bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recenzje/Reviews
Authors: Melnyk Karina , Strobl Stefan , Szargiej Anna
Published: February 2022

In permanently introducing this new section to our periodical, we wish to call the reader’s attention to a unique approach we are consciously taking. In a desire to identify impending foci in our field, we have invited the youngest of our colleagues – MA and PhD candidates in social work – to act as our reviewers. Furthermore, considering the vast multitude of scholarly articles published annually, we have asked our students to primarily focus on this segment which is more likely to reflect the most recent findings. That said, we have not set a strict date range in the hope that our reviewers will freely discover or recover studies which might have been overlooked heretofore.

H. Robinson, B. MacDonald, E. Broadbent (2014). The Role of Healthcare Robots for Older People at Home: A Review. “International Journal of Social Robotics”, 6: 575–591.
Reviewed by Karina Melnyk

J.H. Jönsson (2019). Servants of a ‘Sinking Titanic’ or Actors of Change? Contested Identities of Social Workers in Sweden. “European Journal of Social Work”, 22: 2: 212–224.
Reviewed by Stefan Strobl

M. Newcomb, J. Burton, N. Edwards, Z. Hazelwood (2015). How Jung’s Concept of the Wounded Healer Can Guide Learning and Teaching in Social Work and Human Services. “Advances in Social Work & Welfare Education”, 2 (17): 55–69.
Reviewed by Anna Szargiej
Dwugłos o budowniczym. O Izabeli Wagner i Artura Domosławskiego biografiach Zygmunta Baumana
Authors: Tokarska-Bakir Joanna
Published: February 2022

Artykuł zestawia ze sobą i problematyzuje dwie godne odnotowania biografie wybitnego socjologa i filozofa społecznego, Zygmunta Baumana, autorstwa Izabeli Wagner i Artura Domosławskiego, dokonując analizy zawartego w nich przekazu na tle powojennej polskiej historii politycznej i kulturowej.

TWO VOICES ON THE BUILDER. IZABELA WAGNER AND ARTUR DOMOSŁAWSKI ON ZYGMUNT BAUMAN

This paper crisscrosses and binds two remarkable biographies of renowned sociologist and social philosopher Zygmunt Bauman: that by Izabela Wagner and Artur Domosławski, juxtaposing their messages against the background of Polish postwar political and cultural history.
Inland harmful algal blooms (HABs) modeling using internet of things (IoT) system and deep learning
Authors: Kwon Do Hyuck , Hong Seok Min , Abbas Ather , Pyo JongCheol , Lee Hyung-Kun , Baek Sang-Soo , Cho Kyung Hwa
Published: February 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been frequently occurred with releasing toxic substances, which typically lead to water quality degradation and health problems for humans and aquatic animals. Hence, accurate quantitative analysis and prediction of HABs should be implemented to detect, monitor, and manage severe algal blooms. However, the traditional monitoring required sufficient expense and labor while numerical models were restricted in terms of their ability to simulate the algae dynamic. To address the challenging issue, this study evaluates the applicability of deep learning to simulate chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin (PC) with the internet of things (IoT) system. Our research adopted LSTM models for simulating Chl-a and PC. Among LSTM models, the attention LSTM model achieved superior performance by showing 0.84 and 2.35 (μg/L) of the correlation coefficient and root mean square error. Among preprocessing methods, the z-score method was selected as the optimal method to improve model performance. The attention mechanism highlighted the input data from July to October, indicating that this period was the most influential period to model output. Therefore, this study demonstrated that deep learning with IoT system has the potential to detect and quantify cyanobacteria, which can improve the eutrophication management schemes for freshwater reservoirs.
Catalytic performance of amino acid/phosphotungstic acid as bi-functional heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Duan Xiaoling , Tang Siyi , Wang Cunwen , Wang Weiguo , Feng Weiliang , Wang Tielin
Published: February 2022

