bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agent Based Intelligent System for Enhanced Teamwork Performance
Authors: Betrand Chidi , Ekwealor Oluchukwu , Onukwugha Chinwe , Ofoegbu Christopher , Aliche Obinna , Ezuruka Evelyn , Okafor Chukwuemeka
Published: May 2024

It is impossible to overstate the necessity of a strategic and practical approach in the workplace in order to maximize productivity these days. Teamwork is one of the best ways to adapt to the changes that have occurred in today's environment throughout time. In every industry, the optimum performance arrangement for realizing visions, carrying out plans, and accomplishing objectives is teamwork. It is also one of the most crucial components of systems for continuous improvement since it makes information exchange, issue resolution, and the growth of employee accountability easier. Teams function as a grouping of people with complementary talents who work together rather than against one another. They are held accountable for their strategic methods and use them to achieve a shared objective. The Supervised Learning technique was used in this work to simulate team performance utilizing an intelligent coaching agent. Through the use of an automated performance assessment and weighted scores for each task, this study was able to create a system that will remove biases from performance evaluation. As soon as a worker does the task, they will obtain a score. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate an event-based performance approach by developing and utilizing an intelligent coaching agent in a supervised learning team training framework. The goal was successfully met, and the result shows positive impacts on the team's performance.
Green Farming: Practice of Agroforestry as Response to Climate Variability and Strategy for Farm Income Diversification in Kafa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Olana Fikadu , Ankilo Tesema , Hailu Addisu , Manie Nigussie
Published: May 2024

Agroforestry farming is a crucial agricultural practice that has been the indigenous economic activity of tropical areas since early times. In addition to its financial advantages, this economic activity plays a significant role in environmental conservation. The study's objective was to evaluate the spread and content of agroforestry practices for raising farm income and climate adaptation in the Kafa Zone of southwest Ethiopia. To address the objective of this study, a survey design was used. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample. Approximately 375 sample households were surveyed. In addition, interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and observation were used during this study for the collection of data. As the study results showed, the hectares of land use under agroforestry were vary among the study kebeles. There was a significant difference among the study areas regarding land use size under agroforestry (F2 was 11.869, and sign was 0.03). In addition, the study revealed diversified agroforestry with crop species were found in home garden agroforestry. Similarly, the variability of the tree species per plot in agroforestry land use was significantly associated with the agroecology of the study area (p<0.05), which was greater varieties in the Dega agroecological area than in the Kola area. The main challenges to the practices of diversification of agroforestry in the study area were issues related with market accessibility, climate, wildlife, and agricultural policy. About 86.4% of the farmers surveyed indicated that there were limitations on support or government help for seedlings. To conclude, the agroforestry farm implementation in the study was related to indigenous knowledge-based practice, which was highly focus on coffee and gardens. To improve and implement sound agroforestry practices, the concerning body needs to strengthen a policy and plan that initiates diverse species in agroforestry practices.
Public Debt and It’s Impact on Bank Behaviour and Financial Efficiency: Ghana in Perspective
Authors: Osei-Amoako Clement , Aboagye-Debrah Kojo
Published: May 2024

This study explored the impact of public debt on bank behaviour and financial efficiency in Ghana amid rising global and national debt levels exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic repercussions. An exploratory research design employing a quantitative approach was used to analyze the perceptions of 201 banking professionals across Ghana. The study utilized cluster and purposive sampling techniques to ensure a representative sample. Data were collected on banks’ risk-averse behaviour, credit availability, interest rates, and investment decisions in relation to public debt levels, using survey instruments and regression analysis to quantify the impacts. The findings reveal significant concerns among banking professionals regarding the influence of high public debt on conservative lending practices, increased interest rates, reduced credit availability, and adverse effects on banks’ profitability and the financial system’s stability. Regression analysis confirmed a negative relationship between public debt and financial efficiency, indicating that rising public debt levels may hinder the sector’s operational effectiveness. These results underscore the critical need for strategic fiscal management to mitigate the risks associated with high public debt levels on financial stability and development. Policymakers and financial institutions are urged to consider measures that promote financial sector efficiency and sustainable debt levels, including fiscal consolidation strategies, diversification of investment portfolios, and enhancement of risk assessment models. This study contributes to the empirical discourse on the effects of public debt on financial development by providing insights specific to the Ghanaian context, which has been relatively underexplored.
Communities’ Perceptions and Coping Strategies to Flood Hazard in a Peri-Urban Catchment: The Case Study of the Zio River Basin, Togo, West Africa
Authors: Blakime Têtou-Houyo , Komi Kossi , Adjonou Kossi , Ekoue Akouété , Gbafa Kodjovi , Polorigni Botolisam , Oyedele Peter , Kokou Kouami
Published: May 2024

