bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer Prices Trends in Colombia: Detecting Breaks and Forecasting Inflation
Authors: Zárate-Solano Héctor M. , Rodríguez-Niño Norberto
Published: December 2024

Colombia’s annual inflation reached 13.3% in March 2023, the highest rate since the implementation of the inflation-targeting regime for monetary policy in 2000. However, some groups within the basket show signs of lower inflation, while others exhibit higher inflation. The persistence of this trend is actively debated, involving analysis of both year-to-year and month-to-month changes in price indices.
In this paper, we use a time series methodology to identify shifts in inflation levels based on the 188 price indices that comprise the basket. We classify the trend breaks as positive or negative and aggregate them by tradable and non-tradable, core and regulated, and other CPI groups.
Additionally, we employ these trend models, possibly with breaks, to forecast total (bottom-up and middle-up approaches) and group inflation for 2024. Our findings suggest that inflation will decline for most groups by the end of 2024 but will increase for some key groups. Forecast evaluation measures favor using some degree of aggregation, with breaks considerations, for forecasting both annual and monthly inflation.
The Mediation Role of Career Calling: Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (FSSBs) and Life Satisfaction
Authors:   Perguruan Tinggi Ilmu Kepolisian, Fitro Joko
Published: December 2024

One of the police's duties is to serve and protect the community despite facing various obstacles such as superior support and career calling which can ultimately determine life satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (FSSBs) on police officers' life satisfaction and career calling and to assess career calling as a mediator in this relationship. The population in this study were police personnel working in North Maluku province. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample of this study. A total of 132 samples were lower and middle-level officers involved in this study. The analytical tool used to test the hypothesis in this study was hierarchical regression. Based on the results of the hypothesis testing, it was shown that career calling fully mediated the relationship between FSSBs and life satisfaction. The results confirm that FSSBs significantly enhance police officers' life satisfaction and career calling. Career calling also positively influences life satisfaction and fully mediates the relationship between supervisory support and life satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of supportive leadership in fostering career development and overall well-being among police personnel
Hybrid Cloud Architectures for Scalable and Cost-Effective AI in Banking
Authors: Vedaswaroop Meduri
Published: December 2024

The banking sector's digital transformation through hybrid cloud architectures represents a strategic response to the growing demands for scalable, secure, and cost-effective AI implementations. This article examines the comprehensive integration of hybrid cloud solutions in banking, exploring key components, implementation strategies, and security considerations. The article covers infrastructure requirements, data management frameworks, deployment methodologies, and financial implications of hybrid cloud adoption. Special attention is given to regulatory compliance, data protection measures, and emerging technologies such as edge computing and advanced AI capabilities. The article demonstrates how hybrid cloud architectures enable banks to maintain security and compliance while leveraging the benefits of cloud-based AI/ML capabilities, ultimately driving innovation and operational efficiency in the financial services sector.
Automated Data Preparation through Deep Learning: A Novel Framework for Intelligent Data Cleansing and Standardization
Authors: Praneeth Thoutam
Published: December 2024

This article presents a comprehensive framework for automating data preparation and cleansing processes using artificial intelligence techniques. The proposed approach combines supervised and unsupervised learning methods with natural language processing to address common data quality challenges, including inconsistencies, missing values, and format standardization. By integrating deep neural networks for pattern recognition, ensemble methods for enhanced accuracy, and knowledge graphs for domain-specific expertise, the framework demonstrates significant improvements in both data quality and processing efficiency compared to traditional manual approaches. The system's architecture incorporates multiple layers of validation and quality assurance mechanisms, ensuring robust and reliable outputs while reducing human intervention in the data preparation pipeline. Experimental results across various datasets and use cases indicate substantial reductions in processing time and improved accuracy in anomaly detection and correction, while maintaining scalability for large-scale implementations. This article contributes to the growing field of automated data science by providing a scalable, intelligent solution that enables data scientists and analysts to focus on higher-value analytical tasks while ensuring consistent and high-quality data preparation.
Polymorphism of non-coding sequences in karachai sheep
Authors: Dzhatdoev Kh. M. , Erkenov T. A.
Published: December 2024

Relevance. The genetic structure of autochthonous sheep breeds is of particular interest, since it allows us to assess the ways of spreading the genetic streams of ancient sheep breeding, as well as to identify molecular genetic systems and their polymorphism associated with mechanisms of adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In order to compare the genetic structures of coarse-haired sheep breeds — Karachay, Kalmyk and Edilbaevskaya, differing in origin and breeding conditions, the features of genetic structures were evaluated by polylocus genotyping of highly polymorphic genomic elements — long terminal repeats of five retrotransposons: SIRE-1, PaswS 5, BARE-1, BERV β-3 and BERV k-1. As a result, data were obtained on the high polymorphism of genomic DNA fragments flanked by inverted repeats of the sites of these retrotransposons, and for three of them (SIRE-1, PaswS 5 and BARE-1) Kalmyk and Edilba sheep turned out to be closer to each other than to the Karachai sheep, which corresponds to the accumulated data on the uniqueness of origin and habitat conditions the Karachai breed.
Overview of issues of conservation of steppe ecosystems
Authors: Lapenko N. G. , Honina O. V. , Starostina M. A.
Published: December 2024