In this study, a series of acid-base bi-functional catalysts were prepared by mixing different amounts of basic amino acids (AAs) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA), which exhibited the excellent performance in catalyzing conversion of oleic acid (OA) for the biodiesel production. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized and analyzed using modern testing techniques and characterization methods such as XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, TEM, and Hammett titration. The various influence parameters were optimized using the central composite design based the response surface methodology, where the maximum biodiesel yield of 97.0% was achieved at the MeOH/OA molar ratio of 5.9, the catalyst loading of 8%, reaction time of 6 h, and reaction temperature of 65℃. Furthermore, the stability and reusability of the prepared catalyst were also demonstrated. At last, the possible catalytic mechanism of the prepared catalyst was comprehensively described.
Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment: mechanisms, fouling control, novel configurations, and future perspectives
Authors: Li Jiajia , Jiang Jinyuan , Li Junchao , He Changjun , Luo Yong , Wei Lihong
Published: February 2022

As the world focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and recovering energy from sewage, technologies that can recover energy and reuse wastewater are becoming increasingly important. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology has recently attracted attention, as it can achieve energy recovery and yields high-quality effluent. However, the large-scale commercial application of AnMBRs requires that certain barriers be overcome, including membrane pollution and dissolved methane recovery. In this review article, we summarize the basic principles of anaerobic wastewater digestion and discuss the excellent performance of AnMBRs for wastewater treatment. Various factors, membrane types, and pollution are discussed, and control strategies for dealing with membrane pollution are put forward. In addition, a variety of new AnMBRs are described that may better control membrane pollution. Finally, future research directions for AnMBRs are presented to promote the large-scale integrated application of AnMBRs for industrial wastewater treatment.
Las condiciones de posibilidad de Justicia, un análisis desde la desigualdad social y económica
Authors: Guachetá Torres Julian David
Published: February 2022

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar las condiciones de posibilidad de la justicia, desde la desigualad social y económica. Para lo anterior, se abordaron las ideas de justicia de Jhon Rawls, Robert Nozick, Amartya Sen y Martha Nussbaum, entre otros, de igual forma, se plantea la existencia de niveles de desaprobación ante hechos similares, como una forma de hacer referencia al dolor y rechazo selectivo a nivel social y político respecto a hechos graves, pero, que afectan a personas a quienes su dolor o sufrimiento es permitido. Así mismo, se presentan datos relacionados con los procesos de desigualdad económica en el mundo y en América Latina, los cuales permiten evidenciar que la declaración masiva de derechos, en las constituciones por ejemplo, no es suficiente para el goce efectivo de los mismos, de similar modo, que el modelo económico y social, termina definiendo buena parte de la posibilidad para la existencia de justicia real.
Igualdad, Género y Políticas Públicas
Authors: Higuera Sánchez Dr. Félix Mauro , Torres Ayala Dra. Celia Guadalupe , Carrillo Valenzuela Claudian Yanira
Published: February 2022

La globalización ha impulsado la conformación de replantear las políticas de igualdad de género en América Latina, lo que ha motivado el confrontar una seriede problemáticas respecto a la aceptación de su perspectiva en las políticas públicas de las naciones; destacando los logros del impulso de agrupaciones de mujeres, a través de organismos internacionales, los diversos gobiernos adoptando de forma institucional diversas acciones y programas orientados a lograr una igualdad de género, no solo a nivel Internacional sino también a nivel nacional, teniendo una incidencia importante tanto en el ámbito legislativo, ejecutivo y el judicial donde se han visto grandes cambios. Se plantea en el trabajo de investigación el realizar una descripción y análisis de las políticas de igualdad y de género en la legislación de acuerdo a los tratados internacionales, que han dado forma a la concepción actual. Usando como metodología: un estudio de tipo descriptivo y analítico, de investigación documental con fuentes doctrinarias: normativas y jurisprudenciales. Como conclusiones: de lo cual el desarrollo de la igualdad de género en nuestro país se requiere un cambio de cultura, y conocimientos de la sociedad inmersa en estos cambios.
El derecho a la ciudad como marco de referencia para la elaboración de políticas públicas.
Authors: Cruz Archuleta Cristian Manuel
Published: February 2022

Los Derechos Humanos Emergentes (DHE) forman parte de una vertiente del debate del Derecho Constitucional en el que no se ha logrado un consenso sobre su validez y alcance dentro del derecho positivo. Sin embargo, tras la crisis de urbanidad existente, se posiciona como marco de referencia para la elaboración de políticas públicas transversales. Ante esta situación, este trabajo tiene como objetivo hacer una análisis jurídico y descriptivo del derecho a la ciudad como uno de los más consolidados, como marco de referencia para una coherencia de las políticas públicas.
MATEMATICAS Y LAS POLITICAS PUBLICAS
Authors: Navarro-Verdugo Adriana Leticia , Navarro Verdugo José María , Meling Navarro Adriana María , Meling Navarro Alfa Ivana , Meling-López Alf Enrique
Published: February 2022

