bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project Management for the Implementation of a Software: Case Study Debt Collection Software System
Authors: Prifti Valma
Published: June 2023

Project management has become an essential element across all industrial sectors in the successful delivery of projects. Regardless of the industrial sector or size of project, project management methodologies (PMM) can be applied to improve the probability of meeting the project goals. This paper will discuss about how to manage the whole project from the idea to its implementation for the creation of software on debt management. It will show the way the work was planned until the end of the product, to give the customer a product of the highest quality. The current situation of how debt management companies work is very difficult, unproductive and day by day it was becoming a serious problem. Everything was born from the accumulated work experiences over the years and the current state of the Albanian market. Information management in Albanian companies is done through Excel files, where information is disorganized, insecure and can be lost from time to time due to technical problems. The current situation on debt management activity is very backward compared to technological innovation. Current ways of working are certainly associated with negative economic consequences for debt collection companies and major financial risks. In the current working conditions, there was a clear lack of information efficiency, which made the performance of debt collection agents extremely low. In this situation, studying the Albanian market and the ever-increasing demands of this type of activity, it was seen as necessary to create software on management. of debts.

 

Received: 24 January 2022 / Accepted: 15 March 2022 / Published: 20 March 2022
The Concept of Child Well-Being: Parenting and School
Authors: Kashahu Xhelilaj Ledia , Orzeł-Dereń Kinga
Published: June 2023

This century is characterized by dramatic changes in all aspects of human life. Technological changes, the covid-19 pandemic and accompanying factors, fierce competition in every direction and especially in the labor market, have increased the pressure on families and children and added uncertainty and dilemmas for the future. In this context, the well-being of families and the younger generation is in question. In this study, the authors focuses on the concept of well-being and the theories on which it is based as well as the changes that this concept has undergone for several decades. They analyze the objective and subjective well-being of children based on the Theory of Ecological Systems by Urie Bronfenbrenner (1992). Based on literature review, there is a high variation in the definition of the term well being. The lack of clarity on the full meaning of the term is seen as a potential factor in the misuse of this concept by professionals who support the well-being of children in schools. The authors addresses the role of the school family in the well-being of children by highlighting the importance of a systematic assessment of their subjective well-being. Finally, strategies and policies at various levels are discussed, which should be followed to ensure the well-being of new generation.

 

Received: 11 January 2022 / Accepted: 23 March 2022 / Published: 30 March 2022
The Curriculum Referred to Development and Learning Standards and the Correlation Between Them
Authors: Keçi Valbona
Published: June 2023

The competencies set out in the Curriculum Framework are derived from the overall goals of preschool education and determine the key learning outcomes that children should achieve progressively and consistently throughout the preschool education system, in line with the Standards of Development and of Child Learning 3-6 years old. Standards describe the behaviors, skills, and knowledge that children of this age group should have or be able to demonstrate. Standards define what children can and are able to do, say and show as they grow, develop and move from one age group to another. The definition of standards, indicators, and strategies for their fulfillment, aims at educating and transmitting the human values and the best qualities of the Albanian people, such as national pride, cooperation, assistance, respect for others, empathy, honesty, love, will, perseverance, emotion management, tolerance, understanding, diversity, etc. The development and learning standards of children aged 3-6 have been designed with the new competency-based approach in mind. Having children at the center and being designed for them, this document presents the opportunities and achievements of children at specific age periods, in every field of development. The primary purpose of the standards is to support the better development of preschool children.

 

Received: 14 January 2022 / Accepted: 23 March 2022 / Published: 30 March 2022
Enhanced Ships Operation using Integrated Automation Systems
Authors: Dagkinis Ioannis , Psomas Panagiotis M. , Platis Agapios N.
Published: June 2023

Global shipping for becoming sustainable will have to organize the ships and each field of shipping industry, in accordance efficient management and operation principles. This will require the adoption of new techniques and the transformation of companies, their ships, systems, and management practices. A modern automation and control system is a fully integrated system covering many aspects of the ship operation. Whether for cargo, passenger or special-purpose ships, Integrated Automation Systems meets every requirement in shipping and offers decisive advantages over the entire "life" of a ship. The adaptation can suit perfectly to the special requirements in shipping and creates the prerequisites for maximum economy, reliability, and safety on board. Integrated Automation includes the propulsion plant operation, power management operation on the auxiliary engines, auxiliary machinery operation, cargo loading and unloading operation, navigation and administration of maintenance and purchasing of spares. The study focuses on implementation of IAS and its contribution in ship's performance and safety. The proposed model incorporates different failure rates for the different sensors of the Integrated Automation system as well as repair actions that need to be performed. The system can experience various levels of deterioration and when a failure occurs, a repair procedure is carried out and the system is restored to its initial fully operational state. A numerical example based on the empirical data is used to illustrate the proposed model.