Steppe ecosystems are the most important terrestrial ecosystems for the national economy in Russia, on which the bulk of Russian agriculture has been based for almost two centuries. At the same time, the steppe is one of the most vulnerable natural ecosystems, as it is influenced by various environmental factors (natural, anthropogenic, man–made). The most tangible environmental factor — anthropogenic — is the downside of human agricultural activity. The removal of virgin steppes for arable land, unregulated livestock, excess of pasture load in excess of permissible norms led to the loss of former biodiversity, a high degree of disturbance of steppe ecosystems, and in some cases, a complete loss of soil fertility and vegetation cover, and as a result to desertification of the territory. In the current situation, the steppe ecosystems of Russia, including the Stavropol Territory, need restoration measures aimed at reducing and preventing the scale of degradation of steppe territories, improving soil cover and vegetation, increasing biodiversity and productivity of natural grasslands. The lost steppe vegetation should be returned to its original habitat. It is necessary to gradually resume the native flora, based on the use of resourcesaving technologies for restoring natural vegetation and preserving virgin areas of steppe communities. However, the recognition by society of the indisputable importance and value of steppe ecosystems is no less significant. And of course, the legal status.
Genotyping of the generic complex Caragana, growing in areas with an arid climate, using ISSR markers
Authors: Kalmykova E. V. , Kuzmin P. A. , Lushnikova E. S. , Krylov P. A.
Published: December 2024

Relevance. To increase the productivity and sustainability of artificial protective plantings, along with forestry activities, much attention is paid to the issues of genetic certification. Genotyping of the genus Caragana complex can currently only be carried out using nonspecific markers, since the genome of the studied objects growing in areas with an arid climate has not been sequenced. The purpose of the study was to genotype the Caragana genus complex using ISSR in an area with a characteristic arid climate.

Methods. To implement the planned program, field and laboratory experiments were carried out according to existing and newly developed methods.

Results. The study showed that loci UBC 880 (1100 bp) and UBC 818 (450 bp) may be markers of C. arborescens f. pyramidalis “Incomparable VNIALMI”, C. arborescens — UBC 823 (650 bp) and for C. frutex — UBC 815 (500 bp). The results obtained confirm the success of the new variety and its high resistance to drought. C. arborescens f. Pyramidalis “Incomparable VNIALMI” can be recommended for protective afforestation and agroforestry in arid areas.
A functional drink based on reconstituted whey powder and a triple chelate complex of the essential trace element zinc
Authors: Kostenko K. V. , Blinov A. V. , Poydun Ph. A. , Pirogov M. A. , Serov A. M. , Rebezov M. B.
Published: December 2024

In this work, a functional drink was obtained based on reconstituted dry whey and a triple chelate complex of the essential trace element zinc. The synthesis was carried out by mechanically mixing 3-pyridinecarboxamide, L-lysine monohydrochloride, barium hydroxide 8-aqueous and zinc sulfate 7-aqueous with the addition of 30 ml of distilled water. Next, the absorption spectrum of the sample was obtained, using which the maximum of the absorption band of the triple chelate complex (λ = 260 nm) was determined. At the next stage, computer quantum-chemical modeling was carried out, as a result of which it was determined that the interaction of the essential trace element zinc with 3-pyridinecarboxamide and L-lysine occurs through the secondary amino group and carboxyl group and through the carboxyl group and α-amino group, respectively. Then, optimization of the synthesis technique of the triple chelate complex was carried out. Using neural network data processing, it was found that the optimal concentrations of the components are: C (ZnSO4) = 0.376 mol/l, C (C6H5NO2) = 0.545 mol/l, C (C6H14N2O2) = 0.528 mol/l.

Next, a functional milk drink was obtained containing 7.5% whey, 7.5% molasses and 0.13 ml of the complex. Then the drink was subjected to ultrasonic treatment with different amplitudes. Then, titratable acidity, electrical conductivity, pH, antioxidant activity and average hydrodynamic radius were studied. As a result, it was found that when adding a triple chelate complex to the functional milk drink, as well as at the maximum amplitude of ultrasound treatment, an increase in titratable acidity, electrical conductivity, antioxidant activity and a decrease in the average hydrodynamic radius are observed, which allows us to conclude that the use of the complex is beneficial, as well as conducting ultrasound treatment with maximum amplitude. At the next stage, an organoleptic assessment of the resulting functional drink was carried out, as a result of which it was found that for implementation in dairy industry enterprises, it is recommended to use a sample enriched with a chelate zinc complex, which was subjected to ultrasound treatment with maximum amplitude.
Effects of experimental infection with Trichinella spiralis larvae and Trichinella products on embryonic development of rats
Authors: Konovalova G. V. , Koveshnikova E. I. , Novik T. S. , Chukina S. I.
Published: December 2024

Relevance. The aim of the research is to study the effect of experimental infection of T. spiralis and trichinella products on the embryonic development of rats.

Methods. The experiment was conducted on 3 experimental groups of rats with corresponding controls. The effect of chronic trichinella invasion of various durations (40–60 days and 6–8 months) on the embryonic development of rats was studied in rats of groups 1 and 2. The effect of T. spiralis protein extract on the embryonic development of fetuses from rats, which were intraperitoneally injected with the test product during the critical periods of embryogenesis (4th, 11th and 16th days), was studied on animals of the 3rd group.

Results. The negative effects of Trichinella infection on development of fetuses were detected only in rats on 40–60 days post infection. A statistically significant increase in average number of resorptions, postimplantation and total embryonic mortality were noted. The preimplantation mortality rates did not differ from the control value. Three fetuses with malformations as edema were detected. However, there were no internal anomalies. When assessing the development of fetuses from rats with Trichinella chronic infection with longer duration (6–8 months) the fetus death rates were comparable to the control ones. No fetuses with external or internal malformations were detected.

