bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The army’s participation in maintaining the public order in the Kingdom of Hungary between 1867–1918
Authors: Vedó Attila
Published: August 2022

Aim: As forces originally designed to protect the country against attacks from the outside are required in maintaining the public order amidst extraordinary circumstances today, it was no different in the civic Hungarian state born with the Compromise. The aim of this study is to present a specific segment of the internal policing structure before 1918, the tasks of the armed forces.Methodology: document and content analysis.Findings: The dualist setup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the relationship within the Hungarian Kingdom’s public order defense organisations and to the civil administration created a unique environment which military units ordered to support police organs of insufficient staffing or capacity had to comply with. In the examined time period, the army’s participation in the joint fighting service of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s and the Royal Hungarian Army’s engagement in maintaining the public order was common practice, since until the 1885 establishment of the Royal Hungarian Gendarmerie, there was no military organised armed guard force bearing sufficient staffing, equipment and authorization, except in certain towns. As per its military organisational structure, the gendarmerie worked together with the defense forces in an effective way, and has practically taken over the majority of tasks from the armed forces. The current study examines how the armed forces’ activities by the military fit into the Hungarian public administration and what was the relationship like between the administrative authority ordering and the tactical combat force being ordered. Examining the armed forces’ tasks in the era is therefore necessary, both in its narrow and wider context, and paying special attention to the unique position of the Royal Hungarian Gendarmerie is also important, which could both be in the position to order the force of arms unites and be ordered.Value: Due to space constraints, the present study does not allow for detailed presentation of the wider range of armed force tasks and their background laid down in the law and various rules, it rather focuses on systematically reviewing the topic and painting a general picture. The topic is still relevant today in the context of the contribution of the armed forces to law enforcement. The historical context explored in this study may also help to inform the development of regulation in the present.
Revising Properties of Planet–Host Binary Systems. I. Methods and Pilot Study
Authors: Sullivan Kendall , Kraus Adam L. , Mann Andrew W.
Published: August 2022

To fully leverage the statistical strength of the large number of planets found by projects such as the Kepler survey, the properties of planets and their host stars must be measured as accurately as possible. One key population for planet demographic studies is circumstellar planets in close binaries (ρ < 50 au), where the complex dynamical environment of the binary inhibits most planet formation, but some planets nonetheless survive. Accurately characterizing the stars and planets in these complex systems is a key factor in better understanding the formation and survival of planets in binaries. Toward that goal, we have developed a new Markov Chain Monte Carlo fitting algorithm to retrieve the properties of binary systems using unresolved spectra, unresolved photometry, and resolved contrasts. We have analyzed eight Kepler Objects of Interest in M-star binary systems using literature data, and have found that the temperatures of the primary stars (and presumed planet hosts) are revised upward by an average of 200 K. The planetary radii should be revised upward by an average of 20% if the primary star is the host, and 80% if the secondary star is the planet host. The average contrast between stellar components in the Kepler band is 0.75 mag, which is small enough that neither star in any of the binaries can be conclusively ruled out as a potential planet host. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for multiplicity when measuring stellar parameters, especially in the context of exoplanet characterization.
Intracluster Magnetic Filaments and an Encounter with a Radio Jet
Authors: Rudnick L. , Brüggen M. , Brunetti G. , Cotton W. D. , Forman W. , Jones T. W. , Nolting C. , Schellenberger G. , van Weeren R.
Published: August 2022

Thin synchrotron-emitting filaments are increasingly seen in the intracluster medium (ICM). We present the first example of a direct interaction between a magnetic filament, a radio jet, and a dense ICM clump in the poor cluster A194. This enables the first exploration of the dynamics and possible histories of magnetic fields and cosmic rays in such filaments. Our observations are from the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey and the LOFAR Two-Meter Sky Survey. Prominent 220 kpc long filaments extend east of radio galaxy 3C40B, with very faint extensions to 300 kpc, and show signs of interaction with its northern jet. They curve around a bend in the jet and intersect the jet in Faraday depth space. The X-ray surface brightness drops across the filaments; this suggests that the relativistic particles and fields contribute significantly to the pressure balance and evacuate the thermal plasma in a ∼35 kpc cylinder. We explore whether the relativistic electrons could have streamed along the filaments from 3C40B, and present a plausible alternative whereby magnetized filaments are (a) generated by shear motions in the large-scale, post-merger ICM flow, (b) stretched by interactions with the jet and flows in the ICM, amplifying the embedded magnetic fields, and (c) perfused by re-energized relativistic electrons through betatron-type acceleration or diffusion of turbulently accelerated ICM cosmic-ray electrons. We use the Faraday depth measurements to reconstruct some of the 3D structures of the filameGnts and of 3C40A and B.
Cosmological Simulations of the Intergalactic Medium Evolution. III. SPH Simulations
Authors: Martel Hugo , Côté Benoit , Drissen Laurent
Published: August 2022