 

Received: 23 September 2022 / Accepted: 28 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022
The Regional Cooperation of the Western Balkans and the Challenges on the Path of Integration in the European Union
Authors: Draçi Parashqevi , Kraja Gentiana , Themelko Henrieta
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in the Western Balkan countries and the difficulties on the path to European Union integration. The objectives of the study are to emphasize the advantages of regional collaboration; the aspiration of the Western Balkan nations to join the EU as a catalyst for cooperation by opening up fresh avenues for political, social, and economic advancement; initiatives, processes, and agreements are undertaken under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission for co-operation between them and preparation for EU integration; as well as obstacles and challenges to effective regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The research method is based on Desk research and includes the study of literature, analysis, and monitoring conducted by independent institutions and bodies on regional cooperation and integration and integration into the European Union. Membership in the European Union as a common goal of the Western Balkan countries has promoted the whole Region for economic, social progress, and regional stability. Greater economic cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans could be one of the main sources of economic growth in the coming years. The methods of regional cooperation have been the subject of frequent criticism by the governments of individual countries, which considered them arbitrary and unrelated to their reality. The situation created after the Russian attack on Ukraine has made all countries, regions, and international structures re-evaluate the aspects of economic development, political, social, local, regional, and global security.

 

Received: 26 September 2022 / Accepted: 29 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022
Physiotherapy Efficacy of Mulligan Technique in Subacromial Conflict: Literature Review
Authors: Veizaj Selda , Mena Ariola , Drizaj Jonida
Published: June 2023

General Information: The subacromial conflict is a disorder of gleno-humeral joint that results from compression of soft tissue.The Mulligan concept based on the biomechanical and anatomical concepts of the human body. Purpose: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the MulliGan technique in subacromial conflict. Methodology: The study is Review (Literature Review) and was conducted in 6 electronic databases. Randomized type studies were included in our study. The tests used to assess subacromial conflict were: Visual Analog Scale; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand; Short Form-36; Pressure pain threshold; Current pain severity; Numeric Rating Scale; Goniometer; Constant shoulder score. Results: From 65 studies found, only 6 include our study criteria. The study of Yanwu Wang, has the maximum scoring according to the Pedro scale, was evaluated with 10 points. Conclusions: The MulliGan technique resulted effective in treating subacromial conflict.

 

Received: 23 September 2022 / Accepted: 28 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022
EU FUNDS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BULGARIA
Authors:   South-West University ", Tanchev Stoyan ,   Neofit Rilski", Terziev Marian ,   South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Published: June 2023

In this study the financial resources from the Structural and Cohesion Funds which Bulgaria has received are analyzed, presented as expenditures from the EU budget and their link to economic growth is examined. Quarterly statistical data covering the period 2008-2014 is used, along with 28 observations. A standard linear regression is applied for the calculation of the coefficients and the interpretation of the results in the form of the least squares method. The results of the empirical analysis show that there is a proportional statistically significant link between the financial resources from the EU budget and the economic growth of Bulgaria. It is assumed that the expenditure incurred during the analyzed period under the Structural and Cohesion Funds has led to a 1% increase in the economic growth of the country.
The foundation of contemporary economics: James Buchanan and constitutional economics
Authors:   Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Egbert Henrik , Sedlarski Teodor ,   Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Published: June 2023

We provide a short introduction into the concept of Constitutional Economics. This approach is a subfield within Public Choice Theory. Public Choice and Constitutional Economics are closely related to the name of James Buchanan who, together with his colleagues, initiated Public Choice Theory in the 1950’s and Constitutional Economics in the 1980’s. The latter emphasizes the choice of these rules, e.g. the constitutional framework of a society that structures social order. The choice of rules is modeled as acts of exchange in the political process.
The integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU and their adaptation to changes in the global economy
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Hristova-Balkanska Iskra
Published: June 2023

On 15.06.2017 at the Institute of Economic Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IESB), within the framework of the bilateral Bulgarian-Romanian project of the same name, a conference on "Bulgaria and Romania EU Member States, Part of the World Economy" was held, organized by the International Economics Section of the IESB in cooperation with the Institute of World Economy at the Romanian Academy (ISE-RA).1 The conference was opened with an address by the Director of the IESB Prof. Dr. Alexander Tasev.
PRICE INTEGRATION OF THE WHEAT AND MAIZE MARKETS OF FRANCE AND BULGARIA
Authors:   Institute of Agrarian Economics, Ivanov Bozhidar , Sokolova Emilia ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics
Published: June 2023

The price integration of the French and Bulgarian wheat and maize markets are explored and the magnitude and speed of price transmission and the characteristics of price behavior are determined. The main methods applied are based on cointegration analysis. Data from the European Commission and the National Statistical Institute is used.
Consumer 5.0
Authors:   University of National and World Economy, Prodanov Hristo
Published: June 2023

