bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rumo a uma Taxonomia de Observabilidade para Aplicações Baseadas em Microsserviços
Authors: Gomes Francisco A. A. , Rego Paulo A. L. , Trinta Fernando A. M.
Published: October 2024

Aplicações baseadas em microsserviços têm sido amplamente adotadas nas empresas devido à sua excelente escalabilidade e capacidade de atualização oportuna. No entanto, embora a modularidade granular e a orientação por serviços reduzam a complexidade do desenvolvimento de sistemas, elas também aumentam a complexidade da operação e manutenção do sistema. Isso ocorre porque as falhas no sistema se tornaram mais frequentes e complexas. Com o aumento da complexidade das aplicações nativas em nuvem, as soluções de monitoramento tradicionais tornam-se inadequadas, levando a maiores riscos de falhas. A expansão do monitoramento para aplicações nativas em nuvem é conhecida como observabilidade, que pode ser formalmente definida como a capacidade de entender e diagnosticar o comportamento interno de um sistema analisando seus estados externos, permitindo a detecção e resolução eficazes de problemas. Embora alguns estudos na literatura abordem os conceitos, ferramentas e desafios da observabilidade, nenhum deles apresenta uma taxonomia de observabilidade. Neste trabalho, é proposta uma taxonomia de observabilidade para aplicações baseadas em microsserviços, apoiada por uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Os autores deste trabalho identificaram 26 estudos publicados entre 2019 e 2023. Esses estudos selecionados foram minuciosamente analisados e categorizados por essa taxonomia, fornecendo aos pesquisadores uma visão abrangente sobre Observabilidade.
Refinando a Precisão da Detecção de Conflitos: Uma Análise do CSDiff com Abordagem Focalizada
Authors: Araujo Felipe , Borba Paulo , Cavalcanti Guilherme
Published: October 2024

Software development is increasingly complex, with developers simultaneously working on different parts of the source code to build, maintain, and enhance systems. However, this collaborative nature of development can lead to conflicts when multiple individuals attempt to simultaneously modify the same file. In this scenario, code merge tools play a crucial role in detecting and resolving these conflicts. One such tool is CSDiff, a conflict detection and resolution tool, an alternative to the traditional and widespread Diff3. CSDiff stands out by using customizable separators specific to each programming language to help in conflict resolution. In this article, we propose an improvement to the functionality of CSDiff focusing on reducing false positive and false negatives conflicts found when using the original tool. Through an analysis based on Python programs, we compare CSDiff with and without the proposed improvement; we assess the impact on reducing errors presented by the original version of the tool. The results indicate that the proposed improvement not only reduces the number of reported false positive conflicts, leading to a higher proportion of scenarios with correctly resolved conflicts, but also results in a decrease in false negatives when compared to the original tool.
A educação em desenvolvimento de software seguro é necessária na indústria de software? Respostas de profissionais de um hub de tecnologia no Brasil
Authors: Santos Neto José Claudino , Silva Carla , Vilela Jéssyka , Peixoto Mariana
Published: October 2024

Contexto: A educação e a formação de profissionais de segurança da informação são essenciais para garantir a proteção de dados e sistemas, bem como a privacidade e segurança de informações sensíveis. Problema: Este trabalho tem como objetivo explorar o contexto de um hub tecnológico local para responder à seguinte questão de pesquisa: A educação em desenvolvimento de software seguro é necessária na indústria de software? Solução: Para responder a esta pergunta, foi realizado um estudo exploratório para compreender a necessidade de educação em desenvolvimento de software seguro do ponto de vista dos profissionais de software em um centro tecnológico. Método: Um questionário foi elaborado e enviado a profissionais de um polo tecnológico brasileiro. As respostas foram analisadas utilizando métodos de pesquisa qualitativa. Resultados: Obtivemos trinta e oito respostas. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a maioria dos participantes considera a educação em segurança da informação importante para o desenvolvimento de software seguro. No entanto, a educação em segurança da informação ainda é insuficiente. Contribuições: Conclui-se que as empresas deveriam investir mais em treinamentos adequados e abrangentes sobre o tema, além de incentivar e premiar os profissionais que priorizam a segurança de software em seus projetos. É fundamental disseminar uma cultura de segurança da informação em toda a organização, desde a alta administração até os profissionais de desenvolvimento, para conscientizar todos sobre a importância da segurança da informação e a responsabilidade de cada indivíduo em mantê-la. Por fim, cabe destacar que os desenvolvedores têm um papel crucial na promoção da segurança do software, sendo responsáveis por buscar conhecimento e aprimorar suas habilidades de desenvolver software seguro por meio de treinamento, leitura e prática.
An undergraduate Software Engineering practice course: bridging the academia-industry gap
Authors: Paiva Sofia Larissa da Costa , Souza Adriana Silveira de , Oliveira Juliano Lopes de , Ramada Mariana Soller , Luz Murilo Lopes da
Published: October 2024

