activity and BMI in PCOS women. When justified by IR, BuChE activity was still higher in PCOS women than control. The results indicate that serum esterase enzyme can be changed in PCOS and IR is most probably involved in these alterations.
Effects of Stable-Sitting Trunk Exercises on Trunk Muscle Activation and Postural Control in Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Published: August 2024

Post-stroke trunk rehabilitation often necessitates additional equipment or clinical assistance, which poses challenges in resource-limited settings. Although stable-sitting trunk exercises offer cost-effective alternatives, studies on their immediate effects are limited. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of five common stable-sitting trunk exercises on erector spinae (ES) muscle and postural control of stroke patients. A cross-sectional observational experimental design was employed in this study. The 11 paretic stroke patients recruited were asked to perform five stable-sitting core exercises on a customised force plate. The muscle activities of the individuals were measured with electromyography (EMG). Postural control measures such as vertical ground reaction force (GRF), and centre of pressure (CoP) were evaluated utilising the force plate. The ANOVA results demonstrated that the trunk rotation exercise (43.25 + 19.57%RVC) elicited significantly higher muscle activity in the left ES muscle than flexion-extension (25.47 + 17.70%RVC; p = 0.011) and sagittal-inclination (25.93 + 18.19%RVC; p = 0.017). Similarly, the trunk rotation exercise activated more muscle activity in the right ES muscle than in the other exercises. This finding suggests the potential of trunk rotation exercise as an effective addition to rehabilitation programs, especially in resource-limited settings or home-based interventions.
The Role of Genetic Biomarkers on Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Published: August 2024

Cognitive deficit has been an established complication following stroke. In this study, we aimed to systematically review genetic biomarkers that influenced cognitive deficit following stroke. We systematically searched using multiple electronic databases, limited to human studies from January 2011 until August 6, 2021 using search-related terms. The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Out of the 6523 references were imported, 9 studies were included for final synthesis. This study revealed that inflammatory biomarkers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met allele and G196A allele, Interleukin-12 (IL-12), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Apoprotein E (ApoE) e4, and high sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT), were associated with cognitive impairment in stroke patients. Meanwhile, ApoE2 and the risk allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3744028 in Chr17q25 locus were protective genes against post-stroke cognitive impairment. ApoE3 presented in all post-stroke patients. This review showed that inflammatory, cardiac, and ApoE biomarkers play an important role in predicting cognitive function post-stroke. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cognitive outcome following a stroke can guide researchers and clinicians in developing future precision and personalised treatment for stroke.
Breathing Exercise and High-Intensity Bodyweight Interval Training Intervention Among Hypertensive Individuals: Study Protocol and The Preliminary Finding
Authors:   Biomedical Science Programme & Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (HCARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: August 2024

Exercise is an important part of non-pharmacological treatment for people with prehypertension, hypertension, or those on antihypertensive medication. For optimum health, older adults should engage in 150-300 minutes of light to moderate aerobic activity or 75-150 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity per week, according to current recommendations. A 14-week randomised controlled trial was conducted with 87 participants, whose age is greater than 30 years, suffering from hypertension, with a body mass index (BMI) 18.5-24.99 kg/m2 and physical inactivity. Participants were assigned to four groups: control (n:24), breathing exercise (BE) (n:21), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (n:20), and Mixed (n:22). The BE group practiced slow breathing exercises following an 8-sets protocol for 10 minutes. The HIIT group followed a 40-minutes exercise protocol. The mixed group performed both types of exercise, while the control group maintained their daily activities. Initial assessments were conducted at Week 0, with follow-ups at Weeks 6, 10, and 14. Repeated ANOVA was used to compare the groups, considering an alpha level of significance at p = 0.05. Preliminary data were obtained by 96 participants, with an average age of 59.4 + 9.1 years. The majority were women (87.5%), with an average body mass index of 22.7 + 1.6 kg/m2, a resting systolic blood pressure of 156 + 14 and a diastolic blood pressure of 91 + 10 mmHg. These preliminary findings showed no significant differences in systolic blood pressure scores, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, cortisol levels or C-reactive protein among the four groups. As many as 21% of participants included in prehypertension category, 38% included stage 1 hypertension and 42% included stage 2 hypertension. We predict that interventions with combined exercise will provide greater benefits than other interventions.
BUILDING JUNIOR SCHOOLERS’ LEXICAL COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH READING THROUGH PICTORIAL VISUALS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Shovkovyi Viacheslav , Kirutsak Kateryna ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: August 2024

