bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration-dependent rheological characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) flour dispersion in steady and dynamic shear
Authors: Das Rahul , Kumar Yogesh , Kaur Ravneet , Shekhar Shubhra , Prasad Kamlesh
Published: October 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) flour (CF) is the basic raw material used in the form of dispersion in varied concentrations for making promising oriental sweets and snacks in the Asian subcontinent. The finished product quality of these fried food items thus mainly depends on the consistency of flour dispersions. Therefore, a concentration-dependent steady-state and dynamic rheological study, along with the pasting behaviour, was carried out. Steady shear rheology exhibited concentration-dependent pseudoplastic behaviour with significantly higher apparent viscosity for 40 - 45% CF dispersions, and a desirable consistency to be used in making fried sweets and snacks. The Herschel-Bulkley model described dispersions better at 5 - 20%, while Mizrahi-Berk at 25 - 50%. Hahn Ree-Erying's model described thixotropic behaviours for time-dependent flow; increasing CF concentration from 30 - 50% and increasing storage (G') and loss (G'') modulus in the linear viscoelastic region. However, G' values were dominant over G'' values in the small amplitude region, showing elastic behaviour, whereas viscous behaviour was exhibited in the higher amplitude region. During heating (30 - 80°C) in the temperature sweep test, concentrated samples (30 - 50%) showed a drastic increase in G' and complex viscosity (η*), while in cooling stages (95 - 25°C), a 25% concentration sample resulted in the highest values of G', G'', and η*.
In vitro anti-inflammatory and comparative cytotoxicity studies on methanolic extract of Enicostemma hyssopifolium
Authors: Komal K.P. , Berlin Grace V.M. , Hussain Sardar , Siddikuzzaman
Published: October 2023

Enicostemma hyssopifolium is a perineal herb widely used as an antidiabetic agent in folklore medicine. The present work was focused on the assessment of its anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. Its methanolic extract was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using murine monocytic macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, and screened for its cytotoxic property in different cancer cell lines. The methanolic extract was able to potentially inhibit the bacterial lipopolysaccharides-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells. Results of the cytotoxicity studies revealed that the methanolic extract effectively induced the cytotoxicity at considerably lower concentration in MCF-7, A-549, and COLO-205 cell lines, while the viability of HeLa, CasKi, and HT-29 cells were inhibited at comparatively higher concentrations. Results thus indicated that E. hyssopifolium possessed potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. This necessitates further exploration of bioactive phytochemical compounds responsible for these properties for therapeutic applications.
Modelling the respiration rate of dabai fruit (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) stored in different packaging films
Authors: Azhar Shapawi Zahrah-Izati , Ariffin Siti Hajar , Shamsudin Rosnah , Mohammed Amin Tawakkal Intan Syafinaz , Mohd Basri Mohd Salahuddin
Published: October 2023

Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) is a highly nutritious fruit that has a huge potential to be marketed both locally and globally. However, the lack of promotion leads to an oversupply during peak season, thus reducing its market price. Proper handling and packaging are therefore necessary to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of dabai. In the present work, nylon film with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 55 cc/m2/day and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of 334 g/m2/day; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with an OTR of 90 cc/m2/day and WVTR of 35 g/m2/day; and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film with an OTR of 8000 cc/m2/day and WVTR of 200 g/m2/day were used to pack dabai and stored at 5°C for 14 d. All films had a dimension of 200 × 300 mm, and a thickness of 0.01 μm. It was found that dabai maintained its hue angle (h°) values within the dark purple region (299.73° to 338.64°) and its lightness (L*) values throughout storage. However, the colour intensity (chroma) significantly changed (p < 0.05) between different films throughout storage (p < 0.05). The control sample had the most significant decrease in firmness and weight (p < 0.05) between day 0 and 14, followed by the samples stored in PET, LDPE, and nylon. Whereas the samples in LDPE demonstrated the lowest respiration rate as compared to nylon and PET. The uncompetitive Michaelis-Menten equation model was used to model the respiration rate of dabai. Results showed that all films obtained good fit (R2 of near to 1). Additionally, the mean relative percentage (E%) was less than 10%, thus indicating that the data were suitable for real-time application.
Application of antibacterial and antioxidant edible coating incorporating bacterial cellulose from sago liquid waste and garlic for preservation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Yanti Nur Arfa , Ambardini Sri , Walhidayah Taufik , Ahmad Sitti Wirdhana , Ramadhan La Ode Ahmad Nur , Santi Maya , Indrawati  , Muhsin
Published: October 2023