A pesar de que aparentemente no exista relación entre las matemáticas y las políticas públicas, en la práctica entre ambas disciplinas existen relaciones que porlo regular no son conocidas por la mayoría. En el presente trabajo se examinan algunas aplicaciones de las matemáticas hacia las políticas públicas y se describen utilizando métodos de la divulgación científica, las teorías matemáticas de percolación, juegos, redes, fractales y caos; así como, aplicaciones y posiblesusos para mostrar la importancia de la aplicación de teorías y herramientas matemáticas en la toma de decisiones, solución de conflictos y el desarrollo de políticas públicas en los diferentes sectores de interés público y se estimule la investigación, desarrollo y aplicación de modelos matemáticos que permitan describir los fenómenos sociales, económicos, políticos, ecológicos, entre otros, que beneficie la mejora en las políticas públicas y su entendimiento.
Complejizacio?n de un modelo para el estudio de la resiliencia ambiental
Authors: García Lirios Cruz , Sandoval Vázquez Francisco Rubén , Rivera Varela Bertha Leticia , Limón Domínguez Gerardo Arturo
Published: February 2022

La resiliencia ambiental, vista como una respuesta sistemática de fuerzas que pretenden establecer el equilibrio en un campo o escenario deteriorado por el cambio climático, es el propósito del estudio. La discusión de sus modelos y sobre todo de relaciones entre sus elementos es el objetivo central de un trabajo documental que seleccionó información a partir de criterios de búsqueda de información en repositorios como Dialnet, Latindex y Redalyc. Se advierten matrices teóricas, conceptuales y empíricas desde las que es posible complejizar escenarios de intervención para el Trabajo Social.
Historical Memory in the Process of Formation and Reproduction of Modern National Identity: the French Experience (Part 2)
Authors: Shmorgun O.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the role of historical tradition and national memory in the formation of modern types of ethno-national identity and mechanisms of consolidation of citizens at the stage of formation of the French state of the modern type. In this regard, various versions of French history were analyzed by representatives of historical and historiographical schools, which still compete with each other for the status of creators of a generally accepted interpretation of important historical events.

It was found that consistently patriotic motivation, which ensures the formation and realization of the innovative potential of the people and social activity of this creative core of the nation, aimed at overcoming any crisis challenges, is formed only on the basis of maximum meaningful synthesis of existing interpretations of French history. In particular, the effectiveness of memory policy is ensured by the fact that symbols, traditions and historical monuments that positively influence the dynamics of national-patriotic motivations and feelings are inevitably (and often, quite consciously) filled with qualitatively new meanings and values.

The complete failure of neoliberal and left-wing radical critiques of Holism’s theory and practice has been proved, the conservative elements of which, in particular the appeal to the heroic past, are not at all identical with medieval archaism and almost neo-Nazi political preferences. On the contrary, the typological similarity of Bonapartism and Hollism is due precisely to their ability to effectively oppose reactionary and revolutionary extremism, which is equally destructive to the nation-state.

In this regard, the exceptional relevance of the use of historical memory to form their own traditionalist and authoritarian charisma (in their relationship) by the creator and first president of the Fifth Republic Charles de Gaulle in the process of his opposition to anti-national provocations of far-right and far-left.
Problems of Social and Economic Modernization of Kazakhstan
Authors: Demenko O.
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the features of the socio-economic development of the Republic of Kazakhstan after gaining independence in 1991. It is noted that historically the economy of Kazakhstan for many decades was formed as a raw material base for the unified national economic complex of the USSR. Under the conditions of independence, the raw materials industries, primarily the fuel and energy and mining and metallurgical complexes became the basis for the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan, thanks to which the country made an economic breakthrough and deeply integrated into the world economy. Kazakhstan is the leader among the post-Soviet countries in terms of the volume of attracted foreign direct investment, which contributed to the increase in the extraction of natural resources, the construction of new industrial enterprises and infrastructure facilities. The most important trade and investment partners of Kazakhstan are the European Union, the Russian Federation, China and the United States. At the same time, despite the geographical proximity, common social and ethnocultural features, only 4.9% of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade falls on the neighboring countries of Central Asia.