Background: Building lexical competence in reading in 2nd- grade students is a complex process due to a number of mental properties of a child at this age (weak long-term memory, involuntary attention, unstable volitional processes, fatigue, etc.). All this requires that a teacher should search for the technologies and teaching aids that could ensure a proper level of knowledge, skills and abilities as well as arouse positive emotions and interest in children, develop their psychophysiological and personal qualities, thereby motivating them to learn a foreign language. Such teaching aids include visuals used at all stages of teaching vocabulary. Purpose: The aim of the study is to give insight into theoretical and practical aspects of building 2nd graders’ lexical competence in English reading through pictorial aids. Results and Discussion: The technology of enhancing lexical competence is based on the gradual building of lexical skills through pictorial aids (exposure of students to new words, repetitive vocabulary drills, automation of students’ usage on the levels of words, phrases, sentences, enhancing lexical receptive skills in reading through photos, plot pictures, series of pictures. It is substantiated that the use of pictorial aids promotes better memorization of new words, focus on vocabulary and text, motivates reading and speaking, evokes positive emotions in children.
Phylogenetic Systematics of the Shieldtail Snake Genus Teretrurus Beddome, 1886 (Squamata, Uropeltidae) Reveals Extensive Cryptic Diversity and Novel Geographic Spread in the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Cyriac Vivek , Ganesh S.R. , Madani Zeba , Ghosh Avrajjal , Kulkarni Vidisha , Shanker Kartik
Published: August 2024

The genus Tereturus is a small and poorly studied group of uropeltid snakes, known from only a few localities in the Western Ghats of southwest India. Recent taxonomic reviews as well as phylogenetic reconstructions have suggested the presence of cryptic diversity within Teretrurus. Here, based on additional collections from previously unsampled regions of the Western Ghats, we expand the geographic range of the genus significantly northwards by ca. 300 km and evaluate species limits between populations. While morphometric analyses indicate that the four currently known species occupy distinct morphospaces, there was no significant difference in the morphospace between the new populations sampled in this study and the four known species. However, phylogenetic species delimitation using multiple methods consistently indicated greater diversity within Teretrurus than currently known. Based on these results, we further describe four of these lineages as Teretrurus albiventer sp. nov. from Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Teretrurus siruvaniensis sp. nov. from Siruvani Hills, Teretrurus periyarensis sp. nov. from the Periyar plateau and Teretrurus agumbensis sp. nov. from Agumbe. The four new lineages can be distinguished by their phylogenetic position, geography and a combination of diagnostic characters. The discovery of these four species further highlights the extensive hidden diversity among fossorial taxa and the role of extensive sampling in uncovering the true diversity within uropeltid snakes.
Mitigation of Salinity Stress in Rice with Compost
Authors: Ichsan Cut Nur , Erida Gina , Jumini  , Hayati Mardhiah , Kurniawan Trisda , Vika Santi Ira
Published: August 2024

Increasing salinity is a significant problem for crop production land. Overcoming salinity in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner is necessary to increase agricultural production and cope with the increasing population and food needs. Using organic amendments from agricultural waste is a solution for dealing with waste and improving soil properties and crop yields. Salinity can be overcome by adding 5-10 t ha-1 compost at a salinity level of 2000-10000 ppm (NaCl). At 10.000 ppm, tillers increased from 2.67 in the no-compost treatment to 9 in applying 10 t ha-1 of compost. An increase in the dose of compost reduced the number of dry leaves. At a salinity level of 8000 ppm, dried leaves decreased from 11.67 in the treatment without compost to 6.67 in the 5 tha-1 treatment. The application of compost can increase the yield potential of rice at different salinity levels. At the level of 8000 ppm, the application of compost increased the yield potential from 1.13 t ha-1 to 6.16 t ha-1. Compost can be recommended as a soil amendment to increase rice yields under 8000 ppm. Compost is an alternative soil amendment to overcome salinity and sustainably increase rice production. Using compost increases soil fertility, overcomes salinity, and handles agricultural wastes in the zero-waste concept.
Protection of Employees' Labor Rights in Case of Corporate Bankruptcy
Authors:   Head of the Department of Labor and Social Security Law of the Institute of Legislation, Chikanova Lyudmila A.
Published: August 2024