We have developed a new numerical algorithm to study the joint evolution of galaxies and the intergalactic medium (IGM) in a cosmological context, with the specific goal of studying the deposition and dispersion of metals in the IGM. This algorithm combines a standard gasdynamical algorithm to simulate the evolution of the IGM, a semi-analytical model to describe the evolution of galaxies, and prescriptions for galaxy formation, accretion, mergers, and tidal disruption. The main goal in designing this algorithm was performance. In its current version, the algorithm can simulate the evolution of cosmological volumes containing thousands of galaxies in a few days, using between 12 and 32 processors. This algorithm is particularly suited for parameter surveys (both numerical parameters and physical parameters) since a large number of simulations can be completed in a fairly short amount of time. Furthermore, the algorithm provides a platform for the development and testing of new treatments of subgrid physics, which could then be implemented into other algorithms. In this paper, we describe the algorithm and present, for illustration, two simulations of the evolution of a (20 Mpc)3 cosmological volume containing ∼1200 galaxies at z = 0.
Discovery of a 584.65 Hz Burst Oscillation in the Low-mass X-Ray Binary 4U 1730–22
Authors: Li 李 Zhaosheng 兆升 , Yu 余 Wenhui 文辉 , Lu 路 Yongqi 永琪 , Pan 潘 Yuanyue 元月 , Falanga Maurizio
Published: August 2022

Type-I X-ray burst oscillations are powered by thermonuclear energy released on the neutron star (NS) surface in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), where the burst oscillation frequencies are close to the NS spin rates. In this work, we report the detection of oscillation at 584.65 Hz during the cooling tail of type-I X-ray bursts observed from the accreting NS LMXB 4U 1730–22 on 2022 March 20, by the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer telescope. The oscillation signal showed a strong Leahy power, P
m ∼ 54.04, around 584.65 Hz, which has single-trial and multiple-trial confidence levels of 7.05σ and 4.73σ, respectively. The folded pulse profile of the oscillation in the 0.2–10 keV band showed a sinusoidal shape with the fractional rms amplitude of (8.0 ± 1.1)%. We found the oscillation frequency showed insignificant upward drifting, i.e., less than 0.3 Hz, during the cooling tail, similar to the behavior appearing in accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXP), and indicate the source could be an AMXP spinning at 1.71 ms.
A New Cold Stream near the Southern Galactic Pole
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhao Jing-Kun , Xue Xiang-Xiang , Ye Xian-Hao , Zhao Gang
Published: August 2022

We report the discovery of a cold stream near the southern Galactic pole (dubbed as SGP-S) detected in Gaia Early Data Release 3. The stream is at a heliocentric distance of ∼9.5 kpc and spans nearly 58° by 0.°6 on sky. The color–magnitude diagram of SGP-S indicates an old and metal-poor (age ∼12 Gyr, [M/H] ∼ −2.0 dex) stellar population. The stream’s surface brightness reaches an exceedingly low level of Σ
G
≃ 36.2 mag arcsec−2. Neither extant globular clusters nor other known streams are associated with SGP-S.
SNP4OrphanSpecies: A bioinformatics pipeline to isolate molecular markers for studying genetic diversity of orphan species
Authors: Penaud Benjamin , Laurent Benoit , Milhes Marine , Noüs Camille , Ehrenmann François , Dutech Cyril
Published: August 2022

For several decades, an increase in disease or pest emergences due to anthropogenic introduction or environmental changes has been recorded. This increase leads to serious threats to the genetic and species diversity of numerous ecosystems. Many of these events involve species with poor or no genomic resources (called here "orphan species"). This lack of resources is a serious limitation to our understanding of the origin of emergent populations, their ability to adapt to new environments and to predict future consequences to biodiversity. Analyses of genetic diversity are an efficient method to obtain this information rapidly, but require available polymorphic genetic markers.

We developed a generic bioinformatics pipeline to rapidly isolate such markers with the goal for the pipeline to be applied in studies of invasive taxa from different taxonomic groups, with a special focus on forest fungal pathogens and insect pests. This pipeline is based on: 1) an automated de novo genome assembly obtained from shotgun whole genome sequencing using paired-end Illumina technology; 2) the isolation of single-copy genes conserved in species related to the studied emergent organisms; 3) primer development for multiplexed short sequences obtained from these conserved genes. Previous studies have shown that intronic regions of these conserved genes generally contain several single nucleotide polymorphisms within species. The pipeline's functionality was evaluated with sequenced genomes of five invasive or expanding pathogen and pest species in Europe (Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink 1973, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Steiner & Buhrer 1934, Sphaeropsis sapinea (fr.) Dicko & B. Sutton 1980, Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon & Maubl.) U. Braun & S. Takam. 2000, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775). We successfully isolated several pools of one hundred short gene regions for each assembled genome, which can be amplified in multiplex. The bioinformatics pipeline is user-friendly and requires little computational resources. This easy-to-set-up and run method for genetic marker identification will be useful for numerous laboratories studying biological invasions, but with limited resources and expertise in bioinformatics.
A new species of giant Eunice (Eunicidae, Polychaeta, Annelida) from the east coast of Australia
Authors: Zanol Joana , Hutchings Pat
Published: August 2022

