bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Schooling Drop-Out Rate to Facilitate Human Capital Development: A Case of South Africa
Authors: Modiba N.S.
Published: January 2025

This article interrogates the destructive nature of the secondary school learnerdrop-out to the facilitation of human capital development in the 21st century.The article is conceptual and empirical in nature within the qualitativeresearch paradigm. The question guiding this article is: how can learner dropout in secondary schools be contained to enable the facilitation of the humancapital development? Narrative enquiry and interviewing techniques wereapplied to generate data. Out of a population of 13 public secondary schoolsin Sekhukhune East District, in Limpopo Province, South Africa, six wereconveniently sampled. In each of the six sampled secondary school, aprincipal and chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL)became research participants. Findings revealed that firstly, there is aconnection between learner drop-out and human capital development.Secondly, poor academic learner performance triggers drop-out. Thirdly,drop-out offers a tragic tale for South African youth. Fourthly, poorscholastic assessment test scores trigger drop-out. Lastly, lack ofimprovement of literary abilities trigger drop-out. The researcherrecommends for the zero-rated digital platforms to teaching and learning tocontribute to containing drop-out. Lastly, the researcher recommends for thecultivation of the culture of continuous learning and skills development.Finally, the researcher recommends for the declaration of secondary schoolsas national key points to enable them to service development and an economyof their communities and the country.
Advancing Eco-Entrepreneurship in Nigeria through Transformative Implementation of Sustainable Business Model Innovations
Authors: Ilesanmi Josephine
Published: January 2025

This article examines how green and sustainable business innovation can beharnessed to advance a just and inclusive decarbonization and energytransition in Nigeria. As the world strives to transition to net zero by 2050or earlier, the need for business operations to transition from traditionalmodels of operations driven by economic value to a sustainable approach ofenvironmental and social values has become more pressing. As a resource—based economy, Nigeria has made pledges and plans in line with internationalframeworks to transition and grow renewable energy resources. Yet, lack ofclear operational guidelines on effective business strategies needed toeffectively advance eco-entrepreneurship remains a key challenge. Ecoentrepreneurship and eco-ventures such as small-medium scale eco-enterpriseand energy citizens who generate eco-solutions, innovations, services andproducts in renewable energy plays a vital role in economy decarbonizationstrategies. While several studies have highlighted how external factors such asweak or unsupportive governance and policy landscape may hindersuccessful implementation of eco-entrepreneurial activities, what hasremained absent is a holistic evaluation of how lack of internal capacity ofeco-ventures themselves can hinder the successful design and implementationof transformative and sustainable business model that are able to capturebusiness opportunities, address risks and make impactful contributions toglobal sustainability objectives. This article fills a gap in this regard. Drawinglessons from surveyed Nigerian eco-entrepreneurs, this article examinesinternal governance gaps that hinder sustainable business innovation, such asincompatibility of business aims and models; limited internal capacity onESG; unsustainable procurement practices and resource constraints areexamined in order to identify the ways in which integrative sustainablebusiness model innovation can help close these gaps.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Sustainable Banking and Service Efficiency in Nigerian Financial Institutions: An Assessment of Selected Quoted Banks
Authors: Ogundele Abiodun Thomas , Ibitoye Olusola Anthony , Akinterinwa Oluwatoyin Olusola , Adeniran Abraham , Ibukun Felix Olusegun , Apata Temitope Gift
Published: January 2025

The rapid growth of human reasoning impacts the sustainability andefficiency of the banking industry globally, including in Nigeria. Many bankshave used technology and creativity to improve service efficiency and revenuesustainability due to worries about the detrimental effects of humanintelligence. Our research analyses how AI integration influences sustainablebanking and service efficiency in selected Nigerian listed banks. Naturallanguage processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics arerevolutionising banking. In addition, risk management, fraud detection,customer service, and operational automation applications create dataprivacy, ethical, and regulatory compliance issues, though they are efficientand cost-effective. According to a cross-sectional study of clients from fiveNigerian deposit money banks: Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FirstBank Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc, 384 individualscompleted the self-administered questionnaire SAQ. In this study, thefollowing methods were used: mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis,Jarque Bera, correlational analysis, and OLS regression. The researchersobserved that AI awareness, application, and effectiveness have an impact onthe service efficiency of a subset of Nigerian quoted deposit money banks.Finance firms in Nigeria use AI to improve productivity and client happinessas one suggestion was to automate tedious tasks for bank services. However,government regulations restrict Nigerian banks' AI usage. To bridge thesegaps, the paper recommends banking AI regulations, infrastructuraldevelopment, education, training, and monitoring. The paper alsorecommends that Nigerian officials automate identity verification and riskassessment to speed up procedures. Overall, there should be strongsustainability, security, and privacy laws to promote economic and socialobjectives.
Digitalization and Government Response to COVID-19 in post-pandemic in Africa
Authors: Motau Vincent , Obadire Olusegun
Published: January 2025