The present work aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of edible coatings derived from bacterial cellulose composites sourced from sago liquid waste and garlic, as well as their potential for preserving the quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The experimental approach involved the preparation of edible coatings using a mixture of bacterial cellulose (BC) slurry and garlic extract. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities were determined using the disc diffusion and DPPH method, respectively. Subsequently, tomatoes were coated using the dipping method with different treatments, namely BC/glycerol/CMC/garlic (S1), BC/garlic (S3), beeswax (comparison), and uncoated tomatoes (control). The physicochemical properties of the tomatoes were assessed, including sensory aspects by ten untrained panellists, weight loss by gravimetric analysis, vitamin C content by titration method, and pH value on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 during the shelf life study at room temperature. Results showed that garlic extract applied to BC coating possessed antibacterial and antioxidant properties. BC coating containing garlic demonstrated more impact on the physicochemical qualities of tomatoes as compared to uncoated ones. Among the various treatments, S1 exhibited the most effective preservation of tomato quality. Therefore, the addition of garlic extract proved beneficial in augmenting the antibacterial and antioxidant capacity of BC coating, thus leading to enhanced quality maintenance and extended shelf life of tomatoes.
Suitability of Fly Ash-Cement Kiln Dust Columns for Stabilizing Expansive (Black Cotton) Soils
Authors: Pankaja B. S. , Ranjita N. H. , Ramesh H. N. , Kho Jun Cheng , Raghunandan Mavinakere Eshwaraiah
Published: October 2023

The paper focuses on the potential use of industrial wastes, which are fly ash (FA) and cement kiln dust (CKD), to stabilize expansive soils like black cotton (BC) soil for construction purposes. Although many soil stabilization methods exist, the placement of columns consisting of industrial wastes has yet to be tested. Knowing the pozzolanic action and mechanism between the waste product and the soil, this method of placing the industrial waste as a remedy should be trialled. Therefore, this paper proposes and investigates the placement of FA-CKD columns into the soil via a series of laboratory experiments using myriad mixtures and combinations of placement of such columns. The effect of molding water content and curing time on the BC soil’s consolidation and strength behavior was also assessed here. Through the experiments, it is found that the optimum mixture of FA-CKD for the columns is at 90–10%, respectively. This column mixture has been evidenced to improve the unconfined compressive strength of the soil significantly, where its performance improves with curing time. The highest strength improvement can be found at optimum moisture content, followed by wet of optimum and dry of optimum, respectively. By placing the columns in the soil with 4.5D spacing, better consolidation behavior with a reduced swelling potential of BC soil can be found. Based on the above findings, using FA-CKD columns can improve the BC soil's engineering behavior, contributing to waste-to-wealth and sustainable soil stabilization approaches.
 
Received: 28 July 2023 | Revised: 9 August 2023 | Accepted: 19 October 2023
 
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
 
Author Contribution Statement
B. S. Pankaja: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - original draft. N. H. Ranjita: Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - original draft. H. N. Ramesh: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision. Jun Cheng Kho: Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - review & editing. Mavinakere Eshwaraiah Raghunandan: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision.
An Attention-Based Fusion of ResNet50 and InceptionV3 Model for Water Meter Digit Recognition
Authors: Alkhaled Lama , Roy Ayush , Palaiahnakote Shivakumara
Published: October 2023

Digital water meter digit recognition from images of water meter readings is a challenging research problem. One key reason is that this might be a lack of publicly available datasets to develop such methods. Another reason is the digits suffer from poor quality. In this work, we develop a dataset, called MR-AMR-v1, which comprises 10 different digits (0–9) that are commonly found in electrical and electronic water meter readings. Additionally, we generate a synthetic benchmarking dataset to make the proposed model robust. We propose a weighted probability averaging ensemble-based water meter digit recognition method applied to snapshots of the Fourier transformed convolution block attention module-aided combined ResNet50-InceptionV3 architecture. This benchmarking method achieves an accuracy of 88% on test set images (benchmarking data). Our model also achieves a high accuracy of 97.73% on the MNIST dataset. We benchmark the result on this dataset using the proposed method after performing an exhaustive set of experiments.
 
Received: 10 June 2023 | Revised: 4 September 2023 | Accepted: 10 October 2023
 
Conflicts of Interest
Palaiahnakote Shivakumara is an editor-in-chief for Artificial Intelligence and Applications, and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work. 
 
Data Availability Statement
The main MR-AMR dataset is available at https://data mendeley.com/datasets/8xjhrrk9rx and the version-2 (which includes the challenge benchmarking dataset) is available at https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/ayush02102001/watermeter-data-recognition.
 
Author Contribution Statement
Ayush Roy: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Investigation, Writing - original draft, Visualization. P. Shivakumara: Conceptualization, Validation, Writing - original draft, Supervision, Project administration. Umapada Pal: Writing - review & editing.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE UPTAKE OF PAY TV AMONG NAIROBI RESIDENTS IN KENYA
Authors: Kimani Edwin , Iravo Mike
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study sought to find out the factors affecting the uptake of pay TV with a focus on Nairobi residents. The specific objectives of the study were to find out how cost implications, perceived satisfaction, awareness and reliable service provision affect the uptake of pay TV among Nairobi residents.

Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study used convenience sampling methods to select a sample size of 43 respondents from 50% of Nairobi Wards. The data collection instrument used was a structured questionnaire with both close and open-ended questions. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS and presentations made in tables, for easy interpretation.

Results: Correlation analysis, established the existence of positive and significant relationship between effect of cost implications, perceived satisfaction, effect of pat TV awareness and effect of reliable service provision on the uptake of pay TV services among the residents of Nairobi. The study concludes that cost implications, pay TV awareness, perceived satisfaction, and reliable service provision are all key factors that are affecting the uptake of pay TV services among the residents of Nairobi.

Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study recommends that Pay TV service providers should enhance consumer education as far as pay TV versus free-to-air services is concerned. The study recommends that further research be carried out on the moderating effect of social media platforms (as alternates for broadcast media) on consumer choices for pay TV service
INFLUENCE OF TEMPORAL FACTORS ON CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOR IN CHAIN SUPERMARKETS IN KENYA.
Authors: Kiboro Grace , Omwenga Jane , Iravo Mike
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The global retail market is currently a most promising business owing to the growth it is experiencing. In 2016, Kenya's retail spending hit Sh1.8 trillion as the sector expanded by 13 per cent. Chain supermarkets have been growing rapidly over the years attracting local and foreign players. Currently Kenya retail has expanded extensively and is experiencing huge consumer footfalls but dismal sales performance. In a fast-changing world, emerging consumer buying behavior trends require supermarkets to stay close to the consumers. Maximum flexibility in response to dynamic consumer behavior is vital to give the retailers a competitive edge for exploiting such opportunities profitably. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of temporal factors on consumer buying behavior in in supermarkets in Kenya.

Methodology: The target population consisted of 33 chain supermarkets in Kenya. The target population comprised of 634 employees from these supermarkets. Descriptive research design was used for this study. In addition, regression and correlation analysis was used to link the relationships between the dependent and the independent variables.

Results: The study found out that there was a positive and significant relationship between temporal factors and consumer buying behavior (r=0.600, p=0.000).

Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: It was found out that temporal factors have a positive and significant effect on Consumer Buying Behavior. Therefore, the study recommends for chain supermarkets to provide promotional discounts to consumer so as to increase their business sales. Further, chain supermarkets need to work towards having a corporate brand name renown for high quality brands. Good displays of products are also an added advantage. These insights will enable supermarkets to enjoy benefits of high sales.
INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOR IN CHAIN SUPERMARKETS IN KENYA.
Authors: Kiboro Grace , Omwenga Jane , Iravo Mike
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The objective of the study was to establish the effect of socio-cultural factors on consumer buying behavior in in supermarkets in Kenya.

Methodology: The target population consisted of 33 chain supermarkets in Kenya. The target population comprised of 634 employees from these supermarkets. Descriptive research design was used for this study. In addition, regression and correlation analysis was used to link the relationships between the dependent and the independent variables.

Results: The study found out that    there was a positive and significant relationship between socio-cultural factors and consumer buying behavior (r=0.73, p=0.000).

Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study concluded that socio-cultural factors has a positive and significant effect on Consumer Buying Behavior. The study recommends for chain supermarkets to consider social cultural factors in their marketing programs since they are very crucial. This will enable them to produce goods and services that attract their target consumers and enhance business performance.

Keywords: Socio-cultural factors, consumer buying behavior and supermarkets.
UMJETNA INTELIGENCIJA ChatGPT NA TESTU ZNANJA O ODNOSIMA S JAVNOŠĆU – STUDIJA SLUČAJA
Authors: Obradović Đorđe , Volarić Tomislav , Tomić Zoran
Published: October 2023

Umjetna inteligencija prvenstveno se zasniva na bazama podataka na engleskome jeziku, a kako je
jedna od njezinih osnovnih značajki mogućnost razumijevanja prirodnih jezika, testirane su mogućnosti jedne od raširenih i popularnih aplikacija umjetne inteligencije ChatGPT koja prihvaća pitanja
i daje odgovore i na hrvatskome jeziku. Predmeti testa stvarna su ispitna pitanja iz kolegija Uvod
u odnose s javnošću, oblikovanje medijske objave i provjera razumijevanja izraza u prenesenome i
izvedenome značenju, koji su ljudima lako shvatljivi zbog poznavanja konteksta. ChatGPT koristi golemu bazu podataka što mu daje prednost u pouzdanosti u odnosu na aplikacije umjetne inteligencije
koje se zasnivaju na uporabi internetskih izvora dostupnih u stvarnome vremenu jer su one podložnije mogućnosti da ponude netočne informacije ili lažne odgovore zbog njihova učestalog ponavljanja
na mrežnim izvorima. Test znanja ujedno provjerava već objavljenu hipotezu istih autora u prošlome
broju časopisa SEEJC po kojoj umjetna inteligencija donosi toliko velike promjene da se može nazvati
novom komunikacijskom revolucijom.
Ključne riječi: umjetna inteligencija (AI), odnosi s javnošću, ChatGPT, komunikacijska revolucija
ROBO-ADVICE: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL TO REDUCE INEQUALITIES?
Authors:   McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington DC, D’Acunto Francesco , Rossi Alberto ,   Director of the AI, Analytics, and Future of Work Initiative, Georgetown University, Washington DC
Published: October 2023