The tested protein preparation did not show negative effects on the development of embryos. In all variants of the experiment no pathology of skeletal system rudiments was noted.
The effect of feed additives of domestic production on the intestinal health of laying hens
Authors: Kochish I. I. , Myasnikova O. V. , Motin M. S.
Published: December 2024

The article presents the results of studying the effect of various feed additives — adsorbent “Mustala” based on the mineral shungite (LLC “Nadvoitsky plant TDM” Purecarelia, Russia), prebiotic “Vetelact” (LLC “NVTS Agrovetzashchita”, Russia), probiotic “Profort” and phytobiotic “Intebio” (LLC “Biotrof”, Russia); enzyme preparation “Fidbest R” (ACCORDING to Sibbiopharm, Russia). Two series of experiments were conducted in vivarium conditions. In the first experiment, the effect of the “Vetelact” prebiotic and the “Mustala” sorbent was compared with the control, and in the second, the effect of three drugs: the “Profort” probiotic, the “Intebio” phytobiotic, and the “Feedbest R” enzyme supplement. Further, the evaluation of the “Vetelact” prebiotic was carried out in the conditions of industrial chicken keeping — at the poultry farm of LLC «Poultry Farm “Lindovskaya” — breeding plant» of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

The use of probiotics, as a rule, leads to an increase in the number of one or two types of beneficial microflora, since it contains one or more strains of beneficial microorganisms. In this study, when testing the probiotic “Profort” in the microbiota of blind processes, an increase in lactobacilli was observed, their content increased by more than 2.5 times. Prebiotics contain nutrients for microorganisms and can stimulate the growth of several species at once. In the study, when using the “Vetelact” prebiotic, an increase in bifidobacteria and lactobacilli was noted — by 42.9% and 14.6%, respectively. Drugs that are not intended to directly affect the microbiota, such as sorbents, enzymes, and phytobiotics, have an indirect effect on the microbial profile, which does not always have a positive effect. Thus, the addition of the feed enzyme “Feedbest R” led to an increase in the number of lactobacilli in the microbiota by 4 times, and the sorbent “Mustala” led to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli by 2.3 times.
Comparison of the exterior profile of the Russian White and Tsarskoye Selo chicken breeds
Authors: Larkina T. A. , Vakhrameev A. B. , Stanishevskaya O. I. , Fedorova E. S. , Dementieva N. V. , Shcherbakov Yu. S. , Pozovnikova M. V.
Published: December 2024

Today, poultry farming is a highly efficient branch of animal husbandry, and the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) is the most common type of farm animals. Significant changes in the exterior of chickens reflect the acquired biological characteristics of the bird and are closely related to the formed direction of productivity. The article is devoted to the comparison of the exterior profiles of two domestic chicken breeds of different productivity directions: Russian White (egg), Tsarskoye Selo (meat and egg). Exterior assessment occupies an important place in the grading of breeding poultry.

As a result of the study, it was revealed that the body structure of Tsarskoye Selo chickens meets the requirements of a heavy bird with good meat qualities. In comparison with Tsarskoye Selo chickens, Russian White chickens have a more developed abdominal part, in which the egg-forming organs are located. This is confirmed by a significantly smaller difference in the pelvic width (only 0.81 cm). In addition, the Russian White breed of chickens had a high index of legginess — 53.5, compared to the index value of 21.1 for the Tsarskoye Selo breed. The index of latitudinal proportionality for the Tsarskoye Selo breed of chickens is 2 times higher (94.0), which also indicates its productivity direction (meat and egg). Detailing and specifying breeds according to exterior indicators helps in approving new breeding forms of the State Commission of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Radicalization of Geographical Education in Singapore through Powerful Knowledge and Powerful Pedagogy
Authors: Seah Paul
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Johnston and Sidaway (2004) posit that there exists a body of knowledge that is taught by experts who produce new knowledge and reproduce old knowledge within disciplines that is identified by their subject matter. The German philosopher Immanuel Kant classified this knowledge in three different ways (Azócar Fernández & Buchroithner, 2014). One way was to classify facts according to the type of the objects studied. The second way was to examine the temporal dimension by looking at things in relation to their history. The final way was to understand facts relative to their spatial relationships. It is the final method of knowledge classification that is what we know today as geography.

The understanding of knowledge, as with other phenomena in our society, is “ever-changing and is multifaceted” (Boettke, 2002, p. 266). More recently, Firth (2013) proposed three other conceptions of knowledge: absolutist, relativist and realist, and argues that such “different conceptions of knowledge (and truth) imply and encourage different ideals of thinking, learning, teaching and curriculum in geography” (p. 59).

However it seems that knowledge is “somehow taken for granted or something we can make fit our political goals” (Young, 2010, p. 21) and that there is a need for another way of conceptualizing the curriculum by seeing what knowledge can do, calling it “powerful knowledge” (Young, 2009). He argues that because the curriculum had evolved to tackle social problems and fulfill the needs and interests of learners, it “played down the fundamental educational role of the curriculum, which derives both from what schools are for and what they can and cannot do” (Young, 2010, p. 23). Young (2010) therefore takes a radical stand and argues that “we need to make the question of knowledge our central concern and this involves developing a knowledge-led and subject-led, and not, as much current orthodoxy assumes, a learner-led approach to the curriculum” (p. 21). This paper will critically examine Young’s (2010) arguments and comment on how these arguments are relevant to geographical education in Singapore.
Physical Mechanical Characteristics of Robusta Coffee Beans With Temperature Treatment and Roasting Time
Authors: Ayu Hanifah , Sukmawaty  , Ansar  , Murad  , Ince Siti Wardatullatifah
Published: December 2024