The relevance of digital technology has increased globally, especially duringand after the Covid-19 outbreak. However, digitalisation in Africa is stillunder the development process whereby the majority of African countries areadjusting and adapting to digitalization. The lack of technologicaladvancement in Africa poses a serious delay to the adoption of digitalization.This study aims to assess the digitalisation and government response toCOVID-19 during the post-pandemic era in Africa. This study was donequalitatively as a desktop study. Therefore, this study used a secondaryresearch approach where books, journal articles, and newspapers wereemployed to collect data. A key finding of this paper is that the majority ofAfrican countries are still struggling to adapt to digital technologies becauseof the lack of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) materials but slowly butsurely they are adopting digitalization. As digital transformation is essentialfor survival, businesses and institutions have increased their investments intechnological breakthroughs. This study concludes that the introduction ofdigitalization in Africa was the best solution to curb the spread of COVID19. Africa is still behind in digitalization, although it has a long history withtechnology. Africa has proven to be resilient, and its nations are catching upin embracing global digitization. The study recommends that digitalization inAfrica in response to the pandemic must be adopted for future outbreaks.African countries must continue adopting digitalization because people nowprefer to use the 4IR method.
Assessing Consumers' Perception of Shrinkflation in Nigeria and its Implication for Sustainable Development
Authors: Akinwale Gbenusola , Ojakorotu Victor
Published: January 2025

We live in a society where people pay more to get less for most of theconsumables, this has had a major impact on household poverty in Nigeria inrecent times where you have to pay more to still get a lower quantity of anitem. The study assessed the perception of consumers towards shrinkflationin Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study, (a) to know if theconcept of shrinkflation exists in Nigeria and (b) to know if age and jobstatus will affect their perception of shrinkflation. The study selected N=330adults from Lagos Central Senatorial District of Lagos state. The participantswere all adults in schools, formal sector, and informal sectors in Lagos. Thestudy used already standardized Shrinkflation Awareness Scale by Mbewu toexplore the variables. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS v29, withdescriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics showed thatpeople are aware of the downsizing of consumables and a large numberagreed that it is a deceptive business practice to cheat the consumers. Thedemographic variables were not significant thus implying that all ages and allthe sectors are feeling the effects of shrinkflation. The study concluded thatthe effect of the inflation that is currently affecting Nigeria is affecting andincreasing poverty level because the cost of items is increasing yet thequantity is also reducing. The study recommended that the governmentshould ensure that regulatory agencies play their roles in supervising theactivities of the manufacturers to promote the development of Nigeria.
Effect of medical treatment on outcome of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients followed in the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali
Authors: Bonane A. , Nyirimodoka A. , Hategekimana T. , Bizumuremyi Y. C. , Niyonkuru I. M. V. , Rickard J.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) includes watchful waiting, pharmacotherapy, and surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the effect of medical therapy on LUTS in patients with BPH in Rwanda. 
METHODS: This was a one-year prospective observational study in men over 40 years with LUTS due to BPH. Patients were followed at 1, 3, and 6 months. We recorded post-void residual urine (PVR), prostate size, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and BPH medications. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between medical treatment and outcomes of interest. 
RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were enrolled. Adherence to treatment was 151/154 (98%) at one month and 133/151 (88%) at 6 months. The reason of no adherence was ignorance in 11/17 (65%), drug was not available 3/17 (18%), and 2/17 (12%) were lacking money. 
Medical therapy was associated with a decrease in IPSS score of more than 4 points after 3 months and the relationship was statistically significant after adjusting to the initial prostate size as a confounder (p =0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). Medical treatment was also associated with mean decrease in PVR at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p: 0.03 at 3 month and p 0.04 at 6 months). 
CONCLUSION: Medical treatment for BPH was associated with decreased IPSS and PVR in Rwanda. Medical therapy offers an alternative to surgical treatment in low-resource areas with limited surgical services. Advocacy efforts should focus on ensuring affordable access to these medications.
‘The Diary of an Independent Zulu Queer Queen’: An Analysis of Toya Delazy’s Curated Persona on Instagram
Authors: Friday Lindsay
Published: January 2025

The curation of an online persona has recently become critical for the popular musician. The persona, or public identity, is a tool for self- advertisement and audience growth. The phenomenon of online persona curation by musicians is now commonplace, but there remains potential for more research on how they uniquely combine their social media presence with their music. While some work exists  concerning social media utilisation within the classical music sphere, South African manifestations in popular music have gone unstudied.  This article outlines how UK-based South African popular musician Toya Delazy articulates an intersectional identity within a  curated persona. The research conducted focused on her Instagram profile in combination with her musical output. Furthermore, the  article discusses how Delazy’s persona appeals to several micro-publics in a manner conducive to growing her audience. The research expanded Richard Rogers’ list of digital objects to include emojis and captions, thereby claiming the relevance of several digital objects  (emojis, hashtags and captions) to the articulation of identity within the persona. The article also demonstrates how the concept of an  ‘era’ may be utilised to understand how a musician’s curated persona shifts with time.
Reframing the Hybridity Discourse in TwentyFirst Century African Art Music: A Composer’s Perspective
Authors: Obijiaku Chidi
Published: January 2025