When it comes to financial choices, households face complex decisions. Choosing how much to save or consume out of a monthly income in a way that is optimal over working life and retirement is the fundamental issue in personal finance. This decision has significant repercussions on a household’s well-being and the well-being of their offspring because even slight differences in monthly saving rates can amount to substantial variation in long-term wealth accumulation. But the choice of how much to consume and save at each point in time is only the first of a series of intertwined decisions households face. For instance, households also need to decide whether they should invest their savings in stocks, bonds, housing, or other assets, all of which have very different risk-return profiles. Also, households need to choose how to finance their consumption, especially for durable goods such as cars, housing, or academic degrees. Financing choices have enormous consequences on financial and mental well-being, especially for individuals at the beginning of their careers and with lower-paying jobs who face the challenge of attempting to reduce their student and credit-card debt balances. Virtually every household around the globe faces these personal finance decisions on a daily basis, but very few of them are equipped to understand the trade-offs and make sound choices. Historically, human financial advisors and financial planners have provided support. However, due to the opportunity cost of time, financial advisors find it economically profitable to cater to wealthy individuals, who paradoxically are better equipped to make these decisions relative to vulnerable households in the first place. Differential access to financial advice has likely contributed to the growing wealth inequality documented in the U.S. and abroad over the last few decades. How can we ensure that sound financial advice is available to all households, especially the most vulnerable ones? Over the past decade, we have experienced a revolution in personal finance with the introduction of robo-advisors embedded in financial technology (fintech) applications (apps). Robo-advisors collect and analyze large amounts of transactional data and provide individuals with suggestions on how to improve their choices. Depending on the soundness and appropriateness of the algorithms they employ, robo-advisors have the potential to improve households’ decision making considerably. In what follows, we describe the nature and scope of robo-advisors in financial decision making and discuss a few examples of robo-advice designs that have delivered mixed success. Finally, we discuss some of the most critical policy debates around robo-advisors.
PARENTAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES- THE BIGGEST HANDICAP TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2030, POTISKUM TOWN, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Education, Faculty of Arts and Education, Yobe State University, P.M.B 1144, Damaturu, Miringa Hassan
Published: October 2023

The parental traditional, cultural, and religious activities often influence attitudes towards others. The sustainable Development Goals 4 ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning gives specific attention to inclusive education thereby recognizing the need for all category of learners to access quality education. This research was set out to investigate the Parental attitude Towards Children with Disabilities. The biggest handicap to inclusive Education as sustainable development goals 2030 in Potiskum Town Yobe State Nigeria. A sample of 500 (five hundred) parents from different wards, Bolewa “A”, Bolewa “B”, Dogo Nini, Yarimaram and Hausawa asibiti wards. The major instruments used for the collection of data was checklist type of questionnaire/structured interview, simple percentage statistics used to analyze data. The findings of this work revealed that most parents hold negative attitude towards inclusive education of children with disabilities, the biggest handicap to sustainable Development goals 2023-4 in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria. Also, suggestions were made.
EFFECT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON SATISFACTION OF ENROLLEES OF PRIVATE HMOs IN GENERAL
HOSPITALS WITHIN ABUJA METROPOLIS
Authors:   Department of Business
            Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Agagbo Chinyere , Ohida Ibrahim ,   Department of Business
            Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Gbande CPA ,   Department of Business
            Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Published: October 2023