The article examines from historical and comparative perspective the changes in final consumption as a result of transformation of technologies used in production, distribution, exchange and consumption during the First industrial revolution, the Second industrial revolution when consumption gradually assumes a leading role in the production process and gives birth to the “mass consumer” phenomenon, and the Third industrial revolution which gives rise to the niche consumer. Today, as the Fourth industrial revolution unfolds, a targeted and personalized consumer develops. The main features of this new type of consumer, related to the phenomenon of “prosumerism”, as well as the factors that determined its emergence, are outlined, based on analysis of relevant specialized literature.
Active labor market policy in Bulgaria and participation of the population aged 25-64 in education and training
Authors:   University of National and World Economy, Atanasova Margarita , Dimitrova Elka ,   MLSP
Published: June 2023

А variety of perspectives for the in-depth study and systematization of trainings within the framework of the Active Labor Market Policy (ALMP) are presented, including formal and non-formal trainings, emphasizing their role as a component in the leading progress indicator in the implementation of the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning (NSLLL) 2014-2020 – “the participation of the population aged 25-64 in education and training”. Proposals for improving the methodical approach for systematizing the formal and non-formal trainings conducted within the framework of the ALMP were formulated as a basis for improving the methodological approach of the reporting system of the Annual Review of the Employment Agency and the Annual Report on the Implementation of the National Strategy for Life Long Learning 2014-2020. This creates a prerequisite for improving the links and interaction between the institutions involved in the ALMP and for ensuring the synergy of their efforts and activities.
Measuring attractiveness of city tourism destinations
Authors:   The D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Gorcheva Tanya
Published: June 2023

The study of large urban centers as tourist destinations is done from different perspectives. Their analysis is important since they are carriers of important features for selecting the destination and its attractiveness. These arguments form the basis for defining the concept of "urban tourist destination" and define approaches that are relevant to the formation of conceptual and practical models to measure its attractiveness. The paper examines the different methods of measuring the attractiveness of the urban tourist destination. An emphasis is placed on research methodology based on the Global Power Index. An overview of the results of the application of this method is made and the ranking of the ten most attractive urban tourist destinations in the world for the period 2014-2016 is analyzed.
Chances for fiscal and monetary impact on Bulgaria’s economic cycle
Authors:   South-West University ", Todorov Ivan ,   Neofit Rilski", Aleksandrov Alexander ,   South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Published: June 2023

The chances for fiscal and monetary influence on the business cycle of Bulgaria under a currency board arrangement have been analyzed. The determinants of Bulgaria’s business cycle phase and output gap from the first quarter of 2000 till the second quarter of 2017 have been identified. The effects of minimum reserve requirements, fiscal balance, government revenue, government expenditure and government debt on the business cycle phase and the output gap have been studied. Two research methods have been employed – logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression of times series data. The study results imply that all mentioned variables except for government debt have a statistically significant impact on the output gap. The business cycle phase is significantly affected by all mentioned variables with the exception of government expenditure.
Post-crisis development of Bulgarian international trade relations
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, Marinov Eduard
Published: June 2023

The impact of Bulgaria’s accession to the EU and that of the Global financial crisis are assessed through an analysis of the changes in the country’s international trade for the period 2004-2016. Firstly, the general trends in the dynamics of the country’s trade flows in terms of value and volume are summarized, and then, the economy’s dependence on international trade is assessed. The study then presents an analysis of the direction of Bulgarian trade, including a comparison of the share of its intra-EU trade to that of the EU as a whole and to that of the Central and Eastern European countries. The changes in the commodity structure of trade are discussed by analyzing the share of primary and manufactured products and an index of the terms of trade is calculated in order to assess the trade benefits of Bulgaria’s post-crisis international trade relations. Based on the conclusions reached as a result of the analysis, recommendations are made regarding the opportunities in the field of Bulgaria’s international trade policy.
Maintaining and retaining user interest in selling applications for mobile gaming
Authors:   Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, Yosifov Trayan
Published: June 2023

The connection between bank financing and the establishment of adequate financial conditions for the economic development initiative is studied. A follow-up on the cooperation between banks and the real economy sector undertakings on the model of the Japanese Keiretsu System is provided. The bank specialization as a benchmark in the drawing up of a global market strategy is analysed. A review is made of the quality of the assets, and the results of the conducted stress tests of the Bulgarian bank system are summarised.
AN EVALUATION OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRARIAN ECOSYSTEMS IN BULGARIA
Authors:   Institute of Agrarian Economics, Bashev Hrabrin , Ivanov Bozhidar ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics, Toteva Desislava ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics
Published: June 2023