The article is devoted to the protection of the rights of employees who are dismissed due to the insolvency (bankruptcy) of the employer.
On the possibilities of mutual inspirations between sociological subdisciplines. The example of the sociology of the body and the sociology of sport
Authors: Stempień Jakub Ryszard , Byczkowska-Owczarek Dominika
Published: August 2024

The aim of the paper is to present the phenomenon of the division of sociology into subdisciplines, using the sociology of the body and the sociology of sport as examples, and to show the possibility of mutual inspirations between the achievements of the two subdisciplines. The starting point of the analyses is the critique of the major theoretical projects of Robert Merton and his postulate of building a middle-range theory. The analyses refer also to Talcott Parsons’ idea of specialisation. The analytical concepts referred to include Nicolas Mullins’ notion of four stages of the formation of new scientific disciplines (the normal stage, the network stage, the cluster stage and the stage of the formation of a new speciality/subdiscipline or discipline) and the typology of sociological subdisciplines proposed by Jakub Ryszard Stempień. The text also presents the characteristics of the two subdisciplines in question, the institutional context in which they operate, the preferred theoretical approaches, the peculiarities of the methodology used and the ethical issues involved in practising each subdiscipline. An example of this cooperation is the national scientific conference “Sociology of the Body and Sociology of Sport. The state of research and mutual inspiration”. The article presents the conclusions of this event, including the possibility of going beyond the framework of subdisciplines, as well as the advantages of adopting a non-subdisciplinary and general sociological perspective.
MENANAMKAN NILAI TOLERANSI MELALUI SEMINAR MODERASI BERAGAMA DI MA MAZRA’ATUL ULUM PACIRAN
Authors: Rifa’i Ahmad Suzaki , Maskanah Ulfa , Fadilillah Tegar Adlu , Nuriyah Addina Silky
Published: August 2024

This article discusses the implementation of religious moderation through a seminar held at Mazra'atul Ulum Paciran Islamic Senior High School (MA). The seminar aims to enhance participants' understanding of the values of tolerance and moderation in the context of religious diversity in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach, the seminar involved all MA students as well as school stakeholders in discussions and interactive activities led by speaker Luqman Hakim S. Pd. The results of the seminar indicate an improvement in participants' understanding of the importance of moderation in maintaining harmony among religious communities, as well as their ability to formulate strategies to address challenges in implementing moderation values in daily life. The conclusion of this article emphasizes the importance of moderation seminars as a concrete step in shaping a young generation that is inclusive and tolerant in facing diversity in society.
 
Abstrak
Artikel ini membahas penerapan moderasi beragama melalui seminar yang dilaksanakan di Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Mazra'atul Ulum Paciran. Seminar tersebut bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman peserta tentang nilai-nilai toleransi dan moderasi dalam konteks keberagaman agama di Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan metode pendekatan kualitatif, seminar ini melibatkan seluruh siswa-siswi MA serta pihak sekolah dalam diskusi dan aktivitas interaktif yang dipimpin oleh pemateri Luqman Hakim S. Pd. Hasil dari seminar ini menunjukkan peningkatan pemahaman peserta tentang pentingnya moderasi dalam menjaga kerukunan antarumat beragama, serta kemampuan mereka dalam merumuskan strategi untuk menghadapi tantangan dalam mengimplementasikan nilai-nilai moderasi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Kesimpulan dari artikel ini menekankan pentingnya seminar moderasi sebagai langkah konkret dalam membentuk generasi muda yang inklusif dan toleran dalam menghadapi keragaman di masyarakat.
Goertzel Transformation for Identification of Visual Evoked Potentials in Augmented Reality System
Authors: B Nunes Reginaldo
Published: August 2024