This study examined the effect of service quality on the satisfaction of enrollees
of private HMOs in general hospitals within the Abuja Metropolis. Specifically, the
study x-rayed the individual impact of reliability, assurance and empathy on the
satisfaction of enrollees of private HMOs in five general hospitals within Abuja
municipal area council (AMAC). The study adopted a survey research design. The study
population includes 3447 enrollees of private HMOs of five General Hospitals. A study
drew a sample size of 482 using the Taro Yamane sample size determination technique. The
hospitals included Asokoro General hospital, Gwarinpa General Hospital, Kubwa General
Hospital, Maitama District Hospital and Wuse District Hospital. A five-point Likert
scale type of question was used to collect data for the study. The reliability of this
instrument was measured using Cronbach's alpha. The spearman rank correlation
coefficient was used to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. The result of the
study revealed that reliability, assurance and empathy have a positive and significant
relationship with enrollees' satisfaction within the area covered by the study. From the
findings, the study concluded that providing high-quality services characterized by
reliability, assurance, and empathy is imperative for the success of any organisation in
this era of globalisation and competitiveness. Thus, the study recommended that if the
HMOs desire to survive and improve enrollees' satisfaction, it is imperative to
continually investigate the existing service quality, particularly on dimensions of
reliability, assurance and empathy.
Nigeria Cashless Economy Policy: Implications for Economic Development and Efficient Allocation of Government Resources
Authors:   Department of History and International Diplomacy Rivers State University, Npkolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Amugo Frank , Okoro Abeki ,   Department of History and International Studies University of Africa, Toru –Orua Sagbama L.G.A, Bayelsa State
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates Nigeria Cashless Economy Policy: Implications for Economic Development and Efficient Allocation of Government Resources. The correlation research method was adopted for the study to ascertain the relationship between variables in the study. A correlation research design measures a relationship between two variables without the researcher controlling either of them. The study obtained data from both primary and secondary sources. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was used to answer the research questions, while the Pearson Test of Significance was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The study findings revealed the followings there is a significant relationship between cashless policy and the development of the Nigerian economy. The study further shows that there is a significant relationship between relationship Cashless economy and reduction of corruption in the economy. Based on the findings the study concluded that The cashless policy initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria is a move to improve the financial terrain of the economy .Therefore the CBN should always carry out stakeholder engagement sessions for key groups that will be most impacted by the cash policy as a first stage of its planned communication campaign, with the objective of creating awareness and providing an opportunity for stakeholders to raise issues and get on the spot clarifications. These stakeholders include markets, associations, professional bodies, religious bodies etc. These stakeholder sessions would strengthen the policy such that corrupt elements in the economy cannot leverage on poor sensitization to distort effective implementation of the development driven monetary policy. The needed financial infrastructures that drive cashless economy should be provided and regulated through effective legislations.
MITIGATING GULLY EROSION AND LANDSLIDE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA THROUGH PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Authors:   Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria, Uwakwe Onyeka
Published: October 2023

Soil erosion is one of the prominent features in southern Nigeria, especially in Anambra and Imo States and has destroyed roads, homes and farmlands. In Oko community of Anambra State, landslides have added to the misery of the community. While government responsiveness is growing compelling, it is important to galvanise community initiatives. In this respect, many government apparatuses worldwide have increased obligations to develop frameworks for minimum formal opportunities for the public to talk their way through. This expository paper captures the causes, and consequences of erosion in Anambra State, Nigeria. The paper, anchoring on Behaviour Change and Multi Track Models, is of the view that government agencies should integrate the people’s initiatives as a key component of the strategy for change, aimed at mitigating gully erosion. The paper identified some erosion sites in the state and offered remedies to the menace. Pursuant to the remedies, the paper proffered participatory communication as an important component of change, aimed at mitigating the menace of erosion and landslide in the environment.
REVERSING AMERICA’S POOR TRACK RECORD ON INCLUSIVITY IN INFRASTRUCTURE JOBS
Authors:   Fellow, Brookings Metro, Washington DC, George Caroline , Kane Joseph ,   Fellow, Brookings Metro, Washington DC
Published: October 2023

More than a year since the COVID-19 recession began, the economic recovery is gaining momentum. Businesses and schools are reopening. Incomes and consumer spending are up. Households are traveling and getting out more. However, the deep and uneven impacts of the recession still surround us, especially for the millions of workers who remain jobless and left behind. Leaders in Washington, D.C. and across the country realize the importance of focusing on both the pace and equity of economic recovery. Proposals to boost incomes, build affordable housing, and bridge digital divides are attempting to help more people and places. President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan outline several major steps to support such a recovery, not only focusing on physical infrastructure upgrades to stimulate economic growth, but also emphasizing the importance of training and recruiting infrastructure workers to support a more enduring, equitable 21st century economy.
INTERROGATING THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) POLICIES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: LENDING PRECONDITIONS, 1999–2022 PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   Faculty of Social Science Crown University Intl Chartered Inc. United States of America (USA), T Sulaiman , Ajiteru S ,   Department of Political Science & International Relations Achievers University, Owo Ondo State Nigeria., Abalaka J ,   Faculty of Social Science Crown University Intl Chartered Inc. United States of America (USA)
Published: October 2023