Teaching problem: Software Engineering (SE) practice comprises a set of activities that Software Engineers perform in their typical professional work to produce solutions for needs arising from stakeholders. To learn these activities, the undergraduate student must leave the controlled academic environments that deal with isolated and simplified problems using a single course point of view to reach concrete world working environments, where complex issues must be solved to address the conflicting interests of several stakeholders. Research question: What approaches to undergraduate courses would provide adequate conditions for students to learn SE practice? Situating the case: This paper reports experiences from applying an approach to teaching SE practice in an undergraduate course using a typical industry scenario, where complex SE projects are executed to meet the needs of actual stakeholders. How this case was studied: The reported experience shows the evolution of the proposed course approach after its application on three academic semesters in an undergraduate SE Bachelor’s Degree program in a public university in Brazil. The research material for this report was informally collected over three years of teaching the course, from 2021 to 2023, and indicates that the course approach promotes students’ professional attitudes and technical competencies.
From Theory to Interpreting the Practice: Exploring the Role-play to Teach DevOps
Authors: Mota Lucas Lima , Santos Rodrigo Pereira dos , Fontão Awdren , Araújo Allysson Allex
Published: October 2024

[Context] While Role-play (RP) has recently attracted increased attention due its capability as an active learning method in Software Engineering (SE) education, a research gap remains regarding its adoption within the context of DevOps, a critical area in SE. [Objective] This study investigates a RP-based teaching model for DevOps. [Method] We follow an empirical, experimental, and descriptive research approach, employing structured questionnaires and participant observation based on three RP sessions (n=30 students). Data analysis included Descriptive Statistics and Thematic Content Analysis. [Results] In summary, 90% of the students agreed that RP, when compared to an usual DevOps class, was more captivating. Moreover, 93.3% of them agreed that RP contributed to their learning. Pair-based learning and integration of industry tools were highly favored by students according to qualitative results. [Contributions] We offer an RP-based teaching model that encourages collaboration and technical proficiency in SE students. Our proposal can also serve as a potential source of inspiration for companies designing in-company training processes.
Definição e Avaliação de uma Abordagem Gamificada para o Ensino de Teste de Software
Authors: Nascimento Eduardo Henrique , Coelho Roberta , Madeira Charles , Medeiros Kláudio , Silva Lucas , Oliveira Neto Carlos
Published: October 2024

Testing is one of the most adopted practices in the software industry to reveal failures early in the development process and thus improve the quality of software in production. Despite their relevance, activities related to software testing are usually not taught and practiced enough in undergrad courses, and they are commonly considered demotivating. In this scenario, gamification has been a widely used approach, consisting of using common game elements in non-game contexts, which can make teaching activities and software testing practices more interesting. Therefore, the present work discusses how gamification was applied to support the Software Testing Discipline offered to undergraduate courses on Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology. A case study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the proposed gamified approach on students’ motivation and learning. In this study, the students had to create JUnit test cases applying domain partitioning criteria using both traditional and gamified approaches. We used Latin Square to perform the study. The results obtained from quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that (i) there was no significant difference in test coverage when comparing both approaches, (ii) the gamified approach led to higher mutation scores, (iii) and gamification contributed positively to student motivation.
IT Talent Shortage: Strategies to Mitigate a Blackout
Authors: Souza Ana Carolina Moises de , Reinehr Sheila , Malucelli Andreia , Conte Tayana , Marczak Sabrina , Jaccheri Letizia , Binder Fabio , Lauschner Tanara , Cruzes Daniela
Published: October 2024

The global Information Technology (IT) market was valued at approximately $3,110 million in 2022, marking a 7.4% increase over the previous year. Of this total, around 56% pertained to the software and services sector. This growth poses a global challenge for IT organizations due to a significant gap between the increasing demand for IT skills and the availability of qualified professionals. Currently, about 87% of organizations worldwide are experiencing the effects of this skills gap, hindering business operations. Traditional undergraduate computing programs often require more time than the current market demands can afford. To address this issue, universities and companies are developing innovative educational strategies. Our goal is to share the experience of implementing four distinct cases, three in Brazil and one in Norway, so that other universities and companies can adopt similar strategies to alleviate the IT skills shortage. Therefore, this paper presents strategies for the preparation of IT professionals to mitigate the impacts of the IT labor shortage. Each case includes an experience report on the context, structure, benefits, hard and soft skills developed, and lessons learned. Finally, we summarize the contributions of these four cases by reflecting on their differences and similarities, followed by a summary of the strategies that proved effective in collaborating with companies.
Processo para Incorporação do Conceito de Dívida Técnica de Requisitos em Projetos Acadêmicos
Authors: Guilhermino Fernando , Lencastre Maria , Castro Jaelson
Published: October 2024