Hybridity is fundamental to African art music because the genre emerged through a synthesis of African traditional music and Western  classical music. Such fusion enabled the composers to produce music that reflected the socio-political developments in Africa during  Western colonialism. Although Western colonialism has ended, composers of African art music continue to employ hybridity as a  reflection of the existential realities in twenty-first century Africa. One of such existential realities is urbanisation. Since the end of  Western colonialism in Africa, many new cities have emerged while existing urban centres have continued to expand. These urban spaces  facilitate the convergence of people from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and have catalysed the development of new urban  cultures across the continent. In the last two decades, many composers have synthesised African urban cultures with Western classical  music and African traditional music in new compositions that reflect the realities in present day Africa and extend the binary hybridity  that spawned African art music. However, scholarly writings have continued to describe African art music as a genre that synthesises  African traditional music with Western classical music alone, thus excluding compositions that explore urban cultures. This paper  analyses two African art music compositions that draw from urban cultures in Nigeria and South Africa. Through the analysis, the author  reflects on his experiences as a twenty-first century African composer and argues for an extension of the binary focus on hybridity which   currently dominates the discourse on African art music.
Musical Forces as a Tool for Music Analysis: Understanding Syrinx by Claude Debussy Differently
Authors: Meyer Jaco
Published: January 2025

Claude Debussy’s solo flute composition, Syrinx, originally titled La Flûte de Pan, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) is regarded as one of the  most important solo compositions in flute literature. Numerous analyses and interpretations of this composition exist, utilising  various analytical methods, including unconventional ones like Gestalt perception and spectral analysis of flute tone quality. Many  analyses delve into complex explanations, often discussing hierarchies and interactions of musical tones in Syrinx. This article aims to  demonstrate how existing analyses of Syrinx can be reinterpreted using Steve Larson's theory of musical forces. The purpose is not to  criticise the existing analyses but to offer a different understanding by applying Larson’s theory. This approach simplifies the intricate  explanations found in previous analyses. Larson’s theory posits the existence of stable and unstable tones in tonal music, with unstable  tones being drawn towards more stable ones due to musical forces: musical gravity (the tendency of an unstable tone to descend to a  more stable tone), musical magnetism (the tendency of an unstable tone to ascend or descend to the closest stable tone), and musical inertia (the tendency of a musical pattern to continue in the same fashion it started). My analysis of Debussy's Syrinx reveals that  Larson’s theory serves as a valuable analytical tool, simplifying the complexities often present in written music analyses due to its  standardised terms. This analytical method can be applied not only to Syrinx but also to various compositions, simplifying existing  analyses and opening up new avenues for interpretation and discussion.
A Preliminary Pilot Farmers’ Market Survey of the Triple-Wash Method: A West Virginia Farmers’ Market Survey of Very Small Produce Growers' Knowledge of Microbial Contamination and Their Perception of the Triple-Wash Method
Authors: Stearns Rebecca , Jiang Wentao , Tou Janet , Matak Kristen , Freshour Annette , Boltz Timothy , Jaczynski Jacek , Long Carly , Shen Cangliang
Published: January 2025

Fresh produce sold at local farmers’ markets (FMs) was identified as a source of microbial contamination. In this study, a survey was developed to analyze small and very small produce growers’ knowledge of food safety. The questionnaire also assessed producers’ familiarity and willingness to implement the triple wash method (TWM). Surveys were conducted at FMs in West Virginia. The survey included demographics, knowledge of microbial cross-contamination on produce, washing strategies, awareness of the TWM, and willingness to attend good agricultural practice/ Food Safety Modernization Act (GAPS/FSMA) and TWM training. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test (P < 0.05) in R-software. A total of 82 vendors participated in the survey. The survey results revealed knowledge gaps about food safety among FM produce vendors. Additionally, 53.7% of FM vendors did not wash their produce due to increased spoilage (52.6%; P < 0.05). Among participants who washed produce, only 28.2% were familiar with the TWM. Most respondents who washed produce (65.3%; P < 0.05) stated they would be interested in attending GAP/FSMA and TWM training. The information obtained from this study will help tailor GAP/FSMA and TWM training provided by regional extension offices.
Virtual Food Safety Education Programs Reveal Significant Opportunities for Accessible and Effective Distance Learning
Authors: Beary Maria Amalia , DiCaprio Erin , Chang Elizabeth A.B. , Dunn Laurel L. , Padilla-Zakour Olga I. , Snyder Abigail B.
Published: January 2025