The ecosystem approach has been widely incorporated in the management and evaluation of agrarian sustainability. Despite enormous progress in this new evolving area, still there is no consensus on how to assess the sustainability of agro-ecosystems due to the diversity in understandings, approaches, methods, employed data, etc. In Bulgaria there are no comprehensive studies on the integral, socio-economic and ecological sustainability of the different types of agro-ecosystems. This paper makes a first attempt at assessing the sustainability of agro-ecosystems in Bulgaria. Initially, a holistic framework for assessing the integral, economic, social and ecological sustainability of agro-ecosystems, which includes 17 principles, 35 criteria, and 46 indicators and reference values, is suggested. After that, the integral and the multi-aspect sustainability of 7 generic and 10 specific agro-ecosystems in Bulgaria are assessed. The estimates are based on first-hand information collected by the managers of “typical” farms operating in different agro-ecosystems in 4 geographical regions of the country. The study has found out that there is a substantial variation in the level of integral and multi-aspect sustainability of the different types of agro-ecosystems, as well as in the level of contribution to the sustainability of various sub-sectors of agriculture and farms of different juridical type and size, where the individual indicators with the highest and lowest values show the (critical) factors which enhance or deter sustainability.
An analysis and a forecast of the cryptomarket based on the ARIMA model
Authors:   Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, Taneva Gergana
Published: June 2023

The investment potential of the cryptocurrency market is examined through an analysis of the factors that lead to sharp fluctuations and a forecast of its volatility is made with the use of the CRIX index. This index is dynamic and its structure changes every three months, which provides detailed information on the volatility of the cryptocurrency market. The CRIX index includes the most liquid cryptocurrencies, which makes it a representative indicator of the cryptocurrency market as well as a reliable indicator when it comes to making market forecasts in the future. The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model of forecasting dynamic rows used in the research is a barometer of the cryptocurrency market. The research follows the changes in the monthly price of the CRIX index from January 2015 to January 2019.
Human resources audit
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, Iliev Plamen
Published: June 2023

A relatively new „branch” of auditing, namely, the human resources audit, is examined from the standpoint of the internal control provisions in the Public Sector and the “COSO” model. Attention is drawn to the nature of this type of audit, the key indicators used in it, as well as its objectives and its scope. The implementation of the human resources audit is carried out in several steps, in keeping with the relevant principles, along with the establishment of Human Resources Management Systems in the organization. A connection is sought between the human resources audit the social audit, as well as opportunities to increase staff competence and empowerment, related to new value creation by and for the staff.
TAX STRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM BULGARIA
Authors:   South-West University ", Tanchev Stoyan ,   Neofit Rilski"
Published: June 2023

The study analyses the tax structure of Bulgaria and its relation to economic growth for the period 2003 – 2015. The results reveal that Bulgarian budget revenue mainly depends on the taxes charged on consumption. It was found that in times of economic growth tax and non-tax revenues form the necessary fiscal resources in the budget while during a crisis the revenues are insufficient, which in turn leads to the formation of a budget deficit and a subsequent increase in government debt. There are statistical arguments in support of the notion that budget revenues are inversely related to economic growth and create conditions for its reduction. Government spending has a direct proportional relation to growth and results in its increase. The econometric estimates and the interpretation of the results are calculated with the use of a multiple linear regression with an included dummy variable (OLS with a dummy variable), the Two-Stage Least Squares method (TSLS) and the Vector Autoregressive model (VAR models).
Big Data, changes in statistics and the new challenges to politico-economic systems
Authors:   University of National and World Economy, Prodanov Hristo
Published: June 2023

A politico-economic approach is presented for the exploration of the changes that occur in statistics as a result of the transformations in three sets of factors – technologies, politics and economics, and hence in the methods of collecting, storing and analysing data. The main stages in the development of statistics are examined, taking into account the changes in the data processing technologies and the ever changing needs of politico-economic systems. Big Data and the challenges it poses to traditional statistics are analysed. On the one hand, it is able to reveal previously unseen trends and to optimize more human activities, but on the other hand it gives rise to many new questions that are waiting to be answered. These questions stem from the fact that by changing statistics big data tends to change politics, economics, societies and any activity that demands for decisions to be made.
Weltmusik 2.0: Zwischen Spass- und Protestkultur
Authors: Burkhalter Thomas
Published: June 2023

Musikerinnen und Musiker aus Afrika, Asien und Lateinamerika verarbeiten Klänge und Klangformen mit den Prinzipien von Avantgarde, Pop-Avantgarde und jamaikanischer «Bass-Culture». Sie interagieren in Netzwerken mit Musikern weltweit und formulieren selbstbewusste nach-koloniale Positionen. Die vielen Parodien auf Exotika und der thematische Fokus auf Gewalt und Krieg deuten jedoch auch darauf hin, dass alte Abhängigkeiten im realen Markt weiterhin Bestand haben. Versuch eines Überblicks: mit empirischen Daten aus dem Libanon und Höreindrücken aus anderen Ländern.
Rock Music in Indonesia
Authors: Wallach Jeremy
Published: June 2023