Although the concept of Technical Requirements Debt (DTR) is present in research and is applied in practice, its use in classroom projects is still restricted. An open question is, “How can we bring academic experience closer to the job market in Requirements Engineering (RE) activities, providing a realistic understanding of professional challenges?” This paper aims to define a process to incorporate DTR into academic projects, aligning the student experience with the professional environment. To achieve our objective, we conducted ad hoc bibliographic research and a survey; then, we proposed a process and ran classroom experiments. The results show that the proposed process is helpful in RE disciplines and provides an enriching experience. It promotes the understanding and practical application of DTR, helping to identify its elements in projects, but it still requires more studies.
Detecting Test Smells in Python Test Code Generated by LLM: An Empirical Study with GitHub Copilot
Authors: Alves Victor Anthony , Santos Cristiano , Bezerra Carla , Machado Ivan
Published: October 2024

Writing unit tests is a time-consuming and labor-intensive development practice. Consequently, various techniques for automatically generating unit tests have been studied. Among them, the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) has recently emerged as a popular approach for automatically generating tests from natural language descriptions. Although many recent studies are dedicated to measuring the ability of LLMs to write valid unit tests, few evaluate the quality of these generated tests. In this context, this study aims to measure the quality of the test codes generated by GitHub Copilot in Python by detecting test smells in the test cases generated. To do this, we used approaches to generating unit tests by LLMs that have already been applied in the literature and collected a sample of 194 unit test cases in 30 Python test files. We then measured them using tools specialized in detecting test smells in Python. Finally, we conducted an evaluation of these test cases with software developers and software quality assurance professionals. Our results indicated that 47.4% of the tests generated by Copilot had at least one test smell detected, with a lack of documentation in the assertions being the most common quality problem. These findings indicate that although GitHub Copilot can generate valid unit tests, quality violations are still frequently found in these codes.
Terraform and AWS CDK: A Comparative Analysis of Infrastructure Management Tools
Authors: Frois João , Padrão Lucas , Oliveira Johnatan , Xavier Laerte , Tavares Cleiton
Published: October 2024

Infrastructure as Code is a fundamental concept in DevOps that automates infrastructure management processes using code. Several tools, such as Terraform and CDK, support this environment. Selecting the appropriate tool is crucial to a project’s success, yet there is ambiguity about the circumstances in which developers should choose between these tools. Therefore, this study aims to compare Terraform and CDK across four aspects: abstraction, scalability, maintainability, and performance. Our findings indicate that each tool performs particularly well in specific scenarios. For instance, Terraform is better suited for experienced teams focused on rapid implementations, while CDK is more appropriate for less experienced teams prioritizing resource efficiency during implementation.
Investigating the Onboarding Process for Interns in Software Development: An Initial Survey
Authors: Moraes Riordan , Araújo Allysson Allex , Rivero Luis , Viana Davi
Published: October 2024

The onboarding process is important for successfully integrating new workers into software development teams. Specifically for interns, this process can be even more relevant, as it is their first professional contact. Thus, it is relevant to investigate how onboarding occurs and how possible techniques are being applied to provide more adequate guidance for interns in the software industry. This paper aims to analyze the onboarding process for interns in the software development context. The initial study was conducted through an initial survey with 53 interns, observing the main elements and onboarding techniques used in their previous experiences. As an emerging result, mentoring, intern documentation, and social interaction were highlighted as the most promising techniques for successful onboarding, according to the participants. Furthermore, we identified that effective onboarding contributes to building a positive organizational culture and talent retention. Regarding the contributions, we cover the participants’ perceptions of techniques and challenges faced in intern onboarding in software development. Our future work involves surveying individuals responsible for supervising trainees or interns in the context of software development companies.
Produkthaftung für Computerprogramme
Authors: Meier Stanislaus
Published: October 2024

This thesis deals with product liability for software throughout the product life cycle. It examines not only the liability of software manufacturers, but also the liability of software intermediaries such as software distributors, platform operators (of app stores), host providers and importers, who are increasingly coming into focus as liability addressees. Once the abstract criteria have been developed, the product liability obligations of the actors are presented so that the work can also be used as a handbook. The work also addresses the Commission's proposal for a new Product Liability Directive (COM(2022) 495 final) and its impact on the liability examined.
Doing Realism
Authors: Kempf David
Published: October 2024

The focus of this volume is on realism not as a fixed quality, but as the product of practices actively produced in the interaction between players and developers. Relying on the empirical case of the football simulation 'Football Manager', David Kempf works out the epistemologically demanding and ‘Weltzugang’ creating content of the practices examined. In addition, the ethnography distinguishes itself from the discourse of game studies, which it criticizes as blind to the empirical complexity of gaming practices due to its textualism and omnipresence of supposedly critical claims.
An Exploratory Analysis of Climate Variability and Its Effects on Community Resilience in Nabiswera Sub-County of Nakasongola District, Uganda
Authors: Mafuta Wonder , Mazzi Kayondo Lydia , Oryema Lilian , Onama Victor
Published: October 2024