A new giant species is described from New South Wales, Australia. Eunice dharastiisp. nov. differs from described Australian species and is most similar to E. aphroditois (Pallas, 1788), E. flavopicta Izuka, 1912, and E. kinbergi Ehlers, 1868. The unique combination of features that characterizes the new species is irregular articulated prostomial appendages; antennae reaching back beyond chaetiger 4; branchiae starting at chaetiger 10, initially button-shaped and distinctly longer than notopodial cirri where best developed; dorsal fleshy knobs on anterior chaetal lobes; notopodial cirri pendulous, abrupt tapering from inflated bases; bidentate compound falcigerous chaetae with both teeth directed laterally, distal tooth much shorter than proximal tooth in median and posterior chaetigers; and dark bidentate subacicular hooks starting at chaetiger 58, tapering to a small head with both teeth directed distally, and proximal tooth much larger than minute and spur-like distal tooth. This new species lives in sandy sediments in coastal waters 1–8 m deep. It is highly mobile and not easy to collect, which may explain why it was not described before.
Ecology and Conservation of the Dutch Ground Beetle Fauna - Lessons from 66 Years of Pitfall Trapping
Authors: Mossakowski Dietrich
Published: August 2022

Carl H. Lindroth was the first to present a comprehensive survey with his fundamental work on the Fennoscandian carabid beetles, covering all ecological aspects. The knowledge of the Dutch carabid beetle fauna is also exceptionally good what is especially thanks to Piet den Boer’s initiative and the work of his followers.

Apart from the comprehensive book by Hans Turin (2000) on The Netherlands carabid beetles, I only see major publications on parts of a country or certain aspects, respectively, such as Trautner et al. (2017) on carabids of a German Federal State, Baden-Württemberg or Paill (2009) on endemic species in Austria.

Turin et al. (1991) analysed the data bank on Dutch carabid beetles on the basis of 1.616 year samples from the period 1953-1983. The present book contains updated and extended analyses of the extraordinary huge data bank on Dutch carabid beetles of 4.363 pitfall trap year samples with more than 3 million specimens covering additionally the period 1984-2018.
The construction of transcriptional risk scores for breast cancer based on lightGBM and multiple omics data
Authors: Pan Jianqiao , Ma Baoshan , Hou Xiaoyu , Li Chongyang , Xiong Tong , Gong Yi , Song Fengju
Published: August 2022

Background

Polygenic risk score (PRS) can evaluate the individual-level genetic risk of breast cancer. However, standalone single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data used for PRS may not provide satisfactory prediction accuracy. Additionally, current PRS models based on linear regression have insufficient power to leverage non-linear effects from thousands of associated SNPs. Here, we proposed a transcriptional risk score (TRS) based on multiple omics data to estimate the risk of breast cancer.

Methods

The multiple omics data and clinical data of breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) were collected from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and the gene expression omnibus (GEO). First, we developed a novel TRS model for BRCA utilizing single omic data and LightGBM algorithm. Subsequently, we built a combination model of TRS derived from each omic data to further improve the prediction accuracy. Finally, we performed association analysis and prognosis prediction to evaluate the utility of the TRS generated by our method.

Results

The proposed TRS model achieved better predictive performance than the linear models and other ML methods in single omic dataset. An independent validation dataset also verified the effectiveness of our model. Moreover, the combination of the TRS can efficiently strengthen prediction accuracy. The analysis of prevalence and the associations of the TRS with phenotypes including case-control and cancer stage indicated that the risk of breast cancer increases with the increases of TRS. The survival analysis also suggested that TRS for the cancer stage is an effective prognostic metric of breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

Our proposed TRS model expanded the current definition of PRS from standalone SNP data to multiple omics data and outperformed the linear models, which may provide a powerful tool for diagnostic and prognostic prediction of breast cancer.
Associations of Socioeconomic Status With Depression and Quality of Life in Patients With Hypertension: An Analysis of Data From the 2019 Community Health Survey in Korea
Authors: Kim Hye Ri , Son Mia
Published: August 2022

Objectives: We aimed to identify the factors related to depression and quality of life in patients with hypertension by using multilevel regression analysis.Methods: In 2019, 229 043 participants in the Korean Community Health Survey were selected as the study group. Individual factors were identified using data from the 2019 Community Health Survey. Regional factors were identified using data from the National Statistical Office of Korea. Multilevel regression analysis was conducted to find individual and local factors affecting depression and quality of life in patients with hypertension and to determine any associated interactions.Results: As individual factors in patients with hypertension, women, those with lower education-levels, recipients of basic livelihood benefits, and those with poor dietary conditions showed stronger associations with depression and quality of life. As regional factors and individual-level variables in patients with hypertension, lower gross regional personal income, fewer doctors at medical institutions, and lower rates of participation in volunteer activities presented stronger associations with depression and quality of life. In addition, the associations of depression with gross regional personal income, the number of doctors at medical institutions, and dietary conditions were significantly stronger in patients with hypertension than in patients without hypertension. The associations of gender and employment status with quality of life were also significantly greater.Conclusions: Policy interventions are needed to adjust health behaviors, prevent depression, and improve quality of life for patients with hypertension, especially for those with the risk factors identified in this study.
Avec ou sans coca ? Itinéraire conflictuel d’une appropriation corporatiste des politiques de développement par les cultivateurs du Tropique de Cochabamba, Bolivie
Authors: Busnel Romain
Published: August 2022