Climate and land use changes have exacerbated the frequency and intensity of floods in West Africa. In Togo, the communities of the Zio river sub-basin are regularly affected by flood hazard with severe socio-economic consequences. The main objective of this article is to contribute to the improvement of the resilience of these populations through a better understanding of their perceptions and coping strategies to flood hazards. To achieve this goal, a mixed method consisting of household surveys, focus groups and direct observation is used. In addition, the data collected at the household level focused on the perceptions of the flood (origin and cause), the socio-economic impacts as well as the coping strategies. The results indicate that more than 80% of the households are affected by floods and the main negative consequences are the destruction of houses (40.8%), and interruption of socio-economic activities (58.4%). In addition, the efforts to cope with the severe impacts of floods include embankment (71.6%), storage on occasional shelves (52.3%), digging ditches (26.6% and the construction of cement houses with fairly raised foundations (13.1%). This study shows that is important to integrate indigenous knowledge and local population’s opinions in the flood risk management plans in order to increase their resilience.
Measuring Communication and Collaboration Skills in Sciences of Secondary School Students in New General Curriculum: A Case of Vietnam
Authors: Ha Thi , Nguyen Thi
Published: May 2024

Communication and collaboration are important skills for students in the 21st century. In order to develop these skills, students will interact with others in specific situations, where they will need to face a situation directly. In Vietnam, the new general education curriculum was issued by the Ministry of Education and Training in 2018. This curriculum has been developed using competency-based approach. Communication and collaboration are identified as core competencies in this curriculum, and these competencies have been proposed with detail components and criteria for students at the final stage of each education levels (e.g., primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education). However, one of the practical problems teachers and students facing is that these criteria are too general. Therefore, it is difficult for teachers and teachers to monitor and assess these competencies in specific subjects. The purpose of the present research is to propose a detailed assessment framework and to validate an instrument for assessing communication and collaboration competencies in the Science subject based on general criteria of these competencies in the general education curriculum in Vietnam. The present research used Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to analyse the research data. The results show that there are three components to measure communication and collaboration competencies with 19 out of 20 indicators having good factor loadings. Reliability analysis for each factor using Cronbach’s alpha shows that each factor has internal consistency, with values ranging from .704 to .861.
Association Between Demographic Characteristics of Users’ and Overall Satisfaction with Water Supply Service
Authors: Timilsena Narayan
Published: May 2024

Water constitutes an indispensable resource for various aspects of daily life, encompassing essential needs such as drinking, cooking, sanitation, and irrigation. Beyond household applications, diverse livelihood activities, including livestock management, gardening, crop cultivation, food processing, aquaculture, and fisheries, also rely on water. The assessment of customer satisfaction holds paramount significance in driving performance enhancements for service providers, even within government-owned entities offering critical services like water supply. This research aims to scrutinize the interplay between overall satisfaction with water services and its determinants, including satisfaction with water quality, and various parameters such as water supply hours, tap pressure, supplied water quantity, management responsiveness and communication, and water tariff. Anticipatedly, water supply hours, quantity, and quality are expected to exert a crucial influence on user satisfaction. Although users express a satisfaction level above neutral, it falls short of reaching a fully satisfactory level. Key contributors to user satisfaction involve aspects such as water supply hours, pressure, quantity, and quality, while complaints about water supply yield slightly lower satisfaction. Satisfaction with water service hours, quantity, and quality emerges as a driving force for overall satisfaction. The analysis reveals no significant association between overall satisfaction and demographic variables such as occupation, gender, age, education, and the main income source. However, a noteworthy association exists between satisfaction with water pressure and the water collection method, and a robust link is observed between satisfaction with water quality and respondents' water treatment practices. The provision for complaints is significantly associated with satisfaction regarding management responsiveness and communication. Multiple regression analysis underscores a positive relationship between overall satisfaction with water services and satisfaction with water quality and supply hours, indicating that higher satisfaction with these factors enhances overall satisfaction with water services.
Macroeconomic Currency Crisis Early Warning Indicators in Emerging Countries
Authors: Coulibaly Siriki , Marouane Aya
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the relationships between exchange rate and the main macroeconomic variables as GDP, inflation and unemployment on one hand and the ability of these variables in alerting about coming exchange rate crisis in emerging countries. The three variables have significant coefficients with exchange rate in line with literature signs except unemployment rate. The study uses signal approach, dealing specifically with the main macroeconomic variables, selected by system GMM method in emerging markets. The study develops macroeconomic pressure indices from these selected macroeconomic variables using the market pressure index methodology from Early Warning System literature. Based on the macroeconomic variables, a combined macroeconomic pressure index has been built. The results of the non-parametric early warning system indicate that the individual macroeconomic pressure indexes created are good warning tools of a currency crisis. The macroeconomic pressure indexes are better early warning indicators than market pressure index built from international reserves, in emerging countries for four quarters warning period window. Production pressure index appears more accurate followed by inflation but unemployment pressure index is the most sensitive. However, the number of effective indicators and the accuracy of the indexes are not the same for all the countries, changing from a country to another.
Reservoir Quality Under the Control of Gravity Flows in the C7 Member of Yanchang Formation in the Jinghe Oilfield, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Fudol Yousuf , Liu Hongping
Published: May 2024