The demand for food safety extension programing continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even as in-person training was restricted for over a year in the U.S. Consequently, innovation in virtual education occurred rapidly. Here we share the outcomes from our experience offering 23 courses to >2,000 very small food processors in 11 states between 2020 and 2021. Courses were taught in English and Spanish, offered in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities, and varied in structure, in collaboration with our in-state partners. Our goal is to provide successful strategies rooted in the pedagogy of adult education to help direct future work in virtual food safety education. For example, a clear positive outcome involved improved accessibility among audiences due to reduced travel costs and increased audio-visual options. The use of Universal Design for Learning and Resilient Pedagogy frameworks supported participant engagement, which could also be enhanced through the use of chat functions, breakout rooms, office hours, and applying Bloom’s taxonomy to learning outcomes in food safety education. Positive participant feedback suggested that, now that restrictions relaxed, the opportunities available in virtual food safety education will remain an important, complementary option to in-person trainings to improve accessibility, engagement, and learning outcomes in the future.
Deterring Wild Birds during Fruit and Vegetable Production
Authors: Varriano Sofia , Snyder William E. , Smith Jared C. , Shariat Nikki W. , Dunn Laurel L.
Published: January 2025

Wild birds can be serious pests on farms by damaging produce and introducing food safety hazards to production fields and packinghouses. The most serious crop damage is usually caused by fruit- or seed-eating species such as blackbirds, cardinals, robins, or crows, whereas other species such as sparrows, finches, and starlings can take up residence in farm buildings and quickly become a nuisance. Creating an effective management plan to deter wild birds from fields and buildings begins with correctly identifying bird species and the damage that they are likely to cause. Just as different kinds of pest insects target different plants at different times of the year, not all birds feed in the same way, nor at the same time. Targeting deterrence strategies toward specific species is more cost-effective than a “catch-all” approach and reduces the likelihood that nontarget species are affected. The most effective management plan will be targeted toward specific problem species at specific times of year and may involve mixing and matching different deterrence strategies.
Evaluating and Managing Potential Risks Associated with Top-Iced Produce
Authors: Strawn Laura K. , McEntire Jennifer C.
Published: January 2025

Top icing of produce is a practice used to preserve freshness and extend shelf life during transport and storage for some fresh produce items. However, there are concerns about possible food safety risks associated with this practice, especially regarding managing ice water and the potential for cross-contamination in distribution centers and warehouses. Food safety regulations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Preventive Controls for Human Food rule require distribution centers and warehouses to evaluate hazards and identify those that need a preventive control as defined in the rule. Here, we outline how to evaluate and manage risks associated with top icing. Each operation should assess potential hazards associated with the commodity, facility, and management practices to determine if they are adequately managed as Good Manufacturing Practices or require the implementation of preventive controls within a food safety plan. Facilities should assess risks of receiving, handling, and storing top-iced produce, including supplier programs, potential cross-contamination points, pallet stacking, and slotting procedures, among others. Risk-based measures can be implemented to reduce food safety concerns associated with top-iced produce. These measures include transitioning to iceless produce, maintaining cold temperatures, single stacking produce pallets, establishing dedicated wet rooms, implementing drainage systems, shrouding or adding liners under pallets, and implementing appropriate cleaning and sanitizing schedules.
Investigating Paul’s Leadership in 2 Corinthians 10-13 in Light of a Social Identity Approach to Leadership
Authors:   , Mok Shiu-Leung Fox
Published: January 2025

This dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of Paul’s leadership, focusing on its development amidst conflicts with interlopers seeking personal honour and higher authority positions in Roman Corinth. Key passages, including 2 Corinthians 10:10-11, 11:4, 11:22-23, 12:16-18, and 13:7, reveal the tensions between Paul and the Corinthians. To navigate these conflicts, Paul strategically reconstructs a shared identity centered on “Belonging to Christ.” Utilizing the Social Identity Approach to Leadership (the SIA to leadership), this research will analyze the distinctive features of Paul’s leadership. By comparing three leadership models from the Qumran communities, Hillel’s group, and the Greco-Roman associations, which are contemporaneous with Paul, the study provides a broader context for understanding his leadership approach. Our comprehensive analysis identifies humility, endurance of suffering and weakness, rejection of competitive honour-seeking, and attributing honour solely to Christ as central aspects of Paul’s leadership, as illuminated in 2 Corinthians 10-13. This investigation aims to enhance the understanding of Paul’s leadership dynamics in the context of ancient leadership models and contemporary leadership studies.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Test and Antimicrobial Test of Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans from Extracts of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Red Betel Leaves (Piper Ornatum N. E. Br)
Authors: Djarot Prasetyorini , Utami Novi Fajar , Mahyun Siti , Annisa Julmudia Nurul , Mutmaiah Siti Nafsiatul
Published: January 2025