Lombok is one of the coffee-producing areas with a large planting area spread across several districts. Looking at the large area of â€‹â€‹coffee plants, it is hoped that this can maximize coffee processing. One of the coffee processing areas that is of concern is the roasting process, which is important in forming the distinctive aroma and taste image of coffee. Efforts to maintain coffee quality are carried out by controlling the temperature and roasting time under optimal conditions purpose of this study the effect of temperature and roasting time on the physical and mechanical properties of Robusta coffee beans in Karang Sidemen Village, North Batukliang District, Central Lombok Regencytrict, Central Lombok Regency. This research used a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern with two variables, namely roasting temperature and roasting time. The observation data was analyzed using a variety of fingerprints produced which were significantly different at the 5% level in several tests carried out, namely the degree of acidity (pH), water content, seed yield, and hardness. The results of the research showed that the best treatment to produce the physical and mechanical characteristics of Robusta coffee beans was at a temperature of 190Â°C with a roasting time of 12 minutes, namely having a yield of 91.48%, pH 5.53, hardness of 53.77%, color L(Lightness) 33.28, water content 1.35%, and the lowest total value of minimum defective seeds was 18.05 (quality 2).
Geneza i razvojne faze priobalnih naselja na primjeru Milne na Braču
Authors: Poklepović Duje , Bartulović Hrvoje
Published: December 2024

The paper analyses the development of the urban structure of coastal settlements on the example of Milna on Brač, whose prosperity was marked by shipbuilding. The development stages of the place that gave Milna its characteristic features were examined, which can be observed in the changes in the settlement's fabric. Given the rapid increase in the built environment of almost all coastal settlements, including Milna on Brač, it is imperative to investigate the development processes and changes in the morphology of these settlements to preserve their characteristic features and develop quality guidelines for further development.
هانز جورج غادامير: التناهي والحقيقة
Authors: صالح د. علي حاكم
Published: December 2024

يتناول هذا البحث مفهوم التناهي finitude عند الفيلسوف الألماني هانز جورج غادامير Hans Georg Gadamer (1900-2002)، وعلاقته بمفهوم الحقيقة، أو بتعبير آخر أثر تناهي الإنسان على قدرته للوصول إلى الحقيقة. والتناهي مفهوم محوري في فلسفة غادامير، بل هو لا يني يذكّر به في كتاباته الرئيسة لاسيما كتابه الرئيس الحقيقة والمنهج Truth and Method، لإقرار حقيقة أنّ الإنسان ذو عقل متناه، ووجود متناه باعتبارات عديدة. ومن ثم يحاول البحث أن يصل هذا المفهوم بمفهوم الحقيقة. ولغادامير تأويلاته الخاصة للحقيقة، حتى أنّه عنون به كتابه السالف الذكر. بيد أنّه، وكما سيوضح البحث، لا يرى في المنهج العلمي السبيل للوصول إلى الحقيقة في ميادين أخرى تقع خارج نطاق العلم. تجري صياغة التناهي ضمن مقولات ومفاهيم يشرحها غادامير كالتراث والتاريخية والأحكام المسبقة وسواها. ويهدف البحث من وراء ذلك إلى الكشف عن النسبية المطلقة التي انتهت إليها فلسفة غادامير، لتكون بذلك سلفاً غير مباشر لفلسفة ما بعد الحداثة، وسيقدم البحث إضاءات معينة بهذا الصدد.
English Teaching Centered on the Application of Learning Styles Perceived in Academic Contexts
Authors: Hashim Dr. Nadhim Madhloom
Published: December 2024

الخلاصة
تستكشف هذه الدراسة تأثير أساليب التعلم (VARK) وأثرها على تحصيل الطالب في لغة الهدف. الغرض الأساسي من التدريس هو تمكين الطلاب من اعتماد أساليب التعلم المختلفة لتحسين مهاراتهم اللغوية. لذلك، يمكن للمعلمين استخدام VARK لاستيعاب تفضيلات التعلم المتنوعة لطلابهم عند تدريس أنشطة اللغة الإنكليزية في بيئة رسمية. وأظهرت الدراسة وجود معاملات ارتباط بين إتقان اللغة الإنكليزية وتفضيلات أسلوب التعلم، وتحديداً أساليب التعلم البصري والسمعي لطلاب المرحلة الإعدادية، إيجابية للغاية. إحصائية اختبار مربع كاي للنموذج المرئي هي c2= 193.37, p <‎0.05 ، والنموذج السمعي هوc2= 182.70, p <‎0.05  بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فإنه يوضح أنه من بين إجمالي 64 مشاركًا، استحوذ نموذج التفضيل الفردي على درجة التقييم الأكثر أهمية (M=3.22، SD=.863)، والذي يضم 39.1%  من العينة. في المقابل، تشير النتائج إلى عدم وجود تمييز ذو دلالة إحصائية بين المشاركين من الذكور والإناث فيما يتعلق بمرجع تفضيل الجنس في VARK، p<0.05. يجب أن يمتلك المعلمون فهمًا متعمقًا لأساليب التعلم المفضلة لطلابهم لتطوير موارد التدريس التي تسهل التعلم السريع والفعال للطلاب. علاوة على ذلك، يبدو أن كلا من الطلاب والمعلمين يتبنون بسهولة فكرة أساليب التعلم، مما يعزز الاستخدام الفعلي لقياس أسلوب التعلم في إعدادات الفصل الدراسي لتحديد مجالات الطلاب التي تواجه صعوبة محددة في عملية التعلم.
الكلمات المفتاحية: أساليب التعلم، تفضيلات الطالب، التعلم الإدراكي، الجنس
الجنرال هنري غورو ونشاطه العسكري والسياسي في بلاد الشام 1867-1946
Authors: م. م رائد وليد طالب
Published: December 2024