Climate variability and change are fundamental global challenges that pressure society’s social, economic and environmental dimensions. The study examined how climate variability affected community resilience in Nakasongola District’s Nabiswera sub-county from 1984 to 2016. Geospatial vulnerability and regression analysis tools were used to assess climate variability and establish the relationship between climate variability and community resilience. Results showed a significant change in rainfall and temperature patterns over 30 years (1984–2014). Climate variability significantly affected community resilience (F = 18.266 and p = 0.000). The change in climatic conditions exposed all social groups’ resilience within the pastoral communities, as most depend on rain-fed agriculture. The paper mainly focused on the longitudinal effects of temperature and rainfall variability and further research is recommended to identify coping strategies for climate variability. It is recommended that early warning and early action systems be established to ensure that households are prepared for disasters and that resources are available to respond when shocks occur.
Enhancing Student Self-Regulated Learning: The Evolving Role of Educators
Authors: Winardi Andreas
Published: October 2024

It has long been viewed that educators bear the primary responsibility for guiding their students’ learning journeys. Traditionally, students have relied on teachers to oversee and assess their progress. However, in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, characterized by technological advancements and the widespread use of social media, students have access to a wealth of information from diverse sources, enabling them to learn autonomously. In light of this shift, educators are tasked with fostering self-regulated learning among their students. Self-regulated learning entails learners taking control and assuming responsibility for their own learning processes. This chapter aims to explore the concept of self-regulated learning within the framework of Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, while also offering insights into how educators can facilitate and enhance students’ self-regulation in their learning endeavors.
Applications of Particle Image Velocimetry in Internal Combustion Engines Research
Authors: Zhang Gengxin , Shi Penghua , Jin Yu
Published: October 2024

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) has become a key tool in the internal combustion engines (ICEs) research. This chapter comprehensively reviews the current applications of PIV in ICEs research, particularly in the fuel injection, the combustion processes, and the in-cylinder flow of engines. Detailed insights obtained from PIV measurements have significantly contributed to optimizing engine design, improving combustion efficiency, and reducing emissions. Despite its advantages, PIV technology still faces several challenges, especially in the context of ammonia–hydrogen-fueled engines. Selecting appropriate tracer particles and organizing the complexity in-cylinder flow field pose significant obstacles. Moreover, this chapter explores corresponding measures to address these challenges, including the development of specialized tracer particles, multimodal measurement approaches, and AI-enhanced data processing. These measures have the potential to further improve the accuracy and applicability of PIV measurements in carbon-neutral engines research. This chapter aims to provide researchers and engineers with a comprehensive understanding of the most advanced PIV applications, encountered challenges, and corresponding measures in the field of ICEs research.
Color Effects in Dental Ceramic Laminate Veneers
Authors: Eduardo Francci Carlos , Silva Samara , Régis Mylena
Published: October 2024

We live in the esthetic age, and dentistry is no exception. The pursuit of the perfect smile is a constant in today’s society, and ceramic veneers are among the most commonly performed treatments. With the trend toward minimally invasive dentistry, these veneers are becoming more conservative, with thicknesses less than 0.5 mm. To perform such treatments, the ceramic restorative material must adhere to a dental substrate using a bonding agent. Each of these individual factors, which together form a restorative system, has different optical characteristics that will influence the final color of the restoration. For ceramics, the type, microstructure, thickness, translucency, and color need to be analyzed beforehand. For the dental substrate, saturation and tissue type (dentin or enamel) will have an impact; and for the bonding agent, its color, translucency/opacity, brand, thickness, internal composition, and color changes with aging will be important considerations. This chapter is aimed at clinicians who seek to make esthetic restorative planning for ceramic veneers more precise, meet patient expectations, and successfully navigate the challenges of complex cases. Here, we present the variables involving the optical and color effects that influence conservative ceramic restorations and their behavior in terms of longevity and esthetic maintenance. Enjoy!
The Clinical Detection and Treatment of Myocarditis and Pericarditis
Authors: Davoudi-Monfared Effat , Hedayati Emami Kaveh , Alipasandi Kian
Published: October 2024

Myocarditis is described as damage to the heart muscle, which causes inflammation of myocyte. The etiology consists of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The prevalence of myocarditis is estimated between 10.2 and 105.6 per 100,000 people worldwide. Although mortality decreased from 1990 to 2019, the incidence rate has risen. As part of treatment, the use of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of underlying cardiac presentations such as myocardial ischemia and heart failure should be considered. However, use of intravenous immunoglobulins and immunosuppressive medications will be discussed in this chapter. COVID-19 has been a prominent cause of myocarditis in recent years. Additionally, some new concepts like the effect of microbiota on the incidence of viral myocarditis and the influence of gut-heart axis will be discussed. Pericarditis is the presence of inflammation in the pericardial sac. Treatment strategies for pericarditis include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and glucocorticoids.
Human Creativity Versus Machine Creativity: Will Humans Be Surpassed by AI?
Authors: Dainys Augustinas
Published: October 2024