Since the 1980s, Nigeria’s economy has witnessed severe stagnation. While Eurocentric literature pinpoints the Nigerian civil war and her leaders’ corruptive tendency as the prima facie, Afrocentric literature traces the country’s economic woes to her historical processes of colonial domination and economic exploitation. Nevertheless, none of the above arguments underpin more firmly as being the catalyst to the country’s economic dysfunction especially when compared to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies in the country. This paper demonstrates that IMF policies in Nigeria vis-a-vis its Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) through its Loan Conditionality is “the crux impediment facing the country.” As such, the paper argues that the acceptance of IMF loans during General Ibrahim Babangida’s among other misgovernance administrations perpetuated the economic woes and fostered the backwardness of development in the country. The paper employs primary and secondary data to examine the above concerns. It concludes that a more inclusive economic system devoid of the current extractive economic policies would revitalize its fortunes.
REVAMPING TECHNICAL EDUCATION TOWARDS PATHWAY FOR INDUSTRIALIZATION AND INNOVATION IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   National Open University of Nigeria Abeokuta, Ogun State, Awonuga Olukayode
Published: October 2023

The study examined revamping technical education towards pathway for industrialization and innovation in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study involves the use of a descriptive survey research design where questionnaire was used to acquire necessary data for the research work. The population for this study consists of all students at Secondary schools in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. Simple random sampling technique was utilized to select a sample of one hundred (100) from students at Secondary schools in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. Four (4) research questions were raised and answered in this study. Simple percentage, mean and standard deviation statistical tools were used to analyse the gathered information. Findings revealed that, Nigeria is under -industrialized as a result of lip services being paid to technical education and for sustainable industrialization and economic development of Nigeria, technical education and training must be given its right of place. Underfunding of technical education programme at all levels has drastically affected adequate provision of reasonable workforce needed for industrialization and economic development in the country. Therefore, it is recommended that, there is need for adequate funding of technical and vocational education and training as well as setting out a workable educational policy toward skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and industrialization.
Interior Design Research Methods
Authors: Robinson Lily B.
Published: October 2023

Interior Design Research Methods gives you the tools and skills needed to do research and analysis for human-centered interior design projects. The text develops your analytical skills and helps you transform scientific models into unique and innovative processes for design projects. You'll integrate information about external and internal influences on the research process, develop a research question and thesis, design a system of inquiry, and analyze, interpret, and present data.
Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design
Authors: Myers-McDevitt Paula J.
Published: October 2023

Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design, 4th Edition, equips students with everything they need to know about measuring sample garments, creating fully graded spec sheets for grading patterns, fitting garments, and offering pattern alterations. Over 500 technical flats are clearly labeled with measurement points and instructions for taking measurements. The book includes spec sheets for different types of garments and industry forms within the context of the production process. Several sections are devoted to instruction on measuring the human body, PLM/PDM software, correct fitting issues (with suggestions for pattern alterations), and grade rules for both number and letter sizing. It also includes over 60 basic fashion flats and instructions on metric conversions in the Appendices.

New to this Edition

• Coverage of current topics like diversity and diverse body sizes, industry changes due to the pandemic, and sustainability

• Inclusion of tech packs and a variety of flats and croquis

• “Tricks of the Trade” call boxes addressing key industry examples and how to deal with common challenges

STUDIO Features Include:

• Watch videos that bring chapter concepts to life

• Download templates of blank and sample spec sheets, and basic garment and figure croquis to practice technical design skills

• Study smarter with self-quizzes featuring scored results and personalized study tips

• Review concepts with flashcards of essential vocabulary

• Access useful resources like a Care Labeling Guide, Ordering a Dress Form Guide and a Buttonline Card

Instructor Resources

• Instructor’s Guide provides suggestions for planning the course and using the text in the classroom

• PowerPoint Slides for each chapter to help incorporate the text into the classroom
Jews and Judaism in the Middle Ages
Authors: Steinberg Theodore L.
Published: October 2023

Although Jews constituted the largest minority in medieval Europe, they tend to be largely ignored in general studies of the Middle Ages, with the result that their history and culture are both overlooked and misunderstood.Jews and Judaism in the Middle Agesattempts to correct that situation by presenting, in clear and accessible language, an introduction to Jewish thought as well as to medieval Jewish history and texts.

This volume examines the everyday life of medieval Jews in both Christian and Muslim environments, looks at the causes of medieval anti-Semititism and anti-Judaism, and includes a brief history of the persecutions to which medieval Jews were subjected. Despite popular opinion today, medieval Jewish life consisted of far more than persecution and suffering, and the volume examines Jewish accomplishments in the fields of biblical commentary, literature, philosophy, and mysticism, demonstrating that Jewish life, while often difficult, also had its creative and glorious side. Because the Talmud was the most important Jewish text throughout the Middle Ages, this volume introduces readers to the intricacies of that long and involved work, which helped to shape medieval Christianity.
Diplomacy of the Turkish-Algerian Relations Between the Recent History and the Challenges of the Future
Authors: İNAÇ Hüsamettin , HADJİ Aymene
Published: October 2023