The late Triassic sandstone reservoir in the C7 member of the Jinghe oilfield southern Ordos basin is a typical deep-water gravity flow tight oil reservoir. Sedimentary microfacies, physical properties, and petrographic analysis were being examined for quality determination. Pore structure and physical properties data together combined with, thin sections, and scanning electron microscope and core images were used to identify factors controlling reservoir physical properties. The depositional system under debates of different gravity flows including debris flow, seismite slumping, and turbidity flows. Among which sandy debris flow facies shows a better distribution of porosity and permeability followed by seismite-slump, where turbidity facies are the poorest. The petrophysical analysis shows that the study oil interval is a typical tight sandstone reservoir with an average porosity of 9% and permeability average being 0.025mD. The rock classification criteria of the C7 sandstone reveal the sub-categories of lithic feldspar sandstone and feldspar lithic sandstone. Average quartz sandstone contents of 48.25%, average feldspar sandstone content being 25%, and lithic fragments content of 29%. The formation lithology comprises mostly fine-grained sandstone and small pore size, which disclose that the porosity-permeability distribution increases proportional to the average and median pore throat radius, and decreases with average and median pressure. The microfacies distribution shows that the depositional facies controlled physical properties. The sandstone primary pores are affected by the mineral composition of quartz, feldspar, illite, smectite, kaolinite, calcite, and dolomite. Features such as dissolved pores and intergranular pore filling by feldspar, silky-like aggregates of illite-smectite intergranular pore filling and most diagenetic minerals influenced the sandstone pores beside the compaction.
Study on Response of Evapotranspiration Consumption of Forest and Grass Vegetation to Natural Precipitation in Northwest Loess Plateau
Authors: Fu Wang , Yan Sha , Qian He , Qiang Zhao , He Zhang , Fen Han
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the evapotranspiration balance of forest and grass vegetation in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China in different regions was analyzed using 6 indexes in 3 categoriess, namely, evapotranspiration ratio (Ea/Q, Ep/Q), evapotranspiration difference (Q-EA, Q-EP), and actual (potential) water supply ratio (1-Ea/Q, 1-Ep/Q). It is used to objectively reflect the suitability of different types of vegetation in different periods of growth based on precipitation. In another words this suitability reflects the support capacity of natural rainfall to vegetation consumed water through evapotranspiration under the specific climate environment of the Loess Plateau. The results show that: (1) The actual evapotranspiration water consumption of all types of vegetation in this region increased significantly in the first three months of the growth period from April to June, resulting in a relatively high moisture dryness index of vegetation with an average k value of 0.44. The main reason was that natural precipitation was less at this stage, and the gradually rising temperature strengthened the transpiration of most vegetation. The forest was the most stressed. At the end of May and the beginning of June, with the increase of natural precipitation, the average k value of all types of vegetation began to decline. From July to September, due to the flood season in this region, the precipitation increased sharply, and the moisture dryness index was in the lowest range of the whole growth period, and the average k value varied between 0.26 and 0.30 with the lowest value was 0.26 at the end of August and the beginning of September. (2) It is obvious that the water stress of forest is higher than that of shrub and grassland. It is fully indicated that the difference of transpiration caused by the difference of vegetation types leads to the difference of actual evapotranspiration water consumption of different vegetation types.
The Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on High-Quality Economic Development: A Research Study
Authors: Zhou Leyi , Gao Ke , Xing Yuhang , Zhao Yiming
Published: May 2024