Performing, listening, and recording underground rock shapes an oppositional consciousness among Indonesian youth. This spirit found expression in the grassroots protest movement responsible for toppling the autocratic Soeharto regime in 1998 and fostering the new democratic society in its place.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN DENGAN METODE CTL SISWA KELAS II SDN TANJUNG PRIOK 01
Authors: Fitriyani Elsa Adelia , Azzahrah Aullia , Utami Nidya Chandra Muji , Dallion Engga
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan sebagai upaya dalam peningkatan kemampuan membaca permulaan dengan realisasi metode pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) di SDN Tanjung Priok 01. Bentuk penelitian yang dijalankan ialah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) model Kurt Lewin, dengan subjek para siswa kelas II sebanyak 32 orang (16 laki-laki dan 16 perempuan) berlokasi di SDN Tanjung Priok 01 Jakarta Utara. Data diperoleh berdasarkan pengamatan, tes dan dokumentasi. Kemudian, dianalisis pada tiap siklusnya dengan merefleksi pencapaian keberhasilan berbentuk persentase dan diperkuat oleh kesimpulan pada akhir pembelajaran. Adapun KKM dalam pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia yaitu 80. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terjadinya peningkatan dibuktikan oleh pemerolehan rerata nilai kemampuan membaca siklus I yakni 85,78 (baik), lalu terjadi peningkatan kembali sejumlah 92,50 (baik sekali) pada siklus II. Adapun ketuntasan klasikal pada nilai awal sebesar 70% (hanya 13 siswa tuntas) sehingga diterapkan siklus I dengan peningkatan sebesar 84% (27 siswa tuntas). Kemudian, peningkatan pada siklus II sebesar 92,5% (30 siswa tuntas). Kesimpulan dari keseluruhan analisis hasil penelitian adalah metode CTL dalam pembelajaran berhasil membawa peningkatan terhadap kemampuan membaca permulaan di SDN Tanjung Priok 01 pada siswa kelas II. Dengan demikian, metode CTL dapat digunakan untuk penelitian lainnya agar pembelajaran menjadi lebih bervariasi sehingga dapat menyempurnakan pembelajaran di sekolah dasar.
POTENSI ANTIBAKTERI DAN ANTICANDIDA EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PEGAGAN (Centella asiatica (L) Urb.)
Authors: Admin
Published: June 2023

Leaves pegagan (Centella asiatica (L) Urb.) is one of the medicinal plants that have various properties. It can treat fever, antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, and central nervous system stimulants. Pegagan leaf can be used as an antibacterial because it contains flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Centella asiatica leaf on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as well as anticandida activity against the growth of Candida albicans. Simplicia Pegagan leaf extracted using remaseration methods with a solution of 70% ethanol. Antibacterial test method using the disc diffusion method (Kirby and Bauer Test). Concentration of test solution used was 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% extract in DMSO, with a positive control and a negative control chloramphenicol and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).  anticandida test used agar diffusion method and Potato Dextrose agar (PDA) media. The concentration of the test solution was 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% extract in DMSO, ketoconazole as a positive control and negative control DMSO used. Diameter were analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical test. The results showed that ethanol extracts of leaves pegagan  (Centella asiatica (L) Urb.) concentration of 60%, 80%, and 100% have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Anticandida test concentration of ethanol extract of Centella asiatica leaf provides the greatest inhibition zone is a concentration of 60%. The ethanol extract of leaves pegagan (Centella asiatica (L) Urb.) qualitatively contains flavonoids, saponins and tannins.
FIXED POINT APPROXIMATION USING UNIFIED ITERATION SCHEME FOR ASYMPTOTICALLY NONEXPANSIVE MAPPINGS IN CAT(0) SPACES
Authors: Mushtaq Aadil , Moinuddin Khaja , Rao P. Srikanth
Published: June 2023

In the present paper, we focus on reexamination of unified three step iteration scheme in more general infinite-dimensional manifolds i.e. in geodesic CAT(0) spaces for asymptotically non-expansive mappings. The findings hold true for both asymptotically non-expansive type mappings and asymptotically quasi nonexpansive mappings. Since, numerous iteration schemes have been introducing for so long and also claimed new and different from other which shows huge lacking of existing iteration based literature. It is to be noted that there are several iteration schemes which are claimed to be different and unique but is special case of some existing scheme. Our results improve the existing iteration scheme based literature.
CHELO INDEX FOR GRAPHS
Authors: Rajendra R. , Reddy P. Siva   Kota , Harshavardhana C. N. , Aishwarya S. V. , Chandrashekara B. M.
Published: June 2023

It is exciting to study and establish relationships between the physical properties and the molecular structure of chemicals and there is a scope for defining new topological indices. This paper aims to introduce a new topological index for graphs called Chelo index. The Chelo index of a graph G is the sum of five times order of G and two times the number of geodesics of length 3 minus the number of geodesics between peripheral vertices. We compute Chelo index for some standard graphs and observe the correlation between some physical properties and Chelo index for low alkanes. Also, we establish a formulae for computing the number of 176 graph geodesics in a graph and the Chelo index using the adjacency matrix
k-STRONG DEFENSIVE ALLIANCES IN GRAPHS
Authors: K Karthik , Hegde Chandru , Sooryanarayana B.
Published: June 2023