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are suitable tools for communication between man and the environment around him. A strategy to achieve this interaction is to use biological signals such as the Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Thus, the EEG signals are acquired and processed aiming at translating the HMI user intention into machine language, and then sent it to an output device. Usually, these interfaces must take a decision outcome in a short time, such as from 1 s to 2 s. This short decision update time demands a process optimization and reduction of computational cost. Among the EEG signal paradigms used in the HMIs, there are the Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs).
Does Competition from the Informal Sector Reduce Tax Compliance in the Formal Sector? Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Mohamed Seid Yimam , Asmare Fissha , Moore Mick
Published: August 2024

The existence of ‘informal sector’ enterprises that visibly do not pay formal or direct taxes is widely believed to reduce the willingness of formal, tax-registered enterprises to pay their own taxes. This is thought to be most widespread in lower-income countries, where informal sector enterprises are more common. It would be surprising if there were no truth in this claim. We know from the literature that one factor affecting tax compliance is to what extent taxpayers perceive that others like them are paying their fair share of taxes. If some informal enterprises are understood not to be paying taxes, similar tax-registered enterprises will surely be more likely to try to evade some of their tax burdens. We call this the adverse evasion spillover hypothesis (AESH). If this is valid, it makes sense for tax administrations to make more efforts to register and tax informal firms, even if the possibility of collecting more revenue from these firms is limited. Successfully bringing them into the tax net should have positive tax compliance effects on tax-registered formal firms. Previous research provides indirect support for AESH. However, it is challenging to test the hypothesis directly, partly due to a lack of reliable, independent data to measure tax compliance levels objectively. We would be unable to judge whether complaints from formal sector firms about unfair competition from tax-avoiding informal firms were authentic or simply excuses to evade tax themselves. Summary of ICTD Working Paper 165.
Comparative Analysis of the Implementation of Electronic Money Transfer Levies in Ghana and Nigeria: Policies, Legal Frameworks, and Outcomes
Authors: Niesten Hannelore , Kobina Amoako Isaac
Published: August 2024

In the past decade, over 15 countries in Africa have implemented taxes on mobile money (MM) and other digital financial services (DFS). These taxes aim to broaden the tax base, and sometimes target the difficult-to- tax informal sector. However, hastily implemented taxes can pose risks, such as hindering sectoral growth, affecting consumer behaviour, and failing to generate expected revenue. Our research, a novel contribution to the field, compares fiscal legal and tax frameworks in Ghana and Nigeria to determine the most effective approach to MM and DFS taxation. Summary of ICTD Working Paper 202.
La Ley alemana sobre la Prueba de las Condiciones Esenciales aplicables a una Relación Laboral como freno a la transformación digital
Authors: Walter Maurer Julian
Published: August 2024

El 1 de agosto de 2022 entraron en vigor en Alemania amplias modificaciones de la Ley alemana sobre la prueba de las condiciones esenciales aplicables a una relación laboral (“Nachweisgesetz” – NachwG; Ley de Prueba). Además de los ajustes en el contenido del que el empresario debe informar al trabajador al inicio de la relación contractual (de acuerdo con la Directiva 2019/1152/UE), estas modificaciones también incluyeron, contrariamente a la recomendación de la legislación europea, un endurecimiento del requisito de la forma escrita en la legislación laboral mediante la introducción de disposiciones sancionadoras. El presente artículo examina las circunstancias que rodean el requisito de la forma escrita en el Derecho laboral alemán asociado a la nueva ley y muestra por qué Alemania se está quedando atrás en la digitalización por falta propia.
DINAMIKA KOMIK SEBAGAI MEDIA KOMUNIKASI VISUAL
Authors: Eka Kusuma Alfiandi , Setyoko Adnan
Published: August 2024