The dependence of Kazakhstan on the sale of raw materials, the low investment attractiveness of the manufacturing industries make the country’s economy vulnerable to changes in the situation in the commodity markets, periodically lead to an aggravation of the socio-economic situation. In the structure of Kazakhstani exports, about 70% are products of the extractive industry. A problem in the development of the energy sector is the limited supply routes for energy carriers to world markets. The issue of changing the model of economic growth through the development of high-tech sectors of industry and support for small and medium-sized businesses is extremely relevant. The system of public administration, which is too bureaucratic and cumbersome, also needs to improve efficiency. Also, a reform of social policy is ripe, which should be aimed at increasing social support for citizens. It is necessary to change the strategy for the development of regions, primarily with regard to the creation of jobs and the reduction of regional imbalances.
Armed Conflicts and Unrecognized “republics” as Instruments of Russia’s Influence on Post-Soviet Countries
Authors: Kordun O.
Published: February 2022

The study is an attempt to generalize the practice of Russia’s implementation of its influence in the post-Soviet space in the context of hybrid aggression as the essence of Russia’s international policy in the region. The main focus of this aggression is directed against those countries of the former Soviet republics that have declared their clear course of European and Euro-Atlantic integration (Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova) and thus stand in the way of Russia’s imperial ambitions.

In order to implement its plans, Russia comprehensively uses a wide range of tools and methods of influence of both non-military (“soft power”) and military (“hard power”) nature. Such influence is carried out systematically, for many years and has a complex and comprehensive character in various spheres. Moreover, the methods and ways of influence, as well as their priority, are not stable and differ depending on the country of their application.

Among them, not the least place is given by Russia to the manipulation of armed conflicts, which is part of the well-established mechanism of the so called hybrid wars in order to strengthen its geopolitical influence. Supporting or using certain forces in active armed conflicts or threatening to resume the active phase of “frozen” armed conflicts can be a serious tool of foreign policy pressure and give Moscow real military-political advantages in the region.

Such conflicts have a decisive impact on the agenda of their localization countries and bring enormous damage to their economic and human potential. The “frozen” conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, as well as the still active conflict in eastern Ukraine, have become clear obstacles to the rapid progress of these countries on the path to European and Euro-Atlantic integration and create a very negative background for their democratic and economic development.

As Russia has not yet achieved its goals in the conflict zones in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, it is most likely that no significant positive changes in their settlement should be expected in the near future. One of the most effective mechanisms to protect Russia from expansionist encroachments for these countries may be maximum rapprochement with the EU and NATO, and in the long run – accession to these organizations. Such a step will be a kind of victory in the hybrid war with Russia. After all, it is precisely in order to prevent such an option that Russia has created and / or maintains the above-mentioned zones of instability.
Azerbaijan Republic: Foundations of Successful Transformational Reformations
Authors: Kudryachenko A. , Soloshenko V.
Published: February 2022

The article deeply analyzes the difficult thirty-year practice of the development of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the context of considering the main components that made it possible to overcome the huge crisis phenomena and challenges that called into question the very existence of the state in the first post-Soviet years, and entering the trajectory of socio-economic development and recovery. The authors argue that it is the strengthening of all state institutions, a balanced consolidating strategy of Azerbaijan studies, skillfully and quickly carried out broad economic reforms, rational approaches to attracting foreign direct investment and creating an appropriate business climate that have been and remain the engines of positive socio-economic transformations.

The end of the military confrontation, the departure from the attitudes of extreme nationalism, as well as a number of unpopular measures that were taken under the firm leadership of Heydar Aliyev, were used to overcome separatism and disintegration phenomena, at the same time, human and organizational resources were subordinated to the preservation of Azerbaijan’s national identity and growth public consciousness of its society.

The recovery of economic growth in post-Soviet Azerbaijan is inextricably linked with the development of oil resources on the shelf of the Caspian Sea. This was facilitated by a stable domestic and foreign policy, constitutional and legal framework for the development of entrepreneurship, which allows attracting foreign direct investment in the long term.