As China's economy transitions from high-speed growth to high-quality development, digital inclusive finance emerges as a dynamic and pivotal sector within the country's financial system. This domain plays a crucial role in addressing the shortcomings of traditional financial services, enhancing the efficiency of financial services, promoting consumption, and driving economic growth. As the turmoil caused by the COVID-19 epidemic gradually stabilizes, the impact of the epidemic on the economic development of various countries is gradually reduced, and the development of the global economy gradually returns to normal, China's economic development is facing new opportunities and challenge. Given the current challenges in China's economic environment, China has made new adjustments and begun to promote high-quality economic development on the premise of significantly improving quality and efficiency. Therefore, in the current stage of China’s economic development, it is imperative to investigate whether digital inclusive finance can indeed foster high-quality economic development. This paper begins by reviewing literature relevant to digital inclusive finance and high-quality economic development. Subsequently, utilizing panel data from 2011 to 2020 across 30 provinces, a bidirectional fixed-effects model is employed to validate the positive impact of digital inclusive finance on high-quality economic development. The study further explores whether digital inclusive finance exhibits positive effects on high-quality economic development in different regions. Finally, based on the research findings, the paper concludes with several policy recommendations for optimizing the role of digital finance in promoting regional economic growth.
Effect of Media Exposure and Related Factors on Antenatal Care Visits Among Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: A Study Based on BDHS 2017-18 Data
Authors: Ahmed Arzo , Sultana Rupali , Rahman Mohammad , Islam Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Providing antenatal care (ANC) to expectant mothers is the primary method of reducing maternal morbidity and death. The objectives of ANC are to monitor and preserve the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus, identify any pregnancy issues and take appropriate action, address the concerns of the mother, get her ready for delivery, and encourage mothers to adopt healthy habits. The goal of this research is to investigate the determinants associated with Bangladeshi women's ANC. Data were obtained from the BDHS for the 2017–18 year, and 4,920 married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) were selected as participants from 18,895 married women. The data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression as well as descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The main outcome of this study found that 48.4% of respondents received 4 or more ANC visits. The ANC contacts were correlated with factors such as media exposure, division, maternal age, women's education, husband's education, and wealth index. The primary educated women were 0.312 times (p<0.002) less likely to receive 4 or more ANC, compared to higher educated women, and women who don’t access to media, 0.464 times (p<0.000) less likely to engage in 4 or more ANC visits compared to media access. The results of this investigation demonstrate a substantial correlation between media exposure and ANC visits, as well as a noteworthy rise in appropriate ANC visits among expectant mothers with increased media exposure.
Optimizing Wheat Yield: A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of Inorganic Fertilizer Rates and Varietal Selection in Kofele, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Debela , Shimalis Fasil , Mulatu Zenebe , Admasu Almaz , Dobocha Dereje , Worku Wogayehu
Published: May 2024

Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. The low productivity of wheat in Ethiopia is mainly attributed to lack of improved agronomic practices. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the major important elements for crop yield. But there is lack of information on optimum fertilizer rate for wheat production in this area (Kofele district of West Arsi zone). Therefore the objective of this research was to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rate for wheat at Kofele district. This experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 main cropping season. The treatment has two factors (three bread wheat varieties:- Digalu, Dendea and Didase and fertilizer rates: - 73kg/ha of nitrogen and 69kg /ha of P2O5, 109.5kg/ha of nitrogen and 103.5kg/ha of P2O5, 146kg/ha of nitrogen and 138kg/ha of P2O5 and 46kg/ha of nitrogen and 181kg/ha of NPS:-19:38:7). The analyzed data indicated that plant height and seeds per spike of bread wheat was highly significantly affected by main effect of variety. Highest plant height (128.33cm) and seeds per spike (42.1) were recorded from variety Dendea. Spike length was significantly affected by main effect of variety. The longest spike length (8.3) was recorded from variety Hidase. Wheat grain yield was significantly affected by interaction effect at (p<0.05). Variety Hidase produced the highest grain yield of 6904.4kg/ha at 146kg/ha of nitrogen and 138kg/ha of P2O5. Above ground dry weight of wheat was significantly affected by interaction effect. The highest above ground dry weight 18.9 ton/ha of wheat was produced from variety Digalu at 73kg/ha of nitrogen and 69kg/ha of P2O5. Therefore, to get the highest benefit farmers should grow variety Hidase by applying 146kg/ha of nitrogen and 138kg/ha of P2O5 at this area.
Electoral Systems in Sudan: In Quest for an Appropriate Type
Authors: Musa Abdu
Published: May 2024

This article reviews the types of electoral systems applied in Sudan since independence – in both democratic and military rules. It goes beyond that to touch on the general features of electoral behavior as well. It employs historical and descriptive approaches to examine some facts pertaining to the reality of elections and hindrances to democracy in the Sudan: First, the democratic process has been obstructed several times by military coups and regimes. Second, children who grew up under al-Bashir's Militant Islamic Regime (MIR) were deprived form exercising democracy or know anything about voting. Third, the lack of continual political participation hindered the process of accumulating political awareness that could enrich the formation of political culture. Fourth, the tribal influence in the socio-political life in many parts of the country, had negatively affected the political behavior of the ordinary people as well as the politicians. This political reality shatters any hope for proper democracy to work in the country. This essay argues that for such pluralism and ethno-cultural multiplicity entails the adoption of consensual democracy. However, it believes that this consociationalism should be supported by the Proportional Representation type of elections –along with federalism and presidential system.
Overview on Spectral Analysis Techniques for Gamma Ray Spectrometry
Authors: Imaizumi Masayuki
Published: May 2024

Gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) is an exploration technology that distinguishes itself from other non-contact sensing technologies because it provides information from 30 to 50 cm below the ground. This technology has evolved through three significant turning points in mapping output. The first turning point, in the 1960s-1970s, was the transition from U concentration maps to weathered zoning maps utilizing K or eTh. The second turning point, occurring from the 1980s to 1990s, was marked by the application of radionuclide mapping to assess radioactive contamination. A third turning point, in the early 2000s, was the development of soil maps for precision agriculture, supported by the free statistics software R. This paper reviews advances in gamma-ray spectrometry spectral analysis since 2000. Traditionally, the gamma-ray spectrum is depicted as a two-dimensional graph with energy on the horizontal axis and counts on the vertical axis. The NASVD and MNF methods, developed around 2000, necessitate a reevaluation of this concept. By conducting principal component analysis of the gamma-ray spectrum in hyperspace, these techniques have unveiled new spectra, such as ground and sky spectra, and have facilitated the removal of noise components from the gamma-ray spectrum. Naturally occurring gamma-ray spectra typically exhibit energies ranging from 0.04 to 3 MeV. Observations from fusion reactors measure energies up to 20 MeV for diagnostics of nuclear plasma. These spectra may yield valuable insights when applied to innovative statistical analysis techniques. A comprehensive spectral analysis method developed in the early 2000s has demonstrated the potential to extract a variety of information beyond window nuclides, previously unexplored. The regression coefficient plots from the PLSR regression model have revealed novel spectral images. This model is set to influence future research on GRS by expanding the number of objectives and covariates. The innovative calibration method for full-spectrum analysis, which assesses different concentration areas, has proven that calibration is achievable even in the absence of a calibration pad. It is expected to become a formidable approach for spectrum analysis in the upcoming period.
Anogenital Distance in Male Children with Normal External Genitelia and Those with Undescended Testis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Egwu Omebe , Okwuchukwu Ekenze , Abiodun Elebute , Aja Obasi , Nwali Afogu , Obasi Ulebe , Clement Akpaette
Published: May 2024

Background: Anogenital distance (AGD) is a hormone dependent anatomical landmark that serves as a measure of perineal growth. Previous studies have shown that it is shorter in children with undescended testis (UDT) when compared with those with normal external genitalia (NEG). In sub-Saharan Africa, however, there is paucity of information regarding the relationship between AGD and UDT, hence the need for this study. Objective: To determine whether AGD parameters are shorter in children with UDT when compared to those with normal external genitalia. Method: Three AGD parameters were measured using a digital caliper in 86 children (43 with UDT and 43 with normal external genitalia). These parameters include anoscrotal distance (ASD), anopenal distance 1 (APD1) and anopenal distance 2 (APD2). Data was collected over a 12-month period and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 25 software. Results: Forty-three (43) boys with UDT were matched against the same number of boys with normal external genitalia in our study. There were no statistically significant differences among the two groups in the mean age, height, weight, body-mass index (BMI), gestational age and birth weight. The mean anoscrotal distance (ASD) and ASD index were 39.05±8.14 mm and 2.23±1.17mm/kg for the test group and 44.92±7.81mm and 2.79±1.07mm/kg for the control group respectively. The differences in the mean ASD and the mean ASD index between the test and the control groups were statistically significant with p < 0.05. The mean anopenile distance 1 (APD1) and anopenile distance 2 (APD2) were 77.33±13.09mm and 96.20±8.49mm for the test group and 80.63±10.15 mm and 97.48±12.86mm for the control group respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the APD1 and APD2 between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The study showed that boys with UDT had consistently shorter AGD parameters than those with well descended testis.
Major Reproductive Disorders Causing Infertility of Dairy Herds in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Wake Gemeda , Babura Mosisa
Published: May 2024