Cet article interroge les reconfigurations se jouant autour des politiques de développement dans la région productrice de coca du Tropique de Cochabamba, en Bolivie. À partir de 2006, les conflits locaux, l’alternance politique gouvernementale au niveau national et la transformation du cheminement de l’aide au niveau international ont abouti à une saisie du développement par leurs principaux bénéficiaires, les syndicats de cultivateurs de coca, largement favorables au parti au pouvoir. Cette appropriation corporatiste, soutenue par des mobilisations et stratégies d’investissement électoral depuis les années 1990, a permis aux syndicats de définir à la fois les modalités d’accès aux agences canalisant les fonds de l’aide internationale, mais également de distribuer la manne du développement selon des logiques partisanes et sectorielles. Bien que contraintes par les instruments financiers imposés par les bailleurs, ces politiques ne sont pas tant imposées d’en haut que retravaillées selon les visions propres au territoire dans lequel elles s’inscrivent.
Du post-conflit au développement, une question de temps ?
Authors: Saiget Marie , Grajales Jacobo
Published: August 2022

Cet article étudie la transformation des politiques du foncier rural dans le contexte ivoirien. Ce domaine d’intervention a en effet changé depuis la fin du conflit armé en 2011, quand il a été défini par des acteurs de l’aide comme relevant de l’intervention « post-conflit », avant d’être redéfini comme un vecteur de développement économique et de l’« émergence ». Cette contribution analyse les multiples jeux bureaucratiques, à Abidjan comme chez les bailleurs, à l’Agence française de développement, l’Union européenne et la Banque mondiale. Elle met en lumière la manière dont les qualifications et requalifications de l’aide au développement fonctionnent comme des instruments d’orientation de l’action publique sur le foncier. Les séquences temporelles ainsi définies offrent à la fois des cadres de référence et des ressources pour justifier et maîtriser le cours de l’action. Cette recherche est basée sur sept terrains d’enquête conduits en Côte d’Ivoire et à Paris depuis 2016.
Educação e formação ética: fundamentos e novos desafios diante do cenário multissignificativo da contemporaneidade
Authors: Luft Hedi Maria , Serrer Fernanda
Published: August 2022

Este estudo trata de compreender as diferentes concepções fundantes da educação como processos de formação ética e as suas contribuições na elaboração de uma proposta renovada de formação humana capaz de fazer frente aos movimentos estruturais antagônicos de transição da modernidade para a pós-modernidade, forjando perspectivas de impulso e orientação para um caminhar de conciliação, autoconsciente e sempre revisitado entre o universalismo transcendental e a acintosa crítica da inviabilidade de qualquer alcance construtivo da racionalidade. A abordagem metodológica consiste em um estudo bibliográfico, de natureza qualitativa, e elucida as possibilidades de pensar a educação do contexto atual. Delineia-se resultados de uma reflexão que, baseada na ética, propõe uma pedagogia humanizadora que confere dignidade aos sujeitos e favorece a construção de princípios e o cultivo de valores que desencadeiam outras compreensões promotoras de movimentos de superação de modelos individualistas.
Interdisciplinaridade na formação inicial de professores partindo da(s) experiência(s) portuguesa(s)
Authors: Lopes J. Bernardino , Cruz Eliane , Saraiva Elisa
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho pretende abordar e contribuir para a compreensão do papel desempenhado pela interdisciplinaridade na formação inicial de professores, tomando como ponto de partida a(s) experiência(s) portuguesa(s) e buscando uma compreensão para as dificuldades que se verificam na sua implementação. Para tal, parte-se da análise dos normativos da formação de professores e dos quadros teóricos relativos ao conceito de interdisciplinaridade em direção à análise das tentativas de reorganização disciplinar, em particular no que respeita à Educação em Ciências. Finaliza-se com perspetivas futuras em torno da urgência de uma ecologia integral na formação de professores através da análise da influência do paradigma tecnocrático que dificulta a concretização de uma perspetiva interdisciplinar.
“Se esta rua fosse minha”: um projeto interdisciplinar numa escola do 1.º Ciclo em Portugal
Authors: Simões Ana Raquel
Published: August 2022

Neste texto, vimos dar conta do trabalho interdisciplinar (áreas de Português, Estudo do Meio, Matemática, Expressões (Física e Motora, Artística) e Cidadania), desenvolvido na formação inicial de professores, na unidade curricular “Projetos de Intervenção Educacional” da Licenciatura em Educação Básica da Univeridade de Aveiro (UA), por um grupo de estudantes e sua orientadora, junto de uma turma de 25 crianças do 3º ano de escolaridade. O trabalho resultou do protocolo entre a Câmara local e a UA, relativo ao projeto “Se esta rua fosse minha”, onde se pretende desenvolver o espírito de pertença e de comunidade, envolver as famílias das crianças e construir um jogo didático, o Ilhopólio.
Licenciatura Integrada em Ciências, Matemática e Linguagens: formação interdisciplinar para os anos escolares iniciais
Authors: Fraiha-Martins France , Gonçalves Terezinha Valim Oliver
Published: August 2022