The study of soft power and its impact on the foreign policy of states has a special place in understanding the tools of management and influence, and the directions of foreign policies, where the need for interest in the unconventional manifestations of power emerged, where alternative perceptions of coercion and forcedness have emerged; It is mainly based on persuasion and intimidation, in order for the state to be able, through this option, to influence its regional and international environment. Through this study, we aim to drop this proposition on the path of Turkish-Algerian relations, and the extent to which the Turkish-Algerian political action is compatible with the real implications of soft power. And the search for the impact of geopolitical characteristics on Turkish foreign policy and its use as tools for its soft power in implementing its foreign policy, through which it followed a new strategy called soft power instead of hard power to strengthen its relationship with Algeria.
Em busca de uma redistribuição da violência
Authors: Costa André Pereira da
Published: October 2023

A obra Rumo a uma redistribuição desobediente de gênero e anticolonial da violência!, de autoria de Jota Mombaça, apresenta críticas à cultura de violência elaborada e consolidada historicamente pela sociedade brasileira no que tange às pessoas pobres, negras, mulheres e transgêneras, em contraposição ao perene privilégio branco, mantido com o apoio institucional do estado e garantido pela polícia. Tal obra ensaísta foi publicada pela Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, em decorrência da 32ª Bienal de São Paulo - Incerteza Viva, realizada em 2017. Em uma perspectiva de denúncia, a obra discorre sobre dados quantitativos e ações violentas contra pessoas negras e pobres, sobretudo quando mulheres e transgêneras. Também problematiza a estrutura do poder, desde a sua organização,  desenvolvimento e  manutenção até a sua institucionalização, que impacta fortemente a produção de violências diversas.
A MORDIDA NA CRECHE
Authors: Silva Eliane Matos de Moura Pinheiro da , Valle Suzi Silva
Published: October 2023

O artigo explora o fenômeno da mordida no contexto da educação infantil, destacando a percepção comum de que esse comportamento é frequentemente considerado agressivo e incontrolável. Observações de professores, auxiliares de desenvolvimento e relatos informais de pais e cuidadores revelam que, mesmo em crianças de 0 a 3 anos, a responsabilidade é atribuída a um ou mais culpados. No entanto, o artigo argumenta que teorias modernas sobre a infância e agressividade nas crianças oferecem perspectivas alternativas. As teorias de Sigmund Freud, que enfatizam a agressão como um elemento constitutivo do desenvolvimento infantil, e a abordagem sociointeracionista de Levi Vygotsky, que considera o desenvolvimento psicológico como um processo contextualizado e socialmente influenciado, são discutidas como contrapontos às visões tradicionais. Além disso, o artigo menciona o trabalho de Wallon, um pioneiro nos estudos do desenvolvimento humano, que destaca a importância das emoções e a influência do meio social no desenvolvimento das atitudes das crianças. Ele enfatiza a interação com os outros, especialmente com pais, avós, tios e professores, como um fator fundamental na formação do comportamento das crianças diante do mundo. Em conjunto, essas perspectivas sugerem a necessidade de uma abordagem mais holística e contextualizada ao entender e lidar com a agressão nas crianças na educação infantil.
Stratospherically induced circulation changes under the extreme conditions of the no-Montreal-Protocol scenario
Authors: Zilker Franziska , Sukhodolov Timofei , Chiodo Gabriel , Friedel Marina , Egorova Tatiana , Rozanov Eugene , Sedlacek Jan , Seeber Svenja , Peter Thomas
Published: October 2023