Red betel (Piper ornatum) is an ornamental plant with potential antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, and tannins. This study aimed to determine the relationship between flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity in red betel leaves. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) was employed using three solvents of varying polarity: n-hexane (non-polar), ethyl acetate (semi-polar), and ethanol (polar). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically based on flavonoids' ability to form complexes with AlCl3. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Antibacterial and antifungal properties were evaluated through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) tests. MIC was determined using the agar dilution method, while ZOI was measured using the disc diffusion method. Results showed that the 96% ethanol extract yielded the highest flavonoid content (4.748%) and the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 47.185 ppm, classified as very strong). The n-hexane extract at 25% concentration exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (ZOI = 17.43 mm), while the 96% ethanol extract at 25% concentration demonstrated the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ZOI = 17.02 mm). In conclusion, red betel leaf extracts show promising potential as strong antioxidants and antimicrobial agents against C. albicans and S. mutans.
Development of In-Memory Wallace Tree Architecture using Block RAM
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Communication, BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, M B Veena , V S Nayana , S K Shreya
Published: January 2025

The memory wall presents a significant challenge in computing, highlighting the increasing gap between processor and memory speeds. This discrepancy has sparked extensive research efforts to bridge the divide between memory units and processors. An approach is to minimize latency by integrating memory and processing units, specifically aiming to enhance memory processing capabilities. In this context, in-memory computing has emerged as a solution offering swift performance and streamlined data retrieval. This study addresses the memory wall issue by employing Block RAM (BRAM), a common component in digital design and FPGA programming, as an in-memory logic. The focus is on utilizing BRAM to store partial products from a Wallace Tree Multiplier (WTM), thereby facilitating rapid and efficient data storage within the FPGA fabric. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated through simulation using Xilinx Vivado, showcasing its potential in overcoming the challenges posed by the memory wall.
Mobile Security – Light on Security Threats
Authors:   Department of CSE, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior, India, Batham Diksha , Dubey Ghanshyam Prasad , Sharma Mohini , Mourya Shailendra , Singh Ashish , Sharma Anushka
Published: January 2025

The smartphone has evolved into a little computer that can perform all of our daily tasks, including social media use, email correspondence, and banking. The use of smartphones is also increasing quickly. Because there are more and more connected biases in the network field every day, cyberattacks are also increasing. All connected device linked to the Internet has become the target of cyberattacks as new types of network attacks have emerged. Consequently, network data security cannot be disregarded. Not only is operating system and device usage directly related to mobile security, but internet and communication with stoners, data encryption, and the sequestration consciousness of drug users are also important factors. the primary donation and the study's conclusionare to collect information about mobile security, Mobile hazards and network security in the present and future. research in this area on mobile vulnerabilities, attack types, and malware. Every mobile device has a number of vulnerabilities due to different features and terrain. Cybersecurity has become crucial for the service, associations, and specific computer users. Since the advent of the internet, security has become a top priority, and the development of safety technology is informed by security history. Positive safety pitfalls are made possible by the net shape itself. But only if the Internet's design is altered. will decrease the potential attacks that could be made across the network.
The Metaverse: An Uncharted Landscape for Virtual Marketing Focused on the Customer
Authors:   Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Hyderabad, Choubey Shruti Bhargava , Tamrakar Shambhavi
Published: January 2025

In order to engage with customers in completely immersive virtual worlds, businesses have undergone unprecedented changes since the metaverse emerged. Traditional marketing strategies, the majority of which are meant for traditional digital or physical environments, face numerous challenges in this new frontier. Businesses find it difficult to interact with target audiences in the metaverse, gauge the success of their virtual marketing campaigns, develop memorable brand experiences as they go, and assess the impression left on customers. Understanding how the metaverse's virtual marketing landscape is evolving and how it affects customer-centred strategies is the aim of this research. Its two primary goals are: Initially, it seeks to assess the extent to which various types of individuals are use the metaverse. Examining variations in rates according to age, gender, and socioeconomic position is part of this. Second, the study aims to investigate consumers' perceptions of virtual marketing, with a particular focus on potential disparities in perception across different age groups. Lastly, it seeks to do a comparative analysis of virtual and conventional marketing techniques. This will facilitate the evaluation of how well each strategy locates and engages the intended audience.
A Comparative Assessment of Advanced Conversational Agents: A Multifaceted Evaluation of ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude
Authors:   Independent Researcher and Analyst, Jain Shubh
Published: January 2025