Today, human creativity faces the challenge posed by digital intelligence. It is often predicted that cybernetic machines will replace human creativity. But is this true? While artificial intelligence can learn and perform creative tasks independently, it operates strictly according to programmed algorithms. In contrast, human creativity is open-ended, emerging when individuals confront unsolvable situations without predefined solutions. Humans can devise creative solutions when faced with incomplete systems and undecidable situations. A Turing machine, which attempts to conceptualize an algorithm, creates a rational system in which some statements can be logically derived from others. However, a Turing machine performs tasks by following the formal syntax of algorithms without understanding the meaning behind the elements of inference. When a computer encounters an undecidable situation, it freezes and is unable to generate either “true” or “false” results. Viruses work similarly, “short-circuiting” a logic machine by introducing self-referential states, similar to those that Bertrand Russell attempted to address with his theory of types. To describe the human creative act, which cannot be reduced to AI activity, we draw on Edmund’s Husserl’s conception of categorial intuition. A creative act is a categorial intuition that reveals a new perspective of the world. The conceptualization of multidimensional monism further describes a reality that cannot be reduced to the creativity of AI.
Oral Mucositis Management and Care
Authors: Botti Stefano , Valentini Doria , Grasselli Stefania
Published: October 2024

One of the worst experiences for patients undergoing stem cell transplant is oral mucositis, caused by the toxicity of the treatments. It is a very common complication that causes patients pain and discomfort, increases their risk of infection, and raises hospitalization costs. As nurses are largely involved in mucositis management, they need to develop the necessary knowledge and skills as well as the competencies to educate patients on how to minimize its effects. Besides pain relief, we currently do not have clearly effective strategies to treat mucositis, and there are few preventive measures that have proven to be effective. Therefore, mucositis management is mostly focused on alleviating symptoms and relies on creating multidisciplinary protocols based on oral hygiene which must be applied systematically. Key steps in caring for patients include assessing risk, proactive intervention, monitoring, and addressing related issues such as vomiting, dietary problems, and oral infections. This review aims to provide useful elements for managing oral mucositis that go beyond the recommendations and suggestions of international guidelines.
AMPHIBOLE-PHLOGOPITE XENOLITHS FROM KIMBERLITES AS EVIDENCE OF METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN THE LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE BENEATH KUOIKA FIELD
Authors: Kalashnikova T. V. , Kostrovitsky S. I. , Dymshits A. M.
Published: October 2024

This paper devoted to the mantle xenoliths with evidence of modal metasomatic alteration from the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe (Kuoika kimberlite field). The first data presents for trace elements content in minerals from such rocks, and they are compared with xenoliths from this pipe having no evidence of modal metasomatism. Based on the trace elements content in clinopyroxene and amphibole, as well as 40Ar/39Ar dating of phlogopite, it was concluded that enriched in Nb+Ta and REE melt-fluids were formed beneath the Kuoika field in the Lower Proterozoic, which lead to the phlogopite-amphibole formation from pyroxene.
THERMOBAROMETRY OF DEPLETED PERIDOTITES
Authors: Pokhilenko L. N. , Korolyuk V. N. , Pokhilenko N. P.
Published: October 2024

An assessment was made of the possibility of using olivine thermobarometry for xenoliths of depleted peridotites from the Udachnaya pipe (Yakutia), represented by 76 megacrystalline dunites and 5 megacrystalline harzburgites. Specially developed and tested method of microprobe analysis was used to determine Al and Ca microimpurities in the olivine samples studied. PT-parameters of megacrystalline dunite xenoliths were calculated using the equations of olivine, garnet, and olivine-garnet thermobarometers. Enstatite geobarometers were additionally used for some megacrystalline harzburgites. Comparison of the obtained data showed that the geothermobarometric pair of FinnertyRigden barometer (Ca in olivine) for wide PT-range peridotites and thermometer [Bussweiler et al., 2017] (Al in olivine) for garnet peridotites is most suitable for assessing the PT-parameters of the megacrystalline dunite collection studied, though some of the high PT-parameters (>60 kbar and 1200 °C) are questionable. Garnet barometer [Grütter et al., 2006] (CaO – Cr2O3 ratio in pyrope) does not always agree with olivine geothermometers. This may be caused by the necessity to adjust the barometer equations for a wider range of compositions, as well as by the possible imbalance between garnet and olivine. We admit that more accurate results can be obtained by using this barometer in combination with garnet thermometers based on the determination of Ni in garnet. There is not enough data on harzburgites to draw certain conclusions. However, it should be recognized that the traditional pair of McGregor enstatite barometer and O’Neill-Wood garnet-olivine thermometer still remains the most acceptable for estimating the PT-parameters of megacrystalline harzburgites, though with some temperature underestimation.
MAGMATIC SOURCES OF THE EVOLVING CONTINENTAL TECTONOSPHERE IN INDIA: GENERATION OF ALKALINE IGNEOUS COMPLEXES WITH CARBONATITES IN THE SAMALPATTI (SOUTHERN INDIA) AND AMBA DONGAR (WESTERN INDIA) MASSIFS
Authors: Rasskazov S. V. , Yasnygina T. A. , Hari K. R. , Chuvashova I. S. , Saranina E. V.
Published: October 2024