هو هنري جوزيف أوجين غورو ولد في باريس في 17 تشرين الثاني عام 1867، أسرته مكونة من ستة ابناء كان هنري أكبرهم، تخرج من الكلية العسكرية سان سير عام 1888م، ثم رقي إلى رتبة عقيد في عام 1907، ثم نقل إلى المغرب عام 1910، بطلب من المارشال ليوتي، ومنه تعلم فن المكر والخداع، فكان هنري جوزيف أوجين غورو ولد في باريس في عام 1867،  من أسرة مكونة من ستة ساعده الأيمن، ثم حل مكانه لتوطيد الحماية الفرنسية في المغرب، وفي عام 1915 عين قائداً للجيش الفرنسي الرابع فقد كان على رأس الحملة الفرنسية التي اشتركت في معارك الدردنيل خلال الحرب العالمية الاولى, فأصيب بشظية قنبلة أفقدته ذراعه اليمنى فقضى حياته بذراع واحدة، عاد إلى مراكش عام 1917 بصفته مقيم، وفي العام نفسه صد بمناورة عسكرية هجوماً ألمانياً ، فوصفه رئيس الوزراء الفرنسي بـ«الجندي العظيم» وكان ذلك وراء تعيينه مفوضاً سامياً على سورية في عام 1918م.
يعد الجنرال هنري غورو من الشخصيات المهمة في التاريخ سواء كان  التاريخ الفرنسي او التاريخ العربي, وذلك لما له من دور بارز في قيادة الجيوش الفرنسية نحو البلاد العربية  دمشق وتطبيق السياسة الفرنسية في بلاد الشام, فضلاً عن دوره في القضاء على المقاومة العربية في بلاد الشام التي تمثلت في حكومة الملك فيصل بن الشريف حسين, والمعارضة الشعبية من جانب اخر, واستطاع بفعل دهاء وحنكته ان يقضي على المقاومة, والسيطرة على زمام الامور في بلاد الشام, فضلاً عن الدور الذي لعبه الجنرال هنري غورو في تقسيم بلاد الشام وظهور ما يسمى بدولة لبنان الكبير, وكانت السياسة الاستعمارية التي اتبعها في السيطرة على البلاد هي من خلال التلاعب في القبائل والعزف على وتر الطائفية.
COVID-19 Disease Mapping in Malaysia Using Poisson-gamma Model to Safeguard Community
Authors: Aziz Nazrina
Published: December 2024

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an extremely transmissible disease that causes tremendous human suffering worldwide, with millions of people dying within two years. In Malaysia, the COVID-19 pandemic continues with an increasing number of positive cases. In order to monitor and prevent the disease, disease mapping is proposed for quantifying and describing the disease risk. The primary objective of this research is to estimate the COVID-19 relative risk using one of the most widely employed Bayesian approaches, namely the Poisson-gamma model, and eventually display a disease map to show the COVID-19 risk level in each state. The relative risk results are divided into five different levels to classify the COVID-19 risk level in each Malaysian state. The illustration of five different shades in the disease mapping has distinguished the risk levels within each state, where the most light-coloured area indicates very low risk whilst the most dark-coloured area indicates very high risk. According to the results, the area with the lowest risk of contracting COVID-19 in 2020 is Perlis, and the area with the highest risk is Labuan, whereas in 2021, Perlis remains the lowest risk area while Selangor is the highest risk area.
Analysis of the agrifood situation in an elementary school community
Authors: Lemos-Figueroa Marisel , Pérez Sánchez Alfonso , Cuevas-Reyes Venancio
Published: December 2024

Objective: To analyze the agrifood situation (nutritional state) of elementary school children from the San Miguel El Piñón community, located in Españita, Tlaxcala, Mexico. The objective was to identify elements that could be used to design and implement strategies aimed to improve food and nutrition security in this rural area.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A participatory action research was conducted to analyze the information collected from mothers and children (n=44) from an elementary school located in San Miguel El Piñón, Tlaxcala.
Results: Based on their weight, size, and nutritional state, 69.6% of the participating children have a healthy weight. However, 26.1% of the participating children have symptoms of malnutrition, while no data was recorded for 4.3% of the children. Food insecurity was identified in the community as a consequence of which families cannot have a well-balanced diet.
Study Limitations/Implications: The results are only valid for the selected sample. Although the situation was studied in the field, the actual sample was small. Nevertheless, the national trend on this subject was confirmed.
Findings/Conclusions: This is a worrisome situation that can impact the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive growth and development of children. The sample evaluation revealed symptoms of malnutrition.
Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus [Haworth] Britton & Rose) marketing margins for its sustainable development in Belize
Authors: Sánchez Toledano Blanca I. , Cuevas Reyes Venancio , Uzcanga-Pérez Nelda , Nataren-Velázquez Jeremias
Published: December 2024