This research paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of four leading advanced conversational agents: ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude. By subjecting these models to a diverse range of questions across various domains, we evaluate their performance in terms of factual accuracy, relevance, completeness, coherence, creativity, and bias. To achieve these objectives, a mixedmethods strategy is employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The results of our analysis reveal significant variations in the agents' capabilities, with each model demonstrating strengths and weaknesses in different areas. ChatGPT, for example, excels in generating creative text formats, while Gemini demonstrates superior factual accuracy. Perplexity and Claude, on the other hand, exhibit varying levels of bias and interpretability. All in all, this study delivers imperative insights into conversational AI’s current state and informs future developments in this rapidly evolving field. Index Terms: Chatbots, Conversational Agents, Natural Language Processing, Language Models, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Comparative Analysis, Factual Accuracy, Relevance, Completeness, Coherence, Creativity, Bias, Artificial Intelligence, Transformers, Reinforcement Learning, Human-Computer Interaction, Dialogue Systems, Question Answering, Text Generation, Language Generation, Information Retrieval, Knowledge Graph, Semantic Understanding, Contextual Awareness, Ethical Implications, Bias Mitigation, Transparency, Neural Network.
Factores que inducen a funcionarios públicos para la comisión del delito de peculado, Red de Salud Coronel Portillo, 2023
Authors: Torres Vargas Jack Tillin , Rodríguez Monzón Yesica Liliana
Published: January 2025

La presente investigación, titulada “Factores que inducen a funcionarios públicos para la comisión del delito de peculado, Red de Salud Coronel Portillo, 2023”, tuvo como objetivo establecer los factores que inducen al funcionario público para la comisión del delito de peculado, en la Red de Salud de Cornel Portillo, 2023. Se utilizó una metodología de tipo básica con enfoque cualitativo, con diseño fenomenológico, empleando el método explicativo, así como la técnica de entrevista e instrumento la guía de la entrevista. La población estuvo compuesta por 15 funcionarios públicos de la Red de Salud de Cornel Portillo. Según los resultados obtenidos, se plantea que los factores que inducen a los funcionarios públicos a la comisión del delito de peculado son principalmente el entorno laboral, condición económica y los beneficios legales. En conclusión, se destaca una interacción compleja de los tres factores mencionados, donde el entorno laboral permite que las irregularidades se perpetúen sin consecuencias inmediatas; la condición económica de los funcionarios, que actúa como un incentivo para recurrir al uso indebido de los recursos públicos en busca de una mejora financiera personal; los beneficios legales disponibles, como la colaboración eficaz y la confesión sincera, genera una percepción de que el riesgo asociado al peculado es bajo y manejable. En conjunto, estos factores crean un contexto donde el delito depeculado se normaliza, al verse como una opción calculada y de bajo riesgo para los funcionarios involucrados.
Hypothalamic Hamartoma Presenting as Gelastic Epilepsy: When it Goes Unnoticed
Authors: Oliveira Pereira Mariana , Barros Azevedo Catarina , Fonseca Jacinta , Melo Cláudia , Meireles Carla , Magalhães Catarina
Published: January 2025

A 5-year-old boy presented with episodes of ocular retroversion occurring over the past 4 weeks. Further investigation revealed frequent bilateral epileptiform frontal activity on electroencephalogram and a nodular formation in the hypothalamus on cerebral computed tomography scan. Magnetic resonance imaging characterized the lesion as a hamartoma of the tuber cinereum. After questioning, episodes of unprovoked laughter since the first year of life, consistent with gelastic seizures, were reported. During follow-up, an increase in testicular volume was noted, and a GnRH stimulation test confirmed the diagnosis of central precocious puberty. The boy underwent treatment with antiepileptic drugs and GnRH analogs. Surgical resection of the hamartoma was performed, resulting in cessation of seizures and behavior’s improvement.
Hypothalamic hamartomas can present with precocious puberty and gelastic epilepsy. Diagnosis is challenging and often the symptoms go unnoticed for years. Long-term follow-up and multidisciplinary management are essential for optimal patient care and monitoring.
Telaah Relasi Aktor dalam Pengembangan Desa Wisata (Studi pada Kampung Zapin, Desa Meskom, Bengkalis)
Authors: Junita Risma
Published: January 2025