In a simple connected graph G = (V,E), a subset S of V is a defensive alliance if every vertex v ∈ S has at most one more neighbour in V − S than it has in S. The minimum cardinality of a defensive alliance in G is called the defensive alliance number of G, denoted by a(G). A k-strong defensive alliance S is a defensive alliance in G, in which removal of any set of at most k vertices does not affect its defensive property. The k-strong defensive alliance number of G is the minimum cardinality of a k-strong defensive alliance in G, denoted by ak(G). In this paper, some properties of k-strong defensive alliances are discussed and the k-strong defensive alliance numbers of some classes of graphs are obtained.
SYMMETRIC IDENTITIES FOR DEGENERATE q-POLY-GENOCCHI NUMBERS AND POLYNOMIALS
Authors: Nadeem Mohd , Khan Waseem Ahmad
Published: June 2023

In the present article, we introduce a new class of degenerate q-poly- Genocchi polynomials and numbers including q-logarithm function. We derive some relations with this polynomials and the Stirling numbers of the second kind and investigate some symmetric identities using special functions that are involving these polynomials
FUZZY T˜g-SPACES
Authors: Balasubramaniyan K. , Prabhakaran R.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we introduce and study the concepts of fuzzy T ˜g-spaces, fuzzy gT˜g-spaces and their properties are obtain. The relations between T˜g-spaces, fuzzy gT˜g-spaces and other fuzzy spaces are given. Also many suitable examples are given.
MAPS AND HOMEOMORPHISMS VIA M-OPEN SETS IN NEUTROSOPHIC SOFT TOPOLOGICAL SPACES
Authors: Jeeva D. , Vadivel A. , Sivakumar D.
Published: June 2023

In this article, we introduce the concept of NSM-open and NSMclosed mappings in neutrosophic soft topological spaces and study some of their related properties. Further the work is extended to NSM-homeomorphism, NSMC homeomorphism and NSMT1 2 -space in neutrosophic soft topological spaces and establish some of their related attributes
Fake News Detection in Tweets: Challenges and Adaptations imposed by the COVID-19
Authors: Santana Christiane , Claro Daniela Barreiro , Souza Marlo
Published: June 2023

Misinformation has plagued citizens’ lives, especially on social networks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proliferation of competing narratives and dissemination of false or inaccurate news about the pandemic has reached such a state that led the World Health Organization to classify it as an infodemic. However, few resources are available to combat misinformation in this new and evolving domain, especially considering how social networks allow the rapid spreading of false narratives. In this case, the lack of resources, such as methods, tools, and reliable information on the virus, hinders our ability to combat this misinformation. In this work, we investigate the application of Text Analysis methods to help health-related scientific communicators produce educational material to combat misinformation. This study was conducted in association with the Scientific Communication sector of FIOCRUZ, a health research institution in Brazil, aiming to monitor COVID-19-related fake news and produce educational material to combat misinformation in a weekly manner due to the ephemeral nature of COVID-19 misinformation in social media. As the main findings of this work, we provide (1) a pipeline for automatically collecting and analyzing news and social media posts regarding COVID-19 in orderto provide science communicators with a weekly contextualized view of topics related to COVID-19 in social media; (2) we analyzed the effect of different resources and methods in the analytical tools employed in this work for detecting health-related misinformation in the Portuguese language, and finally, (3) we provided to journalists and science communicators in FIOCRUZ computational tools to automatically monitor COVID-related misinformation in social media, focusing on Twitter, aiming to contribute to definition of the weekly science communication agenda of the institution. Indeed, we indicate the type of resources to combat misinformation in the pandemic, and our approach can handle the detection of misinformation on Twitter social networks within the COVID-19 domain.
Entrepreneurship in Africa and Media Education in Higher Education
Authors: De Simone Giuseppe , Kidiamboko Simon , Todino Michele Domenico
Published: June 2023

This article discusses two separate topics. The first one is about a media education study on robotics conducted by Italian and Congolese researchers. The study analyzed qualitative data collected from 50 Italian and 70 Congolese students to identify cultural factors that affect the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in robotics education. The second topic is about the rise of entrepreneurship among young Africans. The article describes the growth of technology centers in African cities and the development of innovative startups. The author emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies that promote entrepreneurship among young Africans, identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and provide realistic and achievable goals.
L’esperienza della progettazione come strumento per la didattica immersiva
Authors: Manna Tiziano
Published: June 2023

Per quanto la realtà virtuale e gli strumenti di interattività siano a un livello di sviluppo tale da poter immaginare contesti virtuali nei quali immergere il discente in articolate attività di apprendimento, la realtà – intesa come ambiente sociale e culturale – si conferma essere l’esperienza sensoriale più efficace per la costruzione della conoscenza. Nei processi di apprendimento attivo si è invitati a utilizzare modelli innovativi di trasferimento delle conoscenze e delle competenze, al fine di rivestire un ruolo specifico e decisivo nella propagazione dei saperi. Oggetto della riflessione vuole essere una panoramica di senso sull’utilizzo dei processi di progettazione come strumento di emersione della conoscenza.
Formazione dei futuri insegnanti e tecnologie immersive nella pratica didattica: un’indagine esplorativa sui bisogni formativi degli iscritti al corso di specializzazione per il sostegno
Authors: Fornasari Alberto , Lisimberti Paola , Minerva Rosa
Published: June 2023