Objective: To determine the marketing margins and direct participation of producers in Belize aimed to support the sustainable development of pitahaya.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The information was collected between October and December 2022, implementing participatory workshops with producers and members of the pitahaya production chain in the Cayo and Orange Walk districts, Belize.
Results: The producer and the consumer (90%) are the main participating agents of the pitahaya marketing process. The gross marketing margin amounted to 40%, which indicated that, for every dollar paid by pitahaya consumers, 40 cents went to the intermediaries, while 60 cents went to the producers.
Study Limitations/Implications: An in-depth market analysis should be carried out.
Findings/Conclusions: Pitahaya cultivation is just starting in Belize. Nevertheless, the country’s climate provides it with a high potential for success. The main marketing channel is made up of the producer and the final consumer. Belizean producers obtained 60% of the total price paid by the final consumer.
Traditional knowledge in an agroforestry system and perspectives about agroecological practices in Nahua communities
Authors: Valdés Alcántara Isela Violeta , Fajardo Franco Marja Liza , Aguilar Tlatelpa Martin
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjective: To identify traditional knowledge associated to the traditional agroforestry system (TAFS)integrated by corn-coffee-allspice and to recognize perceptions and interests of Nahua communities towardsthe incorporation of agroecological practices.Design/methodology/approach: Work was done in two Nahua communities of Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico,devoted to the production of corn (Zea mays L.), coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and allspice (Pimenta dioica Mill), inTAFS. A qualitative research approach was used, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted.Results: A representative population sample was interviewed; 74% of the population were women, 38% wasolder than 65, 100% self-described as Nahua and recounted that maintenance of the TAFS is a family activity.Performing soil and organic matter conservation was manifested by 29%; 26% described promoting the diversityof species (cultivated and tolerated); 9% described establishing Scaptotrigona mexicana (endemic pollinator) in theplot; 65% knows an agroecological practice, and of this portion, 42% would like to use organic fertilizers, 41%considers that management of fertility and soil conservation are key to maintain the TAFS.Limitations on study/implications: The findings reported are applicable to the context of Nahuacommunities in the Sierra Norte region of Puebla.Findings/conclusions: There are traditional understandings associated to the TAFS. These have an approachof adaptation and emulation of local environmental characteristics to satisfy self-consumption. The approachof integral management of the agroecosystem tends to sustainability. The perception of the incorporationof agroecological practices is positive, and there is special interest in the management of soil fertility andconservation.
New electrostatic theory for sap ascent in tall trees
Authors: Aceves-Navarro E. , Aceves-Navarro L.A. , RIVERA BENIGNO
Published: December 2024

Objective: To propose a new electrostatic theory for the rise of sap in tall trees.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A detailed review of the different theories presented regarding capillary rise in trees was carried out. The new theory proposed herein is based on the scientific works of physiologists, biophysicists, and other branches of science, which expose the scientific bases of the water movement in the plant, but who have not proposed an integrated work.
Results: The theory uses the knowledge generated and based on them; a new explanation of the movement of sap in trees is proposed.
Study Limitations/Implications: In this proposal, no field experiments were carried out to verify the increase in sap flow in trees with heights greater than 40 m.
Findings/Conclusions: The new theory helps to better explain water loss through transpiration and metabolic processes, since both are closely related to the water content in the mobile solution.
The Impact of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) on Operational Performance: Evidence from Korean Smart Factory Support Program Participants
Authors: 김 현석 , 홍 수지 , 양 종곤
Published: December 2024

본 연구는 제조실행시스템(Manufacturing Execution System; MES)이 제조기업의 운영성과에 미치는 영향을 실증분석하였다. 인구 구조 변화에 따른 생산인력 감소와 숙련공 고령화 등의 문제를 극복하기 위해 정보시스템을 활용한 스마트 팩토리 구축은 중요한 대안이 되고 있다. 정부의 스마트공장구축지원사업 중 MES 구축이 가장 많은 부분을 차지하고 있으며, 성공적인 MES의 구축은 스마트공장구축의 견고한 토대가 된다. 그러나 MES에 대한 기존의 연구는 기술적 분석이 주를 이루고 있으며, 경영학 측면의 MES 성공요인에 대한 연구는 미미한 실정이다. 이에 본 연구는 스마트공장구축지원사업의 내용을 포괄적으로 검토하고, MES의 성공요인이 운영성과에 미치는 영향을 파악하고자 한다. 스마트공장구축지원사업에 참여한 178개 기업을 대상으로 실증분석을 수행함으로써 MES의 성공적 구축을 통한 기업성과 향상과 더불어 스마트공장구축지원사업의 방향을 제시하고자 한다. 분석결과, 공급기업의 업종적합성, 현업참여도, 컨설턴트 역량은 모두 운영성과에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었으며, MES 성공요인이 운영성과에 미치는 영향관계에서의 CEO의지의 조절효과도 확인되었다. 본 연구는 현장의 목소리를 반영한 MES의 성공요인을 파악하여 운영성과에 미치는 영향을 실증적으로 분석했다는 점에서 의의를 지닌다. 스마트 팩토리는 기술과 경영이 모두 제 역할을 할 때 그 성공을 거둘 수 있다는 점에서 향후 융합된 연구를 통해 관련 연구를 확대하고자 한다.
Efficiency Analysis of Domestic and International Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Factors Using DEA
Authors: 김 가영 , 최 병철 , 이 우진
Published: December 2024