Sektor pariwisata merupakan salah satu sektor penting yang termaktub dalam agenda pembangunan nasional. Sektor ini memainkan peran tersendiri dalam menyumbang pendapatan negara. Dewasa ini, tren pariwisata cenderung merujuk pada minat terhadap wisata yang berbasiskan pada keunikan nuansa pedesaan. Salah satu keunikan tersebut terletak pada segi budaya dan nilai-nilai kearifan lokal. Oleh karena itulah, penelitian ini mengkaji tentang bagaimana relasi yang tercipta dalam upaya untuk mengembangkan desa wisata berbasis budaya. Penelitian mengenai relasi aktor dalam pengembangan desa wisata berbasis budaya bertujuan untuk mengetahui secara mendalam tentang pola relasi dan peranan aktor, serta strategi dalam upaya mengembangkan desa wisata berbasis budaya di Kampung Zapin, Meskom, Bengkalis. Penelitian ini mengggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Keseluruhan data dan informasi yang dikumpulkan dalam penelitian ini diperoleh dengan teknik wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Kajian tentang relasi aktor dalam pengembangan desa wisata berbasis budaya di Kampung Zapin Meskom menemukan bahwa para aktor yang terlibat terdiri dari aktor internal dan aktor eksternal. Masing-masing aktor memiliki peran dan kepentingan yang berbeda namun saling beririsan satu dengan lainnya. Penelitian ini juga menemukan bahwa strategi untuk mengembangkan desa wisata berbasis budaya dapat dilakukan dengan cara optimalisasi kekuatan, pemanfaatan peluang, kekuatan untuk menghindari ancaman, serta meminimalkan kelemahan dan menghindari ancaman.
Detection of Immunological Response of Exotoxins Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Soghi Ahlam Ali , Alkhudhairy Miaad K.
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for increasing the mortality rate of burn patients, especially those strains that produce toxins. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immune response to exotoxins produced by isolates that were collected from burn patients at the Burns Center in Najaf City of Iraq for the period from October 1st to December 1st, 2023. A total of 48/ 178 (27%) P. aeruginosa test isolates identified, 23 and 25 of which were female and male, respectively. The age groups of inpatients ranged from 5 to 55 years. Using molecular techniques, the polygenic pattern of exotoxin-encoding genes was predominant, especially the pattern (exoT+exoS+exoY) in 7 (58.4%) isolates, while no single gene was identified. Immunologically, the concentration of Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) was measured, and it was found higher in the inpatient group compared to the healthy control group. Moreover, it was found higher in the patient group (300.233 and 298.212) pg/ml in the 10- and 20-year age groups, respectively. While the level of IFN-γ in the inpatient group and the healthy control group was (310.123 and 52.222) pg/ml in females, which was higher than its concentration in males.
ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM MANAJEMEN DALAM PEMBANGUNAN DI KELURAHAN TOLO SELATAN KECAMATAN KELARA KABUPATEN JENEPONTO
Authors: Akhmad Akhamad
Published: January 2025

Bagi pemerintah Kelurahan Tolo selatan Kecamatan Kelara Kabupaten Jeneponto, ukuran keberhasilan pelaksanaan tugas adalah bagaimana memberikan pelayanan sebaik-baiknya kepada masyarakat dalam bidang pemerintahan, pembangunan dan sosial kemasyarakatan.
Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan dsekriftif. Adapun populasi dan sampel yaitu seluruh jumlah populasi seluruh pegawai yang ada pada Kelurahan Tolo selatan Kecamatan Kelara Kabupaten Jeneponto. sampel dalam penelitian ini seluruh Perangkat Pemerintah Kelurahan Tolo selatan Kecamatan Kelara Kabupaten Jeneponto.
Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Perencanaan pembangunan kelurahan di Kelurahan Tolo selatan Kabupaten Jeneponto dilakukan secara sistem botton up planning melalui pertemuan ­pertemuan pada tingkat kelurahan dengan menerapkan perencanaan partisipatif masyaakat kelurahan, dan hasil perencanaan tersebut kemudian diusulkan ke pemerintah tingkat atasnya, Kabupaten, Propinsi dan Pemerintah Pusat. Pelaksanaan pembangunan kelurahan berjalan sesuai dengan rencana yang telah disetujui bersama dengan masyarakat kelurahan, dan pelaksanaan pembangunan kelurahan, terutama ditujukan kepada tiga aspek yaitu pembangunan bidang prasarana dan sarana jalan, pembangunan perekonomian dan pembangunan bidang sosial. Dan hasil pelaksanaan pembangunan tersebut hanya mampu berjalan sekitar 50 % dari rencana yang diusulkan. Pelaksana proyek pembangunan kelurahan tersebut melalui Cabang Dinas Otonom dan Departemen yang ada di Kecamatan.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PEMBINAAN PEDAGANG KAKI LIMA DI KECAMATAN WAJO KOTA MAKASSAR
Authors: Bachtiar Bachtiar
Published: January 2025