Nesta pesquisa narrativa, tratamos de pesquisa-formação em um curso de Licenciatura Interdisciplinar para docência nos primeiros anos escolares. Objetivamos compreender ações formadoras com vistas ao desenvolvimento dos letramentos científico, matemático, digital e da língua materna em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar. O design de formação pauta-se na tríade: trabalho coletivo/uso de tecnologias digitais/ensino com pesquisa, associada à metodologia da simetria invertida. Para tanto, pautamo-nos em Chassot (2006); Josso (2004); Nóvoa (1992); Tardif (2014); Imbernón (2016); Moraes e Galiazzi (2007) e Clandinin e Connelly (2011). Utilizamos audiogravações, assumindo a Análise Textual Discursiva para tratamento do material empírico. Os resultados revelam integração de conteúdos de variadas disciplinas por meio da pesquisa em aula, em dois níveis dinâmicos de práticas discursivas: o da horizontalidade e o da verticalização dos conteúdos. Para tanto, a parceria docente torna-se fulcral.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making when Surface Grinding 9XC Steel with a Segmented Grinding Wheel
Authors: Trung Do Duc , Duc Duong Van , Thinh Hoang Xuan
Published: August 2022

9XC steel is a steel alloy of the commonly used tool to make a variety of products. When manufacturing such products, surface grinding method is commonly used as the final machining method for critical surfaces. Therefore, it is very necessary to research for improving surface quality and machining productivity when grinding this steel. In this study, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) is presented when surface grinding 9XC steel with a segmented grinding wheel. Taguchi method has been chosen to design the experimental matrix. MCDM has been performed using Proximity Indexed Value (PIV). This study has determined the value of workpiece velocity, feed rate and depth of cut to simultaneously ensure the minimum surface roughness and the maximum Material Removal Rate (MRR). The effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness has been also discussed.
On the Effect of Wave Signal Input via Zero Charge Corrosion Protection in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Wan Ahmad Wan Mohd Haqqi , Salleh Siti Hawa , Shamsudin Shaiful Rizam , Rajaselan Wardan , Syazwan Sanusi M.
Published: August 2022

The technique of zero charge corrosion potential (ZCCP) acts as a new alternative of cathodic protection technique. A study of wave signal input in ZCCP technique was carried out on pure Mg steel in the 3.5% NaCl solution. This experiment was conducted within 48 hours. The wave signals input that had been used in this experiment are square, triangle, and sine wave. These waveforms have an impact on the corrosion protection of the ZCCP system. The effectiveness of waveform in ZCCP technique on corrosion protection was determined by morphology observation using stereomicroscope. It is found that, the lowest consumption of current density took placed at the square wave signal which is-0.99μA/cm2. Meanwhile, for triangle and sine wave, the current density recorded were-1.694μA/cm2and-1.756μA/cm2, respectively. From the morphology observations, it is clearly seen that the square wave signal provides better corrosion protection as compared to the triangle and sine wave signal. There is no formation of localised corrosion detected on the Mg surface using square wave signal. This is because the % ‘ON’ and % ‘OFF’ in ZCCP system allows to set it to the desired value of potential.
Study of Clayey Soils Stabilized with Ladle Furnace Slag as Alternative Binder for Use in Road Works
Authors: Espinosa Ana B. , Revilla-Cuesta Víctor , López-Ausín Víctor , Serrano-López Roberto , Fiol Francisco
Published: August 2022

Steelmaking industry generates a large volume of by-products that not always can be reintroduced into production processes, such as the steelmaking process itself or the production of cement. This is the case of ladle furnace slag (LFS), whose potential use is limited and usually ends up in landfill. This work investigates the feasibility of using LFS as binder for clayey soils stabilization in substitution of lime. The main parameters evaluated are plasticity index, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). The results show that the strength behavior of the mixtures is remarkable, obtaining increases in the CBR index between 8-14 times above unmodified clays. The mechanical performance base on UCS results show improvements of 85 % relative to natural soils three days after mixing. Moreover, if the curing time is up to 90 days, the UCS doubles or triples its value. Depending on the chemical composition of the soils, the performances of the mixtures are different, but in all cases the results are positive and encourage further research for the incorporation of ladle furnace slag as stabilizing agent.
Effect of Carbonation on Microstructure Evolution of Alkali-Activated Slag Pastes
Authors: Xie Xiao Ying , Wei Hao , Zuo Xiao Bao , Cui Dong
Published: August 2022