최근 국가 및 지역의 경제성장을 위해 창업생태계 활성화가 강조되면서 창업생태계 구성요소별 자원 투입에 따른 성과에 관심이 높아지고 있다. 본 연구는 서울 창업생태계의 자원 투입 대비 산출 효율성을 분석하고 글로벌 경쟁력 강화를 위한 정책적 시사점을 제시하고자 한다. 이를 위해 2021년 스타트업 지놈 데이터를 활용하여 DEA 분석(Data Envelopment Analysis) 기법을 적용하였다. 분석 결과, 서울은 자금 조달 및 인재 확보 측면에서 높은 효율성을 보였으나, 시장 도달 범위 및 글로벌 네트워크 연결성에서는 낮은 효율성을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과는 서울 창업생태계가 국제 시장 진출과 네트워크 강화에서의 전략적 개입이 필요함을 시사한다. 학술적 기여로서 본 연구는 창업생태계의 효율성을 정량적으로 평가하는 방법론적 틀을 제시하였으며, 기존 순위 중심의 접근에서 벗어나 투입 대비 산출의 효율성을 분석함으로써 창업생태계 연구의 확장 가능성을 제안하였다. 실무적 관점에서는 글로벌 시장 접근성을 제고하고 자원 배분의 최적화를 도모하기 위한 구체적인 정책 방안, 예컨대 해외 진출 지원, 글로벌 파트너십 강화, 성과 기반 자금 지원 체계의 도입 등이 필요함을 강조한다. 본 연구는 창업생태계 구성 요소 간의 상호작용 및 복합적 구조에 대한 심층적 이해의 필요성을 제기하며, 향후 시계열 데이터 및 비계량적 요소를 포함한 후속 연구를 통해 창업생태계의 지속 가능한 발전 방안을 제시할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.
Karen Bray, Heather Eaton, and Whitney Bauman, eds. (2023). Earthly Things: Immanence, New Materialisms, and Planetary Thinking.
Authors: LeVasseur Todd
Published: December 2024

Containing an Introduction and twenty-two stand-alone chapters, Earthly Things is the culmination of five-years of the editors and contributors meeting face-to-face at annual American Academy of Religions gatherings, which were structured around the goal of providing “a new turn to ontology” (1). This turn centers upon “how our ideas materialize in the world and how our entanglement with other bodies in an evolving planetary community shape our ideas [and] have great potential for rethinking human-technology-animal-Earth relationships” (1). The editors explain that during this gestation period they discussed the themes of Earthly Things and workshopped ideas and drafts that eventually became the respective contributions from those involved (three editors, nineteen other contributors). Overall, the book is structured around three “main, intersecting themes: Immanent Religiosities, New Materialisms and other theories of Immanence, and Planetary Thinking” (2-3).
Digital Milieus: A Posthumanist Media Ecology for a Planetary Computation Era
Authors: Moreira Alonso Joaquín
Published: December 2024

Media ecology introduced a fresh perspective to media studies, previously dominated by content analysis, effects research, ideologies, and flux studies. This approach allows us to understand media in a non-linear manner, seeing them as constructors of our everyday contexts rather than mere tools for specific purposes. Despite this shift, classical media ecology often views media as information transmitters for discrete human beings, rooted in modern humanist rationalism. This article suggests that a posthumanist approach to media ecology can help overcome modern anthropocentrism by studying the mutual ontogenesis between humans and their media environments. This change offers a fruitful framework for studying contemporary media, characterized by ubiquity, hyperconnection, and planetary-scale computing. The analysis emphasizes the interdependence between humans, technology, and the environment, highlighting the diminishing human agency amid automated systems and ubiquitous computing.
Cafeicultura mineira: resgate histórico da Associação dos Agricultores Familiares de Santo Antônio do Amparo (AFASA)
Authors: De Resende Gláucia Fernanda , Romaniello Marcelo Márcio , Cardoso Campos Alyce , Nunes Maciel Gustavo , Nunes Maciel Fernanda , Leal Campos Rita de Cássia
Published: December 2024

Este artigo teve como objetivo realizar um resgaste histórico da Associação dos Agricultores Familiares de Santo Antônio do Amparo (AFASA). Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa com coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas com o presidente, tesoureiro e secretário da AFASA. A AFASA foi constituída com o objetivo de criar uma força conjunta de agricultores familiares, para trabalharem em condições de igualdade, com acesso a uma infraestrutura adequada para dar suporte necessário aos associados possibilitando a agregação de valor ao produto, acesso ao mercado, com melhores preços de venda e abrangência inclusive ao mercado externo, o que para eles seria impossível individualmente. Atualmente a AFASA é uma organização comprometida com seus objetivos e com o grupo como um todo dando oportunidades de agregação de valor e inserção no mercado por meio de venda conjunta além da valorização do associado como ator social empoderado.
Palavras-Chave: Associativismo. Cafeicultura. Agricultura familiar.
 
Abstract
This article aimed to provide a historical overview of the Association of Family Farmers of Santo Antônio do Amparo (AFASA). To this end, a qualitative research approach was conducted with data collection through interviews with the president, treasurer and secretary of AFASA. AFASA was established with the aim of creating a joint force of family farmers to work under equal conditions, with access to an adequate infrastructure to provide the necessary support to its members, enabling the addition of value to the product, access to the market, with better sales prices and coverage including the foreign market, which would be impossible for them individually. Currently, AFASA is an organization committed to its objectives and to the group as a whole, providing opportunities for adding value and insertion in the market through joint sales, in addition to valuing the member as an empowered social actor.
Keywords: Associations. Coffee growing. Family farming.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cytoflavin as a neuroprotector based on a systematic review
Authors: Krasova E. K. , Titovich I. A. , Sidorov K. O. , Okovityi S. V.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Currently, neurological diseases occupy one of the first places in terms of the DALY (Disability-adjusted life year) index and are the second cause of death in the world. There is a tendency towards rejuvenation and an increase in morbidity. Drug therapy aimed at neuroprotection and improving the restoration of neurological functions according to clinical recommendations includes a succinate-containing drug – Cytoflavin. However, these recommendations are based on a very limited number of studies (4 studies for cytoflavin). Due to the huge amount of work in the field of the use of succinate-containing drugs as neuroprotectors, the lack of quantitative assessment of research results, it seems promising to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analysis in this area.