Neoproterozoic Samalpatti and Cretaceous-Paleogene Amba Dongar massifs are considered to evaluate the change of sources of carbonatite magmatism in evolving tectonosphere of India. The inherited character of Ba and Sr distribution components is traced in heterogeneous carbonatites of India, whereas the independent trends in Ba and Sr enrichment are traced in carbonatites of North Asia. It is inferred that in the process of activity in the tectonosphere of the Indian subcontinent ~800 Ma ago, carbonatite melts were generated in the mantle whose photolith has an age of 4.26 Ga. This protomantle reservoir was remarkably different from the primordial mantle reservoir in the solidified magma ocean in terms of low initial μ and high initial Nd isotope ratio. After the Indian subcontinent had separated from Gondwana 130–100 Ma ago and began to join Asia ~66 Ma ago, ELMU source was activiated in the tectonosphere. The Amba Dongar carbonatites might have been derived from the 4.40 Ga mantle protoliths. Silicate melts of the Deccan LIP were simultaneously generated from the protoliths with Pb-Pb age of ~2 Ga.
RELATION BETWEEN δ13С, δ18О AND REE CONTENT IN CARBONATITES OF THE TOMTOR COMPLEX, SAKHA REPUBLIC (YAKUTIA)
Authors: Ponomarchuk V. A. , Lazareva E. V. , Zhmodik S. M. , Travin A. V. , Tolstov A. V.
Published: October 2024

The paper reports the comprehensive study of phosphorus-rare metal (polymineral) carbonatites (I) and rare metal (ankerite) carbonatites (II) of the Tomtor massif based on ICP-MS, XRF, XRF-SI, SEM methods and isotope determination of C, O and 86Sr/87Sr. With a similar mineral composition, the REE+Y content in carbonatites (I) averages 0.38 wt. %, and in carbonatites (II) it is 1.3 wt. %. The δ18О-δ13С diagram provides the C and O isotopic compositions of carbonatites (I) and (II) as two intersecting trends: (I) carbonates from wells 4041, 6151, 115-117 represent the secondary generation of carbonates derived with the deuterium fluid involved; (II) depicts transformation of carbonate by low-T fluid, with fluid/rock ratio = 5. The study identified an increase in the REE and δ18O contents in carbonatites as the temperature of their formation decreases and enrichment of rocks with REE minerals, associated with REE mobility reduction in the fluid while the temperature is decreasing.
Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Treatment on Superovulation Response and Embryo Recovery in Holstein Heifers: A Field Trial at Zagros Milk and Meat Company, Iran
Authors: Karimi Sabet Mohammad Javad , Tabatabaei Vakili Saleh , Barati Farid , Mamouei Morteza
Published: October 2024

Background: Superovulation is a crucial component of assisted reproductive technology. Inducing superovulation with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation, potentially affecting reproductive outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of GnRH treatment on superovulation response and embryo recovery in Holstein heifers. Methods: Twenty-one Holstein heifers (age: 135.15 months; weight: 361.05 kg) were selected based on their general health status and ovarian function. All heifers received two consecutive doses of prostaglandin F2α and underwent superovulation. The heifers were inseminated twice: Once at the onset of standing estrus and again 12 hours later. In the treatment group (13 heifers), a single dose of GnRH was administered simultaneously with the second insemination. The superovulation response was evaluated based on the number of corpus luteum (CL), unovulated follicles (UoF), total recovered embryos/ova, and the number of transferable embryos, using logistic regression with the GENMOD procedure in SAS. Results: The mean number of CL was not significantly greater in the control group (13.6) compared to the GnRH group (11.4). The average number of UoF was similar between the two groups (P = 0.1853). However, the control group had a significantly higher average total number of recovered embryos/ova (7.7) compared to the GnRH group (2.1). Additionally, the control group progesterone more transferable embryos, with an average of 2.5, while the GnRH group averaged 0.7 (P < 0.0062). Conclusions: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone likely deactivated the oviduct by disrupting the balance of estradiol and estrogen, leading to a reduction in both the total number of embryos and the number of transferable embryos in heifers.
Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Block Analgesia for Lower Limb Surgeries in Pediatrics: A Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nikoubakht Nasim , Shafeinia Amine , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Alimian Mahzad
Published: October 2024