Apprendere attraverso la simulazione della realtà rappresenta la nuova frontiera della didattica: dalla realtà aumentata alla realtà virtuale, imparare in un ambiente di simulazione si caratterizza come apprendimento immersivo, autentico e situato attraverso l’esperienza. In questo contributo, si analizzano i risultati di un’indagine esplorativa che ha coinvolto i corsisti del VII ciclo del corso TFA Sostegno organizzato dall’Università degli Studi di Bari (anno accademico 2021/2022). Attraverso la somministrazione di un questionario anonimo, la ricerca ha inteso rilevare le conoscenze e gli eventuali bisogni formativi dei corsisti sull’utilizzo delle tecnologie digitali nella didattica e, in particolare, sull’utilizzo della realtà immersiva nel processo di apprendimento degli studenti e studentesse con disabilità.
Inclusion of new arrived migrants in Science and Math: the Augmented Assessment approach
Authors: Sofianidis Angelos , Oliveira Luciana , Stylianidou Nayia , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Parisopoulou Evangelia , Lukala Ella-Maria , Sarmento Clara , Giannakoudakis Panagiotis
Published: June 2023

This paper focuses on the inclusion of newly arrived migrants in Europe, reporting on the project “Augmented Assessment” (ERASMUS+/KA3). The project aims to narrow the assessment gap that results from barriers between those students and their teachers. The project’s theoretical orientations and the pedagogical approach guided the creation of an Augmented Assessment Training Course and Library. This paper explores primary and secondary teachers’ initial reflections and perceptions on piloting the proposed Augmented Assessment approach with newly arrived migrant students and how this approach could help them to perform a more inclusive assessment in Science and Mathematics. Results from the analysis of reflective diaries are presented and discussed in relation to existing international literature, and some initial conclusions are drawn.
Neue Wege im Personalmanagement
Authors: Krings Markus , Heister Werner
Published: June 2023

Die Entwicklung digitaler Technologien ermöglicht es dem Personalmanagement, neue Potenziale zu nutzen. Eines der derzeit intensiv diskutierten ist People Analytics. Markus Krings (Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e.V.) und Prof. Werner Heister (Hochschule Niederrhein) geben einen Einblick in das Thema People Analytics und ordnen es in sozialwirtschaftliche Kontexte ein.
New Work: Ein Überblick für die Sozialwirtschaft
Authors: Geyer Christian
Published: June 2023

New Work wird im Personalmanagement seit geraumer Zeit diskutiert und findet sich auf den Top-Plätzen der HR-Trends der letzten Jahre. Der Begriff wird zur Chiffre für eine Vielzahl neuer Arbeitsmodelle und -formen. Auch in der Sozialwirtschaft kann beobachtet werden, dass dieser Begriff von Vorständen in den Mund und die entsprechende Managementlektüre zur Hand genommen wird. Doch sind flexibles, mobiles, kollaboratives oder agiles Arbeiten oder der Kicker und die Kreativecke im Büro schon New Work?
Freie Wohlfahrtspflege und Klimawandel
Authors: Timm Gerhard , Vilain Michael
Published: June 2023

Die nächsten Jahre, vielleicht nicht einmal mehr Jahrzehnte, werden maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Gestaltung unserer Zukunft haben. Die Frage ist, ob es gelingt, den Klimawandel auf ein beherrschbares Niveau abzubremsen oder ob dies nicht gelingt. Alle anderen Krisen – ausgenommen das Risiko eines Atomkrieges mit ähnlich zerstörerischer Wirkung – verblassen vor diesem Hintergrund.
Reliability and Validity of Persian Translation of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (4-Item Version) in Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Mehrabi Samrad , Shahryari Fariba
Published: June 2023

Background: Non-adherence to medication is a significant health problem that affects disease control and increases hospitalization and mortality. One method of evaluating patients’ medication adherence is utilizing standard questionnaires, such as the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Objectives: This study evaluated the reliability of the Persian-translated version of the MMAS among asthma patients. Methods: After the English to Persian translation, back-translation was done, examining the word appropriateness to Iranian culture. A panel of experts in related fields evaluated the questionnaire. The final questionnaire was assessed in 62 asthma patients. Results: The participants’ mean age was 49.62 ± 11.39 years (range: 30 - 72), and the mean duration of asthma was 9.05 ± 6.79 years (range: 1 - 35). The reliability of the questionnaire for four items was 0.637 (95% confidence interval: 0.465 - 0.765; P < 0.001). A significant percentage (29.03%) of the subjects had low drug adherence, and only 30.6% had high adherence. There was no significant correlation between drug adherence and asthma duration (P = 0.441). Conclusions: This study shows that drug adherence is linked to asthma control and the quality of life in asthma patients. The Persian translation of the 4-item MMAS is valid to assess adherence to treatment in asthma patients.
Aanaab Showcase: Furthering Teacher Professional Development in Saudi Arabia and the MENA Region
Authors: Green Crystal
Published: June 2023