Adapun yang menjadi tujuan penelitian ini adalah :Untuk menjelaskan bagaimana implementasi kebijakan pembinaan pedagang kaki lima yang diterapkan oleh pemerintah kota Makassar di kawasan Makassar Mall kecamatan Wajo kota Makassar dan Untuk menjelaskan faktor-faktor determinan yakni faktor komunikasi, sumber daya, sikap para pelaksana kebijakan baik aparat pemerintah kota / instansi terkait maupun pedagang kaki lima sendiri serta struktur birokrasi yang mempengaruhi implementasi kebijakan pembinaan pedagang kaki lima di kecamatan Wajo kota Makassar.
Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif dengan kombinasi pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif,. Adapun Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah survey. Populasi dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari seluruh pedagang kaki lima yang beroperasi di Makassar Mall kecamatan Wajo khususnya yang resmi tercatat pada Dinas Pasar kota Makassar. Sampel yang ditetapkan dari populasi menggunakan teknik Cluster  Sampling (sampel gugus bertahap), Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan cara :Observasi, ,Kuesioner terstruktur Wawancara, Dokumentasi, Data yang terkumpul dari hasil penelitian, akan diseleksi dan selanjutnya dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif-kuantitatif.
Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif dengan kombinasi pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Adapun Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah survey. Populasi dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari seluruh pedagang kaki lima yang beroperasi di Makassar Mall kecamatan Wajo khususnya yang resmi tercatat pada Dinas Pasar kota Makassar. Sampel yang ditetapkan dari populasi menggunakan teknik Cluster  Sampling (sampel gugus bertahap), Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan cara :Observasi, ,Kuesioner terstruktur Wawancara, Dokumentasi, Data yang terkumpul dari hasil penelitian, akan diseleksi dan selanjutnya dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif-kuantitatif.
Implementasi kebijakan pembinaan pedagang kaki lima sudah tergolong cukup berhasil dilaksanakan oleh pemerintah kota untuk memberikan pembinaan kepada pedagang kaki lima yang melakukan aktifitas usahanya. Secara umum faktor komunikasi, sumber daya, struktur birokrasi dan sikap pemerintah kota serta sikap pedagang kaki lima mempunyai pengaruh secara determinan tergolong sudah cukup mendukung terhadap berhasilnya implementasi kebijakan pembinaan pedagang kaki lima yang dilaksanakan pemerintah kota dalam wilayah kecamatan Wajo kota Makassar. Meskipun masih relatif terbatas sumber dana operasional dan fasilitas pelayanan publik yang dimiliki pemerintah kota untuk melaksanakan kebijakan pembinaan pedagang kaki lima di lapangan.
Analisis Minat Pengunjung Terhadap Aktivitas Berkuda Di Bromo
Authors: Steve Elia Amadeus  , Davin Fernando  , Jessica Natania Vinata  , Budi Setiawan
Published: January 2025

The Bromo area, as one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, offers a variety of interesting activities, including horse riding, which not only provides a unique experience for tourists, but also contributes significantly to the local economy. This research aims to explore the factors that influence visitors' interest in horse riding activities in the Bromo area and their implications for the management of tourist destinations. Horse riding activities in Bromo attract the attention of domestic and foreign tourists, increasing their satisfaction through deep emotional experiences amidst stunning natural views. Factors that influence visitor interest include comfort, safety, and the quality of the facilities provided. This research also shows that equestrian activities not only impact the local economy, but also contribute to cultural and environmental preservation. On the other hand, there are challenges such as high horse riding fees, which can limit accessibility for some tourists. Trekking activities are an alternative for tourists who want to experience direct contact with nature. These two activities complement each other in increasing the attractiveness of the Bromo area as a tourist destination. These findings provide insight for tourism managers to develop sustainable tourism, improve the welfare of local communities, and strengthen tourist attractions by paying attention to safety, security, comfort and accessibility factors for visitors.
Empirical Analysis of Monetary Policy & Unemployment in Nigeria: An Econometric Approach
Authors:   First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Nigeria, Babatunde Orenuga , Babatunde Abass, Kehinde ,   Department of Finance, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Published: January 2025

The study empirically investigated the relationship between monetary policy and unemployment in Nigeria. After critical review of theoretical and empirical literature, a model was constructed with unemployment as the dependent variable while interest rate and money supply were the independent or explanatory variables. Data used for the study were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Augmented Dickey Fuller, Johansen co-integration, and fuller modified ordinary least square methods were used to analyze the data. Findings from the study show that interest rates have a negative and statistically insignificant relationship with interest rates. On the other hand, the money supply has a positive and statistically significant relationship with unemployment. Based on the findings, monetary policy tool is a veritable instrument to achieve the macroeconomic objective of addressing the challenge of unemployment in the country.
Multiple disabilities and language differences: a case study about inclusion in a brazilian public school
Authors:   , Oliveira Bárbara Silveira Baptista de
Published: January 2025

As per Brazilian inclusion laws, education must guarantee every student the legal right to cultivate their potential through quality education that recognizes their unique differences. This study delves into the inclusion process within a school facing the challenge of integrating a 7-year-old deaf girl with autism and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. Drawing from disability studies, we assert that disability is a societal issue rather than an individual one. Critical perspectives, such as the pedagogy of Paulo Freire and decolonial studies, guide our argument that true inclusion requires disrupting traditional structures, challenging normative bodies, and embracing a decolonial standpoint. Employing a qualitative and exploratory case study approach, our research incorporates participant observations, interviews with school staff, and analysis of school documents. We emphasize the pivotal role of educational impact within the legal context. The school, succeeding the family, is the second social institution and plays a crucial role in the development of the individual as a social being. Within this context, we explore the significance of discussions on public policies, inclusive policies, and language policies, aiming to empower professionals responsible for inclusive education to offer holistic care for children with disabilities. While the inclusion process begins with teacher education, it would be unfair to exclusively assign them the entire responsibility. The school requires a strong foundation and comprehensive support to achieve this objective. Keywords: Disability studies; Paulo Freire; decoloniality; inclusive education