Background: Evaluating pain after surgery is particularly important in children due to their limited ability to communicate effectively. The intensity, duration, and threshold of pain make it challenging to assess in this age group. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided caudal block at different timings on children's pain and drug consumption during unilateral knee osteotomy surgery. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, fifty patients were randomly included in the study. The patients were children aged 2 - 6 years, candidates for unilateral osteotomy surgery under general anesthesia with total IV anesthesia (TIVA). The patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of the caudal block: The first group received the block after induction, and the second group received it after surgery and before extubation. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the average amount of Propofol and narcotic consumption during recovery at different time points (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in pain levels were observed during the operation at 60 minutes (P-value < 0.001) and 120 minutes (P-value = 0.006) between the two groups. Pain scores at the start of recovery and at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the second group than in the first group. Additionally, the mean difference in Bispectral Index (BIS) at 60 minutes between the two groups was significant (P-value = 0.003), but there was no significant difference at 120 minutes (P-value = 0.896). The second group consistently had significantly lower pain levels than the first group at all times. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, patients who received a caudal block had lower pain scores, and performing the block before extubation had more beneficial effects on postoperative pain management in children undergoing osteotomy surgery than performing it after induction.
Uji Organoleptik (Sensori) dan Kadar Air Pembuatan Cookies dengan Penambahan Tepung Biji Nangka (Artocaprus heteroypllus)
Authors: Selvianti Isye , Dwi Hastuti Ningrum , Indriawan Rois
Published: October 2024

Cookies adalah kue yang terbuat dari bahan dasar tepung, umumnya dibuat dari tepung terigu, gula halus, telur, vanili, margarine, tepung maizena, baking powder, dan susu bubuk instan, seiring dengan meningkatnya kebutuhan tepung terigu berdampak pada tingkat konsumsi gandum di Indonesia yang belum tercukupi. Upaya yang dilakukan untuk meminimalisir penggunaan tepung terigu yaitu dengan cara subsitusi, salah satunya dengan subsitusi tepung biji nangka. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat kesukaan terhadap cookies dengan penambahan tepung biji nangka serta kandungan air dengan metode variasi dan pendahuluan tanpa menggunakan tepung biji nangka (P0= 100g : 0g), (P1= 100g : 40g), (P2= 100g: 50g) dan (P3= 100g : 60g). Hasil yang didapatkan menggunakan uji organoleptik warna, aroma, rasa dan tekstur. Pada warna nilai terbaik terdapat pada perlakuan P2 yaitu 7,32%,  aroma  terdapat pada perlakuan P3 yaitu 7,24%, rasa terdapat pada perlakuan P1 yaitu 7,96%, dan pada tekstur nilai tertinggi terdapat pada perlakuan P2 yaitu 7,68% pada uji kadar air nilai tertinggi terdapat pada perlakuan  P1 dan P2 yaitu 16%.
Economic Justification of Design Features for a Universal Dry Cargo Vessel
Authors:   Design, construction and technical operation of ships and ocean engineering facilities, Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University, 190121, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, Gu Hao
Published: October 2024

The economic efficiency of ships is an important indicator of transport vessels, and estimating the economic efficiency of ships is an important task in making investment decisions during the early stages of shipbuilding. This article, based on semi-theoretical and semi-empirical formula methods using the prototype ship of the RST12C project as a basis, estimates and analyzes the main economic indicators of mixed-navigation oil/chemical tankers according to different cargo capacities and speed combinations, for reference by relevant departments.
Technological Development of Hybrid Aquatic-Aerial Vehicle based on Bionics: Research Progress and Trends
Authors: Zeng Shengqing , Xie Yifan , Si Kaixi , Yang Kefan , Yang Keqi , Zhang Dapeng
Published: October 2024

In both military and civilian domains, the spacecraft is commonly employed to accomplish various tasks. With the ongoing advancements in mil-itary strategy and civilian technologies, task environments have become increasingly complex. Consequently, there’s a growing trend across all sectors towards integrating water and air operations to enhance task completion. With the continuous progress of biology and mechanics, the development direction of hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicle has emerged in the direction of bionic vehicle. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current research status and development trend of different hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles based on bionics. Firstly, the early research and application of hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles are reviewed by time tracing method. Then, the implications of different biological models for the development of hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles are analyzed and the research status of different vehicles is discussed. Additionally, the paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles and other vehicle types. It also proposes solutions, primarily focusing on methods for integrating different vehicle types. The current research status, advantages, and disadvantages of various hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles are analyzed in this paper. It also suggests feasible schemes for hybrid aquatic-aerial vehicles, serving as a valuable research reference in certain areas.
The implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy in Ukerewe district, Tanzania: Teachers’ points of view on increased classroom workload
Authors:   The University of Dodoma, Boniphace Marco , Ngusa Deborah ,   The University of Dodoma
Published: October 2024

The implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy offers significant comprehension into teachers' points of view, particularly regarding workload challenges. Guided by Expectancy-Value Theory, this study explores teachers' points of view on the policy's implementation in the selected government secondary schools in Ukerewe District, Tanzania. A key focus is on whether the government sufficiently considered the increased teacher workload resulting from higher student enrolments. In this article, surveys, non-participant observations, and focus group discussions were utilised to collect first-hand information. This was complemented by documentary reviews for secondary data. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics. A five-point Likert scale was also designed to assess three hypothetical statements regarding teachers' points of view on the implementation of the policy. In this study, 90.63% of the teachers considered that their workload had significantly increased due to the surge in student numbers following the policy's implementation. The study concludes that the implementation process was flawed, as the government did not recruit additional teachers to meet the growing demand. The study recommends the government to invest in more educational resources and recruit additional teachers to better accommodate the expanding student population.
Enhanced internationalisation and marketisation as sustainability ventures for universities in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa
Authors:   The University of Bamenda, Ngwa Emmanuel Shu , Yuni Denis Nfor ,   NationalUniversityofLesotho
Published: October 2024

This study examined internationalisation and marketisation strategies as sustainability ventures for universities in Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan African region in general. Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa have in recent times been confronted with the challenges of globalisation – a worldwide social, economic and political integration, greatly powered by the evolution of technology. The inability of these institutions to completely stand up to these challenges has impeded their quest towards greater sustainability. A larger percentage of universities in the region lag behind globally in terms of rankings. Considering the significance of university internationalisation and marketisation in sustaining higher education efforts, which Nigerian universities have not adequately exploited; it becomes necessary to review selected best practices and earmark a framework of enhanced internationalisation and marketisation strategies as sustainability ventures to imbibe. The review is anchored on the globalisation theory and the five capital model of sustainability. It adopts a post-positivist qualitative methodology, whereby document review and inductive analyses of existing literature and related secondary sources of information are exploited. The review is hinged on the tri-function (teaching-learning, research and outreach) of universities and the contextual borrowing approach in policy studies. It was evident that we live in a dispensation where no university system can work in isolation. Consequently, stakeholders of Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African Universities have the responsibility to adopt innovative/ICT management systems, adequate research capacity, transformational Leadership and quality assurance practices, that render the universities globally competitive.
A Study on the Approach of Cholistani People towards Education of Their Children
Authors: Ayesha Mushtaq  , Muhammad Athar Hussain  , Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to explore the attitudes of Cholistani people towards the education of their children, particularly focusing on daughters, in the context of the region’s nomadic lifestyle and socio-economic challenges. The objectives were to assess parental attitudes towards education, examine the variation towards the education for girls, and identify factors influencing these views. The study is quantitative and a descriptive research design was adopted. The population comprised teachers from 45 public schools in the District of Rahim Yar Khan. The sample included 119 teachers selected by simple random sampling technique. The data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale and the collected data was analyzed by using the SPSS (employing frequency, percentage, mean score, and standard deviation analyses). Education for male children was often prioritized over female children. Stipends and financial incentives to promote education in the region, these measures were insufficient to address the deep-rooted challenges.  The study concluded that a positive attitude toward education among the Cholistani people but socio-economic factors i.e. poverty, nomadic lifestyle, and gender bias, significantly hindered their ability to support and engage fully in the educational process. The availability of qualified teachers and the quality of educational management were also areas requiring improvement. The study recommended government investment in building more schools and improving existing ones with basic facilities including clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and safe transportation options. Mobile schools or flexible schedules should be introduced to accommodate the nomadic lifestyle of many Cholistani families.
Turizm Endüstrisinde Yalın Yönetim
Authors: Yavuz Gülser
Published: October 2024

Yıllar itibariyle hızla büyüyen ve dünyanın en büyük endüstrilerinden bir tanesi haline gelen Turizm Endüstrisi, VUCA ortamında bazı zorluklarla karşı karşıya kalmıştır. Turizm işletmeleri bu ortamda kaliteli hizmet vererek, maliyetleri düşürüp verimliliği artırarak ve etkin rekabet ederek amaçlarına ulaşma yolunda yeni arayışlar içerisine girmiştir. Yalın yönetim, önceleri sanayi endüstrisinin son yıllarda da hizmet sektörü işletmelerinin VUCA ortamında amaçlarına ulaşabilmek için uyguladığı yaygın ve popüler bir yönetim yaklaşımıdır. Özelikle yiyecek içecek birimlerinde yürütülen turizm işletmelerinde gerçekleştirilen yalın uygulamalar ve ilgili bilimsel araştırmalar, bu yönetim uygulamalarının sanayi endüstrisindeki kanıtlanmış potansiyelinin turizm endüstrisinin de ihtiyaçlarını karşılamada başarılı yöntemlerden bir tanesi olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu bölümde yalın yönetim paradigması ve yalın yönetim uygulamaların turizm endüstrisinde uygulanabilirliği ele alınmaktadır.