Reproduction is a complex process in which individuals produce their offspring to perpetuate life. Breeding efficiency depends on the normal function of the reproductive system. Reproductive disorders are the most common problems affecting the reproductive efficiency and productivity of dairy cows. Although, major reproductive disorders are greatly responsible for high economic losses in dairy herds, there is a scarcity the research done and consistent information on the prevalence and relative importance of these problems causing infertility in dairy herds in the West Shoa Zone. Therefore, the current study was conducted in the West Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state to assess the major reproductive disorders of dairy cows in the areas. These districts, namely Adeaberga, Ambo, and Walmera were purposively selected based on their accessibility and potential for dairy production. A total of 180 dairy producers (60 households from each) were randomly selected for individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The major reproductive disorders found were 82.2% repeat breeding, 22.2% calf mortality, 27.2% retention of the fetal membrane, 23.3% abortion and 16.3% stillbirth. The prevalence of reproductive problems showed a significant difference within the woredas. The prevalence of repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane and calf mortality were severe in Walmera districts compared to the remaining two districts whereas the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth were severe in Adeaberga. Repeat breeding shows a higher prevalence whereas the stillbirth rates show a lower prevalence. The ultimate goal of dairy herd production is to increase milk yield and manipulate early first service and calving, lower the calving interval and days open and decrease the number of services per conception. However, repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane, abortion, calf mortality and stillbirth were the major causes of infertility in dairy cows in the study areas. Proper breeding strategies and keeping the health conditions of dairy cattle should be employed to ensure improvements in fertility traits.
A Study on Rural Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Strategies of College Students in the Context of Shared Prosperity
Authors: Zhu Lijuan
Published: May 2024

Rural entrepreneurship serves as a concrete manifestation of college students' active engagement in youth-building actions. Vigorously fostering a group of ambitious, dedicated, adaptable, and sustainable rural talents is not only a crucial initiative for advancing "mass entrepreneurship and innovation" but also an effective pathway for promoting the growth and success of university students, enabling them to realize their life values. Additionally, it provides substantial support for the achievement of shared prosperity. Therefore, while meeting the developmental needs of college students, attracting young individuals to actively participate in rural practices and transitioning from being "attracted" to "settling down" is an essential strategy for alleviating employment pressures and addressing the weaknesses in rural development. This study analyzes the challenges and influencing factors in the rural entrepreneurial journey of college students, delving into the behavioral logic and implementation pathways that lead to their engagement. It also proposes corresponding strategies for enhancing the "coupling degree" between college students and rural development, providing recommendations for the latter part of the discourse on college students' rural entrepreneurship. Rural areas should enhance their service capabilities, collaboratively empower and consolidate resources, and strive to provide efficient and high-quality service support for college students engaged in rural innovation and entrepreneurship. A comprehensive support system for college student rural entrepreneurship, consisting of a tripartite collaboration among the government, universities, and rural communities, and encompassing educational guidance, policy support, financial assistance, and service guarantees, should be constructed. This multi-faceted approach will foster a positive atmosphere encouraging college students to actively participate in rural innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Using the GEOS-5 Nature Run to Simulate 2053-nm Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar Observations
Authors: Karpowicz Bryan Mills , Privé N. C.
Published: May 2024

Wind observations are a critical part of the current global observation system used for numerical weather prediction (NWP). Wind lidars have been cited as precise instruments that can provide three-dimensional wind measurements. Several studies have conducted observing system experiments (OSEs) with existing lidar observations or observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) with simulated lidar observations highlighting the benefits of wind lidar measurements to NWP. Previous studies using simulated lidar observations have typically tied aerosol optical properties to functions of relative humidity instead of to aerosol properties. A methodology is presented for simulating wind measurements from a novel 2053-nm lidar using aerosol properties derived using the GEOS-5 nature run, along with estimating winds derived from cloud information. Some assumptions regarding aerosol scattering and the distribution of clouds are explored, along with the role of observation weighting and implications for representativeness error. Results from a preliminary OSSE are presented highlighting the importance of assumptions used to derive data from cloud returns and aerosol scattering. While a longer duration study is required, results show a general reduction in analysis error when lidar measurements are ingested.
Assessing NOAA Rip-Current Hazard Likelihood Predictions: Comparison with Lifeguard Observations and Parameterizations of Bathymetric and Transient Rip-Current Types
Authors: Casper Audrey , Nuss Emma S. , Baker Christine M. , Moulton Melissa , Dusek Gregory
Published: May 2024