Media komunikasi visual sangat beragam jenis dan bentuknya,  salah satu media komunikasi visual yang mampu mengjangkau semua kalangan dan generasi adalah komik. Selain dipandang sebagai suatu bentuk media komunikasi visual, komik juga dapat dilihat sebagai sebuah produk seni serta artefak budaya popular.  Komik sebagai bentuk media komunikasi visual yang unik, dapat menjadi media yang secara leluasa dapat mengusung berbagai topik dan gagasan. Penulis menggunakan jenis penelitian diskriptif kualtitatif dalam tulisan ini. Metode yang digunakan yaitu studi pustaka (library research). Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara pembacaan kritis dan menganalisis berbagai pustaka yang relevan. Isi pembahasan  tulisan ini terdiri dari mode kerja komik sebagai media komunikasi visual  yang membahas bagaimana komik bekerja sebagai media komonikasi visual dan  sejarah perkembangan komik. Sajian  dari tulisan ini diaharapkan dapat menjadi  topik kajian dan menambah kasanah wawasan  serta pengetahuan secara lebih luas  tentang komik sebagai sebuah media komunikasi visual.
Kata Kunci: komik , media komunikasi
Quaternion-Spin and Some Consequences
Authors: Sanctuary Bryan
Published: August 2024

Changing the symmetry of spin from SU(2) to the quaternion group, $Q_8$, has a number of ramifications. In this paper we first summarize the properties of Q-spin and then discuss some of those resulting changes. Many are counter to well-established ideas which change our view of the microscopic.
Human Pose Estimation for Yoga using VGG-19 and COCO Dataset
Authors: Shrestha Dhadkan , Nepal Peshal , Gautam Pratik , Oli Pradeep
Published: August 2024

Human Pose Estimation (HPE) is a critical technology in computer vision with diverse applications ranging from healthcare to sports analysis. This project presents a method for detecting the 2D stance of multiple persons in an image using a nonparametric representation known as Part Affinity Fields (PAFs). By leveraging the first 10 layers of the VGG-19 convolutional neural network and training on the COCO dataset, our model effectively identifies and associates key points of the human body.The architecture employs a two-branch system that jointly learns part locations and their associations through sequential prediction. This enables the model to maintain real-time performance while achieving high accuracy, regardless of the number of persons in the image. To enhance accessibility, we developed a mobile application using Flutter and TensorFlow Lite, allowing real-time pose estimation via a mobile device’s front camera. The app provides immediate feedback on physical exercises and yoga poses, making it an invaluable tool for fitness enthusiasts and healthcare professionals. Visual outputs such as heatmaps and PAFs confirm the model’s capability to accurately localize and connect key points. Despite potential challenges such as data quality and hyperparameter tuning, the results indicate that our approach is both reliable and practical for real-world deployment. This project not only advances the state-of-the-art in HPE but also opens up possibilities for future enhancements, including integrating 3D pose estimation and applying the technology in augmented and virtual reality applications.
Antibacterial Activity of Superhydrophobic-SiO2 Coatings to Inhibit the Growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sánchez-Santamaria Betania , Cornejo-Monroy Delfino , Olivas-Armendáriz Imelda , Arias-Cerón José Saúl , Villanueva-Montellano Alfredo , Ordoñez-Casanova Elsa , Dávalos-Ramírez Jose Omar , Martínez-Gómez Erwin Adán , Jaquez-Muñoz Jesús Manuel
Published: August 2024

The emergence of superhydrophobicity-based antibacterial materials represents a promising approach to upholding surface cleanliness and hygiene, effectively preventing bacterial adhesion. This research describes the synthesis of a superhydrophobic coating with antibacterial and bacteriostatic properties using silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES). TEM, XRD, EDS, SEM, and FTIR analyses were conducted to study its morphology and surface characterization. Additionally, the coating was applied on glass substrates using the spray coating method, varying the number of layers to evaluate antibacterial and bacteriostatic properties through turbidimetry and inhibition halo measurement techniques. The durability of the coatings was also assessed by exposing them to outdoor conditions for 35 days. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial capacity of the superhydrophobic coating and its weather resistance. The results demonstrate that a superhydrophobic coating with a contact angle ≥150° and a sliding angle ≤10° was successfully synthesized using SiO2 NPs smaller than 10 nm modified with PFDTES. The coating exhibited the ability to inhibit bacterial growth by preventing the adhesion of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; moreover, the number of layers correlated with enhanced antibacterial properties. The coating also showed good durability under outdoor conditions. These results support the potential application of superhydrophobic coatings to prevent these bacteria from adhering and growing in areas where they can be harmful.