In order to reveal the carbonation mechanism of alkali-activated concrete, the accelerated carbonation tests based on alkali-activated slag pastes were carried out. The evolution of microstructure and chemical composition for alkali-activated slag pastes subjected to carbonation was analyzed combining thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and a recently developed extended X-ray attenuation method (XRAM). The results showed that, the microstructure of alkali-activated slag pastes deteriorated gradually. Based on MIP and XRAM, the porosity of S4 (sample with a water-binder ratio of 0.4) increased by 8.24% and 11% after carbonation, and that of S6 (sample with a water-binder ratio of 0.6) increased by 7.45% and 10%, respectively. Besides, thermal analysis showed that, after carbonation, 11.45 mol / L and 19.57 mol /L CaCO3 were produced separately by S4 and S6. The main carbonation product for S6 was calcite, but for S4 vaterite and disorderly stacked calcite were also presented.
Comparative Studies on the Electrical Properties of PEDOT:PSS Doped SNP Films and Hydrogels for Medical Electrode Applications
Authors: Shahrim Nur'Aishah Ahmad , Ahmad Zuraida , Massaad Intan Seirra , Zamros Nur Afiqah , Azman Amelia Wong , Sariffudin Norshahida , Buys Yose Fachmi
Published: August 2022

Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising conductive polymer to be the next-generation electrode for medical purposes. However, PEDOT:PSS exhibits low conductivity (~1×10−3 S cm−1); hence, incorporating silver nanoparticles (SNP) with PEDOT:PSS will improve the electrical conductivity. This paper aims to investigate the electrical properties differences between PEDOT:PSS doped SNP-based films and hydrogels. The two different states of PEDOT:PSS/SNP serves its particular purpose as an electrode. Initially, the PEDOT:PSS/SNP solution was prepared by homogeneously mixing at constant stirring. Then, the solution was drop-casting onto a glass substrate to produce a film, while another part of the solution was undergoing a freeze-thaw method to produce hydrogel. Surface resistance measurement exhibits lower resistance values for a film (0.11 kΩ) than hydrogel (0.59 kΩ). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to observe the morphology of the films, while an optical microscope (OM) observed the surface of the hydrogel since they are in different states. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra display prominent peaks that described the successful blending between PEDOT:PSS and SNP for both films and hydrogels. These findings demonstrate that varying processing methods of preparing PEDOT:PSS/SNP in films or hydrogels may influence its properties like the electrode, which should provide a valuable contribution to the bioelectronic areas.
Introducing the QACP: development and preliminary validation of an instrument to measure psychotherapist’s core competencies
Authors: Settanni Michele , Bronzini Monica , Carzedda Giuseppe , Godino Giuseppe , Manca Maria Luisa , Martini Luisa , Provvedi Gianluca , Quilghini Francesco , Zucconi Alberto , Francesetti Gianni
Published: August 2022

The movement towards the conceptualization, description and evaluation of psychotherapists’ competencies has been widely developed in the last years and has relevant implications for psychotherapy, training, and continuous education. In Italy, this movement has been supported by the Committee for Psychotherapists’ Competencies established in 2010 by FIAP (Italian Federation of Psychotherapy’s Associations) and CNSP (National Association of Psychotherapy’s Training Institutes) and has involved more than 1000 psychotherapists from different approaches, by means of conferences, expert meetings, workshops, and focus groups. One of the outcomes of this process has been the development of a new self-assessment tool for core competencies (i.e., those that are shared by therapists from all modalities): the QACP (Questionario per l’Autovalutazione delle Competenze dello Psicoterapeuta). The present study aims to present the process of development and the preliminary proofs of the validity of this tool. Construct and knowngroup validity of the questionnaire were examined, and reliability was estimated by computing the internal consistency reliability coefficients for both the overall and the subscale scores. Overall, the instrument showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics. The limitations of the study and the results are discussed and directions for further research are proposed.
Associations between Work-Related Factors and Happiness among Working Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Noguchi Taiji , Suzuki Sadao , Nishiyama Takeshi , Otani Takahiro , Nakagawa-Senda Hiroko , Watanabe Miki , Hosono Akihiro , Tamai Yuya , Yamada Tamaki
Published: August 2022

Background: As the global population ages, the number of older adults working after retirement is increasing. However, knowledge regarding working conditions for health and happiness among this population is insufficient. Therefore, we examined the association between work-related factors (e.g., employment status, daily working time, work-related stress) and happiness among working older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Japanese older adults, aged 65 years and older, who were engaged in paid work, during their annual health checkups. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess happiness, employment status, daily working time, and work-related stress (i.e., job strain, job control, job suitability, and relationships at work).Results: The data of 520 men and 168 women were analyzed (mean ages, 68.5 years and 68.0 years, respectively). The results of the multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that low job suitability was negatively associated with happiness in men (odds ratio [OR]=0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–0.78; p=0.004). In women, long working hours and low job control were negatively associated with happiness—working >8 hours daily (OR=0.29; 95% CI, 0.12–0.71; p=0.008) and low job control (OR=0.29; 95% CI, 0.12–0.72; p=0.009).Conclusion: The results showed that low job suitability for men and long daily working time and low job control for women were negatively associated with happiness. These findings suggest the need to improve working conditions to enhance the well-being of working older adults.
Application of SARIMA Model on Forecasting Wholesale Prices of Food Commodities in Tanzania: A Case of Maize, Rice and Beans
Authors: Joseph Agnes B. , Mpogolo Godfrey Edward
Published: August 2022