Rip currents, fast offshore-directed flows, are the leading cause of death and rescues on surf beaches worldwide. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks to minimize this threat by providing rip-current hazard likelihood forecasts based on environmental conditions from the Nearshore Wave Prediction System. Rip currents come in several types, including bathymetric rip currents that form when waves break on sandbars interspersed with channels and transient rip currents that form when there are breaking waves coming from multiple directions. The NOAA model was developed and tested in an area where bathymetric rip currents may be the most prevalent type of rip current. Therefore, model performance in regions where other types of rip currents (e.g., transient rip currents) may be more ubiquitous remains unknown. To investigate the efficacy of the NOAA model guidance in the context of different rip-current types, we compared modeled rip-current probabilities with physical-based parameterizations of bathymetric and transient rip-current speeds. We also compared these probabilities to lifeguard observations of bathymetric and transient rip currents from Salt Creek Beach, California, in summer and fall 2021. We found that the NOAA model skillfully predicts a wide range of hazardous parameterized bathymetric speeds but generally underpredicts hazardous transient rip-current speeds and the hazardous rip currents observed at Salt Creek Beach. Our results demonstrate how wave parameters, including directional spread, may serve as environmental indicators of rip-current hazard. By evaluating factors that influence the skill of modeled rip-current predictions, we strive toward improved rip-current hazard forecasting.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well the NOAA rip-current hazard model predicts different rip-current types. Accurate forecasting of rip currents is important because rip currents are the leading cause of death and rescues at surf beaches worldwide. By comparing the performance of the NOAA model to parameterized rip-current speed and lifeguard observations of rip-current strength, we highlighted the model’s decreased ability to predict hazardous transient rip currents compared to hazardous bathymetric rip currents. Because bathymetric and transient rip currents are driven by different environmental conditions, an improved hazard model must be sensitive to these different conditions to predict a greater range of hazardous rip currents.
A User-Focused Approach to Evaluating Probabilistic and Categorical Forecasts
Authors: Loveday Nicholas , Taggart Robert , Khanarmuei Mohammadreza
Published: May 2024

A user-focused verification approach for evaluating probability forecasts of binary outcomes (also known as probabilistic classifiers) is demonstrated that (i) is based on proper scoring rules, (ii) focuses on user decision thresholds, and (iii) provides actionable insights. It is argued that when categorical performance diagrams and the critical success index are used to evaluate overall predictive performance, rather than the discrimination ability of probabilistic forecasts, they may produce misleading results. Instead, Murphy diagrams are shown to provide a better understanding of the overall predictive performance as a function of user probabilistic decision threshold. We illustrate how to select a proper scoring rule, based on the relative importance of different user decision thresholds, and how this choice impacts scores of overall predictive performance and supporting measures of discrimination and calibration. These approaches and ideas are demonstrated using several probabilistic thunderstorm forecast systems as well as synthetic forecast data. Furthermore, a fair method for comparing the performance of probabilistic and categorical forecasts is illustrated using the fixed risk multicategorical (FIRM) score, which is a proper scoring rule directly connected to values on the Murphy diagram. While the methods are illustrated using thunderstorm forecasts, they are applicable for evaluating probabilistic forecasts for any situation with binary outcomes.

Significance Statement

Recently, several papers have presented verification results for probabilistic forecasts using so-called categorical performance diagrams, which summarize multiple verification metrics. While categorical performance diagrams measure discrimination ability, we demonstrate how they can potentially lead to incorrect conclusions when evaluating overall predictive performance of probabilistic forecasts. By reviewing recent advances in the statistical literature, we show a comprehensive approach for the meteorological community that (i) does not reward a forecaster who “hedges” their forecast, (ii) focuses on the importance of the forecast user’s decision threshold(s), and (iii) provides actionable insights. Additionally, we present an approach for fairly comparing the skill of categorical forecasts to probabilistic forecasts.
Narrative Capacity
Authors: Rizzolo Gregory S.
Published: May 2024

What develops in adulthood? More specifically, what develops in adult analysis, not just in terms of thwarted childhood capacities, not just through accrued experience, but even more fundamentally in terms of abilities or structures not possible until the present moment? In this paper, I posit narrative capacity—the capacity to organize conflictual aspects of self and other in a temporary causal-motivational sequence—as a core feature of what develops in the clinical encounter between the analyst and adult patient. It develops, as I demonstrate, through play with narrative fragments, contrasts, and integrations in the analytic field. I present a clinical process note to show how these elements texture and problematize one another. A successful analysis leads not to any one life story but to the more basic ability to weave and unweave our stories.
Utilization of Face-to-Face Vestibular Support Groups: A Comparison to Online Group Participation
Authors: Vanstrum Erik B. , Jung Kim Min , Ziltzer Ryan S. , Doherty Joni K. , Bassett Alaina M.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study compared the utilization and outcomes of face-to-face (F2F) vestibular support groups and online support communities (OSC) for individuals with vestibular disorders.

Methods:

We distributed a 31-question anonymous electronic survey through the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) to F2F participants, categorizing user involvement in F2F, OSCs, or both and assessed impact on medical decision-making, psychosocial benefits, and goals achieved.