Aim. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cytoflavin as a neuroprotector based on a systematic review.

Materials and methods. A systematic review of the research results was conducted according to the criteria of PRISMA 2020. The search for publications was carried out using PubMed, Medline databases, as well as Russian scientific electronic libraries eLibrary.Ru and RSCI. Materials were also searched in the systems of the national and international registry of clinical trials.

Results and discussion. The review included 18 publications, including a description of the therapy of 10 pathologies of neurological origin. The largest part of the studies was devoted to the treatment of ischemic stroke (n = 4/18; 22.22 %) and manifestations of cognitive dysfunction (n = 5/18; 27.78 %). The pool of materials included studies of various designs, but most of them were represented by open comparative randomized/non-randomized studies. An analysis of the sources showed that the positive effect of the use of cytoflavin and the expediency of including its therapy regimen is noted in all publications. However, many studies have low statistical power due to the small sample sizes of patients, their heterogeneity and incompleteness of providing treatment data and the lack of randomization.

Conclusion. According to the results of most clinical studies, it has been shown that the use of cytoflavin is safe, and its administration in neurological diseases of various origins is advisable due to a decrease in the frequency of adverse neurological outcomes in patients. For an objective research result, a meta-analytical assessment of the publications included in the review is required.
A Novel Metric for Evaluating the Relationship Between Course Outcomes and Persistence
Authors: Barnsley Amy E. , Almond-Dannenbring Tasha , Lu Zhang
Published: December 2024

Declines in university enrollment due to the pandemic and declining demographics has pushed retention to the forefront. The relationship between course grades and persistence is combined into a new metric coined the Persistence Differential. This metric signals courses with higher counts of students earning not-quality grades and not persisting and is used to inform academic advising and curriculum review to improve retention. Challenges and successes in reporting the data meaningfully and examples for actionability will be described.
The Impact of In-Class Bonus Point Assignments on Attendance and Learning Outcomes in Principles of Macroeconomics at an HBCU
Authors: Williams Michael , Sutanto Peter
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of low-stakes and in-class bonus point assignments on student attendance and academic performance in Principles of Macroeconomics courses at an HBCU. The study examines data from 24-course sections taught over multiple semesters, comparing the outcomes of 12 sections where bonus point assignments were implemented to 12 sections without such assignments. Results show that students in the bonus point group had a significantly higher attendance rate (54.1%) compared to the control group (50.19%) and achieved higher average final exam scores (64.67% vs. 59.43%). ANOVA analysis further demonstrates a positive relationship between attendance and academic performance.
Regional Analysis of Earthquakes and Earthquake Magnitude Estimation with Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Habek Gül Cihan , Kahramanli Örnek Humar
Published: December 2024

Natural disasters, which have been increasing in recent years due to the impact of climate change, pose a significant threat worldwide. Natural disasters, which can cause a large number of human losses and material damages due to their uncertain nature and sudden effects, vary depending on the location and natural environment of the countries. Türkiye located in the Alpine-Himalayan Earthquake Zone, is one of the countries most exposed to earthquake disasters. Although timely prediction of earthquakes is of vital importance in minimizing the destructive effects that may occur during the disaster and increasing resistance to the destructive effects of the disaster, it cannot yet be predicted successfully due to its non-linear chaotic behavior. However, many researchers continue to work on the subject, and earthquake prediction models are actively used in some countries where earthquake disasters occur frequently and cause great destruction. In this study, the magnitudes of future earthquakes were predicted using various machine learning models: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Random Forests (RF), Gradient Boosting Algorithm (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting Algorithm (XGBoost), 2-hidden-layer Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and an ANN-KNN hybrid learning model. The performances of the established models were evaluated with MSE, MAE, RMSE, and R² metrics; and the ANN-KNN model showed that it was more effective than other models by exhibiting the highest performance with 0.0418 MSE, 0.0030 MAE, 0.0552 RMSE, and 0.7138 R² values. Additionally, unlike other studies, seven regions of Türkiye were considered separately and earthquakes were analyzed in detail according to their geography. The analysis results aim to add a new perspective to the literature.
An Example of Classification Using a Neural Network Trained by the Zebra Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Baş Emine , Baş Şaban
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence techniques are a broad field of research with training, computation and prediction capabilities. Among these techniques, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are widely used as a predictive model. Learning algorithms in ANN classifiers have great importance on the success of ANN. The ANN model generally uses gradient-based learning models. However, due to the disadvantages of gradient-based learning models in local search, they have begun to be replaced by heuristic-based algorithms in recent years. Heuristic algorithms have attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years due to their success in problem solving. In this study, the Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA), which has been proposed recently to train ANN networks, was examined. The main purpose of this study is to train the neural network using ZOA and increase the sensitivity of the perceptron neural network. In this study, a new ANN network integrated with ZOA is proposed. In this study, a detailed parameter analysis was carried out to show the effect of the population size and maximum generation number parameter settings, which form the basis for ZOA, on the ANN network. Then, a parameter analysis was carried out for the number of layers, number of neurons and epoch values, which are important for ANN networks. Such an ideal ANN network has been identified. This ideal ANN model was run on seven different data sets and was successful in predicting accurate data. In addition, three different heuristic algorithms (Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA), Prairie Dogs Optimization (PDO), and Osprey Optimization Algorithm (OOA)) selected from the literature were integrated on the same ANN model and compared with the results of ANN integrated with ZOA operated under similar conditions. The results reveal that the proposed algorithm leads to greater convergence with the neural network coefficient compared to other algorithms. In addition, the proposed method caused the prediction error in the neural network to decrease.