This research used a time series model called the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) technique to model and forecast  wholesale prices of Tanzania`s key food crops, notably maize, rice, and beans. The SARIMA model was selected due to its ability of fitting data with  seasonality. Monthly wholesale prices data of the three crops between February 2004 to October 2021 in Tanzania were retrieved from the website  of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), resulting in 213 observations on each crop. The data from February 2004 to October, 2020 were used to fit a SARIMA  model and data of November 2020 to October 2021 were used to validate the model. The results show that SARIMA (0,1,2) (1,0,1)12, SARIMA (0,1,0)  (1,1,1)12 and SARIMA (0,1,0) (0,1,1)12 are the most suitable models for forecasting wholesale prices of maize, rice and beans respectively. The  model’s accuracy was tested using Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), and the results were found satisfactory. The results reveal that maize, rice,  and beans will all have higher peak prices in February 2022, with TZS 54,083/=, TZS 167,258/=, and TZS 180,117.68/= per 100kg, respectively.  Therefore, SARIMA (0,1,2)(1,0,1)12, SARIMA (0,1,0)(1,1,1)12 and SARIMA (0,1,0) (0,1,1)12 models could serve as a useful tool for modelling and  forecasting monthly wholesale prices of maize, rice and beans respectively in Tanzania.
Impact of Tax Audit on Burden of Proof on Examined Returns of Income Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
Authors: Chachalika Kassim Athuman
Published: August 2022

The study examined the impact of tax audits on the burden of proof on examined returns of income among SMEs in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania.  Specifically, the study intended to examine how the issued notice of deficiencies affects the burden of proof on taxpayers on the production of  evidence and persuasiveness to the tax authority. The study applied a crosssectional design and quantitative and qualitative approach, where, data  were collected from targeted respondents and analysed quantitatively to establish the relationships between variables. Data were analysed through  a descriptive statistical method and presented in frequency tables. Primary and secondary data were collected through a combination of  methods including key informant interviews, structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The study revealed that education level has a  greater impact on tax audit notice of deficiencies and taxpayers’ burden of proof from the examined return of income point of view. The education  level of the respondents indicates that 41 (60%) out of 68 of the respondents had a primary education level. The study concluded that  understanding the impact of a tax audit with respect to notice of deficiencies, the burden of proof, and audited taxpayers’ perception from the  examined returns of income can influence tax compliance once taxpayers have basic tax laws education. Specifically, by understanding better why  taxpayers usually bear the burden of proof, the tax authority will be in a position to use appropriate measures that will bring in balance the burden  born by taxpayers on the production of evidence and persuasiveness to tax officers. The study recommends that tax authorities with other  stakeholders such as tax consultants, accountants, and auditors should ensure taxpayers are equipped with basic tax laws education from their  childhood, at primary schools, and post-primary schools.
Effects of Credit Management Practices on Performance of Women Owned SMEs in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Mutalemwa D.F. , Makindara J.R.
Published: August 2022

This paper determined the effects of credit management practices on the performance of women owned SMEs in Morogoro Municipality. Data were  collected from 120 women which included both credit and non-credit recipients. A purposeful sampling procedure was employed to select the study  district and three wards whereby two streets were selected from each ward randomly. The women’s respondents were then selected randomly from  each street. Descriptive analysis was used to compute the enterprise performance status of the respondents. The results indicate that 55 percent of  the women respondents were credit beneficiaries while 45 percent were not. Among those who received credit, 68 percent used the whole credit to  invest in the same business; about 21 percent used 50 percent of the credit received to invest in other businesses besides the core ones and about  50 percent used the credit in non-business purposes. Moreover, about 11 percent of the credit recipients used the whole loan given (100%) in other  activities such as family parties and paying school fees. An independent t-test was run to determine whether there is a significance difference in  performance among women with and without credits. The performance indicators were all significant in terms of asset value, number of  employees, monthly sales, and gross margin at p>0.05. The findings show that credit availability influenced the performance of women owning  SMEs. The findings also show further that women who received credit and invest the whole of it in the same business were performing better  compared to non-credit recipients. It is therefore concluded that if credit is available and women use the whole of it in investing within the business,  their SMEs performance will improve. It is recommended that women owning SME’s should be encouraged to take the available credits  which have competitive interest rates and deploy it in their business in order to enhance performance of their enterprises.
The use of ICT for Teaching and Learning among Secondary Schools Teachers in Mtwara, Tanzania
Authors: Peter Joseph Christonsia
Published: August 2022