Results:

The F2F cohort consisted of 97 individuals comprising primarily of non-Hispanic White women (mean age = 57 years, SD ± 14 years) with diagnoses including persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (19%), Meniere’s disease (15%), and vestibular neuritis (13%). Most participants were diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (65%) and attended F2F meetings monthly or less frequently (78%). The OSC group comprised of 551 individuals, primarily of non-Hispanic White women, but was younger in age (mean age = 50 years, SD ± 13 years). OSC participants notably engaged more, with 36% participating on a daily basis and 32% multiple times a week. F2F participants were older (mean age 57 years vs 50 years, P < .001) and more commonly referred by medical professionals (22% F2F vs 6% OSC, P < .001). Both groups had similar achieved goals, including hearing from others with the same diagnosis (84% vs 89%, P > .05) and similar impact on medical decision-making (75% vs 78%, P > .05). More F2F participants reported increased development of coping skills (79% F2F vs 69% OSC, P = .037). OSC participants typically found the group via an online search (75%), compared to 51% for F2F. OSC participants had higher daily engagement (36%) compared to F2F (1%).

Conclusion:

F2F users are older and more commonly referred by medical professionals. Despite less frequent engagement, F2F participants reported similar influences on achieved goals, medical decision-making, and impact on psychosocial benefits. These findings highlight the importance of both F2F and OSC support groups for individuals with vestibular disorders.
Unlocking team performance: How shared mental models drive proactive problem-solving
Authors: Carraro Michela , Furlan Andrea , Netland Torbjørn
Published: May 2024

Do shared mental models support proactive problem-solving? Research on shared cognition suggests that shared mental models aid team performance by improving coordination between team members’ actions. However, these models can also lead to groupthink, potentially diminishing team members’ proactive problem-solving behaviors. Based on social identity theory, this study examines how shared mental models influence proactive problem-solving at the individual and team levels. We propose that shared mental models about work tasks and team dynamics are crucial for promoting proactive problem-solving behaviors and coordinating team efforts. To test our theory, we conducted multilevel path analyses with survey data from 266 individuals across 48 teams in 13 Italian manufacturing companies. Our results indicate that the degree to which individuals align their task- and team-related mental models impacts both their tendency to proactively solve problems and their ability to coordinate team problem-solving. We also find that the adoption of proactive problem-solving behaviors and team effort coordination are linked to enhanced team performance.
Bringing the Global into Medical Sociology: Medicalization, Narrative, and Global Health
Authors: Bell Susan E.
Published: May 2024

Medical sociologists have much to gain by bringing in global health. In this article, I make the case for expanding our field by furthering sociological perspectives on global health. I reflect on my career, the influence of scholar-activist mentors, and my contributions to the development of scholarship about medicalization, narrative, and global health in medical sociology. First, I focus on medicalization, its relationship to biomedicalization and pharmaceuticalization, and critiques of the medicalization of global health. Second, I analyze the narrative turn in studies of illness experiences and the inclusion of visual materials as an integral part of narrative studies of illness. Third, I explore global health and show examples of bodies of knowledge that medical sociologists are building. Although I present each as a distinct area, my discussion illustrates how the three areas are intertwined and how my contributions to each traverse and build connections among them.
Comparative evaluation of two different dental age estimation methods using tooth pulp: A CBCT study
Authors: Patel Harmi , Parikh Shilpa J , Shah Jigna S
Published: May 2024

Aim

To estimate the age of an individual based on 3D radiographic evaluation of pulp width of maxillary central incisor.

Materials and methods

This study included 185 CBCT images of individuals within age range of 14–64 years. Images were evaluated for maxillary central incisors and pulp width measurements were taken from cementoenamel junction and middle third of root. Obtained data was subjected to correlation and regression analysis from which the age of an individual was predicted. Results of the present study were compared with another study by the same authors.

Results

A negative linear relationship was obtained between age and pulp width. The standard error of estimate (SEE) in sagittal section was 11.36 years and that in coronal section was 11.23 years. The coefficient of determination for sagittal section was 0.107 and for coronal section was 0.127. An obtained regression formula was highly significant. Division of samples into various age groups reduced SEE drastically.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that pulp width of maxillary central incisor is a reliable indicator of age estimation.
Gender Differences in Procrastination and Subjective Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Students and Non-Students
Authors: Balkis Murat , Duru Erdinç
Published: May 2024

This study aims to examine gender differences in the relationship between procrastination and subjective well-being in a sample of 1052 individuals. Including both students and non-students. The participants, 56.7% were women (Mean = 24.83, Standard Deviation = 6.01, range = 18–56) and 43.3% were men (Mean = 25.01, Standard Deviation = 6.91, range = 18–59), completed assessments covering procrastination, positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling. The current findings suggest that men, compared with women, reported higher levels of procrastination, positive affect, and subjective well-being and lower levels of negative affect. The results suggest that procrastination has a greater impact on the subjective well-being of men, especially among non-student males. These findings contribute to the understanding of gender differences in the relationship between procrastination and subjective well-being, emphasizing the need for further research.