Abstract. The Montreal Protocol and its amendments (MPA) have been a huge success in preserving the stratospheric ozone layer from being destroyed by unabated chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions. The phaseout of CFCs has not only prevented serious impacts on our health and climate, but also avoided strong alterations of atmospheric circulation patterns. With the Earth system model SOCOLv4, we study the dynamical and climatic impacts of a scenario with unabated CFC emissions by 2100, disentangling radiative and chemical (ozone-mediated) effects of CFCs. In the stratosphere, chemical effects of CFCs (i.e., the resulting ozone loss) are the main drivers of circulation changes, weakening wintertime polar vortices and speeding up the Brewer–Dobson circulation. These dynamical impacts during wintertime are due to low-latitude ozone depletion and the resulting reduction in the Equator-to-pole temperature gradient. Westerly winds in the lower stratosphere strengthen, which is for the Southern Hemisphere (SH) similar to the effects of the Antarctic ozone hole over the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, the winter and spring stratospheric wind variability increases in the SH, whereas it decreases in summer and fall. This seasonal variation in wind speed in the stratosphere has substantial implications for the major modes of variability in the tropospheric circulation in the scenario without the MPA (No-MPA). We find coherent changes in the troposphere, such as patterns that are reminiscent of negative Southern and Northern Annular modes (SAM and NAM) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) anomalies during seasons with a weakened vortex (winter and spring); the opposite occurs during seasons with strengthened westerlies in the lower stratosphere and troposphere (summer). In the troposphere, radiative heating by CFCs prevails throughout the year, shifting the SAM into a positive phase and canceling out the ozone-induced effects on the NAO, whereas the North Pacific sector shows an increase in the meridional sea-level pressure gradient as both CFC heating and ozone-induced effects reinforce each other there. Furthermore, global warming is amplified by 1.7 K with regionally up to a 12 K increase over eastern Canada and the western Arctic. Our study sheds light on the adverse effects of a non-adherence to the MPA on the global atmospheric circulation, uncovering the roles of the underlying physical mechanisms. In so doing, our study emphasizes the importance of the MPA for Earth's climate to avoid regional amplifications of negative climate impacts.
Ionospheric irregularity reconstruction using multisource data fusion via deep learning
Authors: Tian Penghao , Yu Bingkun , Ye Hailun , Xue Xianghui , Wu Jianfei , Chen Tingdi
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Ionospheric sporadic E layers (Es) are intense plasma irregularities between 80 and 130 km in altitude and are generally unpredictable. Reconstructing the morphology of sporadic E layers is not only essential for understanding the nature of ionospheric irregularities and many other atmospheric coupling systems, but is also useful for solving a broad range of demands for reliable radio communication of many sectors reliant on ionosphere-dependent decision-making. Despite the efforts of many empirical and theoretical models, a predictive algorithm with both high accuracy and high efficiency is still lacking. Here we introduce a new approach for Sporadic E Layer Forecast using Artificial Neural Networks (SELF-ANN). The prediction engine is trained by fusing observational data from multiple sources, including a high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis dataset, Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation (RO) measurements, and integrated data from OMNIWeb. The results show that the model can effectively reconstruct the morphology of the ionospheric E layer with intraseasonal variability by learning complex patterns. The model obtains good performance and generalization capability by applying multiple evaluation criteria. The random forest algorithm used for preliminary processing shows that local time, altitude, longitude, and latitude are significantly essential for forecasting the E-layer region. Extensive evaluations based on ground-based observations demonstrate the superior utility of the model in dealing with unknown information. The presented framework will help us better understand the nature of the ionospheric irregularities, which is a fundamental challenge in upper-atmospheric and ionospheric physics. Moreover, the proposed SELF-ANN can make a significant contribution to the development of the prediction of ionospheric irregularities in the E layer, particularly when the formation mechanisms and evolution processes of the Es layer are not well understood.
Contribution of the open ocean to the nutrient and phytoplankton inventory in a semi-enclosed coastal sea
Authors: Leng Qian , Guo Xinyu , Zhu Junying , Morimoto Akihiko
Published: October 2023

Abstract. The semi-enclosed coastal seas serve as a transition zone between land and the open ocean, and their environments are therefore affected by both. The influences of land were noticed but that of the open ocean were usually neglected. The Seto Inland Sea (SIS), which is connected to the Pacific Ocean, is a typical representative of semi-enclosed seas. To quantitatively assess the inventory of nutrients originating from land and the open ocean, as well as their supported phytoplankton in the SIS, we developed a three-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic–biogeochemical model and embedded a tracking technique in it. Model results showed that the open ocean contributes 61 % and 46 % to the annual inventory of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phytoplankton in the SIS, respectively. This proportion has apparent spatial variations, being highest near the boundary with the open ocean, decreasing from there towards the interior area of the SIS, and being lowest in the nearshore areas. The open ocean imports 799 mol s−1 of DIN to the SIS, 25 % of which is consumed by biogeochemical processes and 75 % of which is delivered again to the open ocean. Such a large amount of oceanic nutrient input and its large contribution to the inventory of DIN and phytoplankton suggest the necessity of considering the impact of open-ocean variabilities in the management of the land loading of nutrients for the semi-enclosed seas.
FINE-SCALE MODELING OF WATER DYNAMICS ON THE SHELF AND CONTINENTAL SLOPE IN THE ANTARCTIC
Authors:   Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, GOLOVIN P.N. , MOLCHANOV M.S. ,   Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
Published: October 2023

The use of the Fluidity-ICOM model in a full non-hydrostatic formulation makes it possible to correctly investigate fine-scale water dynamics and water transformations on the Antarctic shelf and continental slope. A possibility of solving problems with high spatial resolution in models is provided by the use of the three-dimensional adaptive unstructured mesh with automatic refinement to given scales. The modernization of the graphical model output made it possible to reliably visualize the detailed development of simulated hydrophysical processes, to obtain numerical estimates of parameters of these processes, and to verify them against unique field observation data. An original three-dimensional numerical experiment was held in the area of polynya with an open water surface on the shelf. In this case, the real salt (buoyancy) flux is specified, which is caused by the in-water ice formation in the polynya and is obtained from the actual atmospheric forcing. As a result, the convective circulation was correctly simulated as a process of formation of dense water on the shelf, which then flows down the shelf and continental slope in the form of discrete density currents. Similarity of the model geometric, dynamic, and hydrophysical characteristics of cascading with the typical ones obtained from the analysis of field observations was found.