The use of ICT in teaching and learning improve the quality and performance of education delivery, administration and management. As the world  is moving fast technologically, it is important to assess teachers’ awareness and abilities in using ICT for teaching, and if ICT tools are available in  secondary schools. The study had three specific objectives ; to assess teachers’ awareness of ICT policy for Basic Education in Tanzania, teachers’  abilities in using teaching and learning ICT tools, and the availability of basic teaching and learning ICT tools. From seven public secondary schools,  about 110 teachers were involved in this descriptive study which was conducted under a mixed approach. Questionnaire and in-depth interview  were applied to assess teachers’ awareness and current skills and practices in the application of the available ICT for teaching and learning. The  results of this study indicate that a moderate number of secondary schools’ teachers were aware of the ICT policy for basic education in Tanzania.  Also, the results show that the majority of secondary schools possess fewer teaching and learning ICT tools. In addition, the findings indicate that  most teachers have moderate abilities in using ICT tools for teaching and learning. However, 91.5 per cent of male teachers possessed more ICT  skills than did female teachers. The paper recommends that the Government of Tanzania invest more efforts and resources to integrate ICT in  secondary school education and raise teachers’ awareness of ICT policy through seminars or workshops.
Attributes Influencing Effectiveness of Employees’ Innovation in Telecommunication Industry in Tanzania
Authors: Kikuli Miriam D. , Mwombeki Frank A.
Published: August 2022

This study aimed at examining attributes influencing the effectiveness of employees’ innovation in telecommunication industry in Tanzania using  Tigo as a reference. Specifically, the study focused on the assessment of the influence of personal competence, leadership styles, technology and  financial resources on employees’ innovation in terms of the number of employees’ creative ideas and projects turned into innovation. The study  employed a cross-sectional survey strategy to collect data from a sample of 78 employees and openended questionnaires to collect additional  information from 5 key informants who were senior members of Tigo, Tanzania. Descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear Regression were used to  analyse data and test formulated hypotheses respectively. The findings show that leadership styles and technology strongly influence employees’  innovation in Telecommunication Companies. The study findings imply that it is very crucial for human resource directors to motivate staff to make  them innovative. Also, ICT, research and development departments should be given more budgets and intensive trainings in order to build  employees’ innovative capacity. Therefore, it is recommended that technology and leadership style should be seriously considered by company’s  management when making strategies and plans for innovative growth in an organization particularly Telecommunication Industry.
Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development: An Assessment of Solar Energy Adoption among SMEs in the City of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Ahenkan Albert , Alhassan Abdul-Washeru , Boon Emmanuel Kwesi
Published: August 2022

Energy demand continues to drive sustainable development in all countries of the world. As Ghana is accelerating her transition to a low carbon economy, this paper aims to investigate the nature, opportunities and challenges of the solar energy market in the City of Accra. This paper used a qualitative inquiry approach to investigate the solar energy market development in Accra. The Ghana Government’s policy framework for achieving sustainable energy in the country as well as the emerging opportunities and barriers relating to market development of this energy sub-sector in Accra are analysed. The paper found that inadequate institutional and service-provider’s financial support, after-sales technical support, limited consumer credit facilities, a dearth of public education and general awareness among the public about solar energy technology remain important barriers to solar energy development in Accra. In addition, the Net Metering policy dissonance constitutes a critical barrier to solar energy transition and market development in the city. In conclusion, government programming and increasing industrial sector participation will provide a vital catalyst for the development of the solar energy sub-sector and market in Accra.
Unethical Ministerial Practices Among Some Ghanaian Pastors
Authors: Kang-Ewala Diboro Paul , Ehiem Raymond Charles
Published: August 2022

In recent times, ministerial misconduct of Ghanaian pastors has become rampant in print, electronic and social media. How do we explain these acts of indecency perpetrated under the guise of freedom of religion by some ministers that identify with Christianity? What accounts for these behaviours? And what could be done to prevent such strange practices from escalating to disaster proportions? To answer these questions, data were collected from published literature and media reports. The study argues that the consistent unethical practices, activities, and utterances of some Ghanaian pastors negatively affect Christian ministry in Ghana. Focusing on some of the unethical ministerial practices and initiatives undertaken by these pastors, this article investigates the reasons responsible for their occurrences and proffers remedial suggestions. The study draws attention to uncaring shepherds, the seared conscience of some pastors, easily manipulated congregations, sleeping shepherds and the high demand for deliverance services by congregants as possible reasons that bring about these unethical ministerial practices. Finally, the article contends that to achieve a desired transformative Christian ministry in Ghana, the Church must pay attention to the religious practices of some pastors and if possible, find a way to regulate them.
Religion and Commodification: The Ghanaian Churches' COVID-19 Economy
Authors: Nrenzah Genevieve , Okyerefo Michael P. K.
Published: August 2022

Ghana had its first COVID -19 pandemic victim in the second week of March 2020. This prompted the government to introduce restrictive measures such as a partial lockdown, which included halting economic activities, restricting movement, and banning public gatherings. Later, restrictions were relaxed to allow twenty-five people to attend funerals. These presidential directives, known as Number 1 in Ghana, meant a total shutdown of religious gatherings that constitute an economy of itself. While some church leaders tried to open their churches for worship and were arrested for doing so, most moved their services to virtual spaces to reach their members. The fascinating phenomenon that emerged was the creative ways various religious leaders used to monetise the services offered to members. Using the cyber-ethnographic method, we examine the various means deployed by five selected churches to manage church finances and membership. The results show that the churches' monetary interests and survival strategies were paramount amidst the pandemic. The financial, spiritual, and physical well-being of members/clients was dominant at the time.