In this Showcase, we focus on the work of Aanaab, and explore how Aanaab’s teacher professional development is positively impacting teachers and how they see this impact affecting their students. We aim to highlight the critical work being undertaken by Aanaab to address the challenge of the professional development gap for teachers, especially in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.
Using phase relationships in non-symmetric ToFD configurations
Authors:   Bloodworth Consulting Limited, Bloodworth Thomas Joseph ,   Pôle Nucléaire Bourgogne, Debroise Mikael
Published: June 2023

In conventional ToFD, operators are taught that diffracted echoes from the top and bottom of a planar defect have opposite phase and such defects can thus be discriminated from a pair of slag lines. This phase-inversion test is therefore used as a tool for characterizing an indication. When using non-symmetric probe arrangements and less-conventional beam angles, the situation becomes less clear-cut. Early in the development of the ToFD technique in the 1980s and 1990s, theoretical models enabled calculation of the amplitude and phase of diffracted signals from a crack edge for any incident and diffracted angle. Experimental studies at the time gave results that supported the theoretical predictions in idealized situations, but showed that for finite pulses and finite probe dimensions, it was more difficult to confirm the predictions for phase. In an inspection of a weld in a high-integrity component for the Hinkley Point C power station an asymmetric ToFD design was adopted as a solution to an access restriction. Comparison of top/bottom phase of indications was used as part of the procedure for characterization of indications. An analysis is made of the reasons why certain asymmetric configurations could not be used to identify planar defects using top-bottom phase inversion. The resulting re-design of the ToFD inspection configurations for a non-symmetrical inspection surface is presented, in which phase inversion remains a robust tool for defect characterization.
Investigation of Acoustic Emission Wave Propagation Pattern with Defect Locations in a Multilayer Structure
Authors:   Robert Gordon University, Rajendran Vinooth ,   Robert Gordon University, Prathuru Anil ,   Robert Gordon University, Fernandez Carlos ,   Robert Gordon University, Haque Faisal Nadimul
Published: June 2023

Acoustic emission (AE) is used to monitor conditions of various structures across many industrial sectors, including containment vessel or storage tank of nuclear materials. Periodic monitoring, inspection, and analysis of structure conditions can help prevent failure and accidents. Understanding the transient elastic waves in multi-layered structures (planar or rounded types) has long been of great interest. This paper experimentally investigates changes in AE wave propagation patterns in multilayer planar structures (detecting and assessing the effect of coating layers, assumed surrogate of deposits or protective layer). Epoxy phenolic coated two mild steel plates were assembled (without any adhesion), and two piezoelectric AE sensors were placed on the coating layer. The pencil lead break (PLB) test was used to initiate the AE waves from the surface and cross-section of different layers. From wavelet transforms (WT) analysis, significant energy zone changes were observed up to the 450 kHz frequency level with PLB on the surface and cross-section of different layers. Love wave propagation on the coated plate structure resulted in wave pattern changes with PLB locations and layers. Wave duration, energy, energy ratio, and peak amplitude levels were also analysed to characterise the AE wave pattern relationship with defect location in a multilayer plate-like (planar) structure. The approaches used in this work could potentially be useful in providing a greater understanding of defects within multilayer nuclear containment structures, and also offering an alternative way to monitor corrosion related degradation of structures with insulations.
Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Cracking in Pressurized Piping Using Surface Strain Measurements
Authors:   Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Wall James J. ,   Hohmann Engineering Associates, Hohmann Brian P.
Published: June 2023

Primary loop piping integrity is a regulatory and safety concern for the long-term operation (LTO) commercial light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants (NPPs). Typically, primary loop piping in existing LWRs was manufactured from cast or wrought austenitic stainless steel alloy material and operates at a pressure of ~2250 psi (16MPa) for a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design type and ~1000 psi (7 MPa) for a boiling water reactor (BWR). The objective of this research was to determine if measurement of surface strains can be used to characterize inner diameter flaws. For this feasibility study, wrought carbon steel Alloy A106 Grade B material was selected in lieu of stainless steel. This research was performed on pre-notched, 10 in. (25 cm) nominal outer diameter (OD) Schedule 120 (0.844 in. [21.4 mm) wall thickness) pipe samples of 24 in. (61 cm) length. The notches were made using electrical discharge machining (EDM) on the inner diameter (ID) of the pipe samples, with notch features two-dimensional (2D) and planar in nature to simulate cracking. The surface strains in the samples were evaluated under increasing hydrostatic pressure, up to a maximum of 2300 psi (16MPa) to determine their response to flaws with variable depth. Reusable end caps were utilized in lieu of welded caps for the pressure testing. This article describes the test procedure for the pressure testing and results of the feasibility study, which is the first phase of research with the end goal of the development of online crack monitoring capability for use at operating NPPs.