At the present stage, official Baku professes strategic goals for the formation of a socially-oriented, diversified national economy, strengthening its free market relations and the ability to self-development in the context of trends in the world economy. This is facilitated by measures to implement a long-term strategy for the management of oil and gas revenues and a program for the socio-economic development of the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Consequently, the national consolidation, economic growth of Azerbaijan along with the development of the armed forces have become effective factors in the restoration of territorial integrity and the return of uncontrolled territories and their modern restoration.
Reversal of Bupivacaine 0.5% Epidural Anesthesia Using Epidural Saline Washout
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Sinatra Jadeny , Policarpio Reuben ,   University of Santo Tomas Hospital
Published: February 2022

Background: Prolonged motor and sensory block following epidural anesthesia has been associated with patient dissatisfaction. Administration of epidural crystalloids in patient who had received bupivacaine 0.75% and lidocaine 2% epidural anesthesia. However, bupivacaine 0.5% is commonly used in our institutional and the effectiveness of bolus of NS in non-obstetrical patients undergoing 0.5% bupivacaine epidural anesthesia has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of normal saline (NS) epidural flush volume to the recovery of motor and sensory block and its hemodynamic stability (blood pressure and heart rate) in non-obstetrical patients undergoing epidural anesthesia using 0.5% bupivacaine. Methods: Following surgery, subjects with T6 dermatome level of sensory, were randomized to 2 treatment groups. Group 1 (control, n = 11) received 1-mL epidural normal saline (NS). Group 2 (experimental, n = 11) received an epidural bolus of 30-mL NS. Assesment of motor and sensory block was performed at 15-minute intervals until complete motor and sensory recovery. Hemodynamic stability (blood pressure and heart rate) between two groups were also monitor every 15-minutes and determined. Results: Times to full motor recovery were significantly faster in the epidural bolus of 30-mL groups than in the control group (69 ± 19.66 vs 95 ± 11.83; p = 0.0017).). Conclusions: A more rapid recovery of motor block in patients undergoing 0.5% bupivacaine epidural anesthesia can be achieved with the use of 30-mL NS epidural washout, with hemodynamic stability.
Hypolipidemic Effects Of Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera L.)
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Singh Roy Sukbir , Silitonga Hendrika A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic hyperlipidemia is a trigger factor for serious diseases, one of which is atherosclerosis. Lipid profile disorders in the form of increased total cholesterol, LDL and decreased HDL levels are believed to be one of the major triggering factors for cardiovascular disease. One of the treatments for hyperlipidemia in addition to using conventional therapy can also be with traditional treatments such as aloe vera (Aloe Vera L). The content of glucomannan in aloe vera is believed to act as a hypolipidemic agent. Method: This paper uses a literature study or literature review of research articles. Search articles through Google Scholar and Pubmed with keywords used hypolipidemia and Aloe vera. The criteria for the articles used were published in the last 5 years, namely from 2016 to 2021. Results: Based on the literature search, there were 8 studies related to the effect of aloe vera on lipid profile levels, of which there were 7 studies on experimental animals and 1 study on humans. Aloe vera used varies from extract form, gel and powder form in capsules. Conclusion: Based on the literature study, it was found that aloe vera is an herbal plant that has a fairly effective hypolipidemic effect.
Effect Of Ethanol Extract Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam.) To Decrease Blood Sugar Levels In Wistar Female White Rats With Streptozotocin-Induced Gestational Mellitus Diabetes
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Manurung Basaria , Eyanoer Putri C. , Fauzi Tengku Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Background: Hormonal and metabolic changes during pregnancy cause the pregnancy to be diabetogenic, in which GDM tends to become heavier during pregnancy and will facilitate the occurrence of various complications. DMG mothers approximately 1.7% can cause perinatal mortality, 4.3% give birth to children by surgery, 7.3% give birth to children whose birth weight is more than 4.5 kg and 23.5% can cause cases of dystocia. shoulder during labor. Methods: The study was conducted using a literature review method that focuses on the results of writing related to the effects of the Jackfruit Seed (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) ethanol extract on female Wistar rats with gestational diabetes mellitus induced by Streptozotocin by browsing accredited journal sites such as Google Schoolar, Google, and Pubmed, in the period 2016-2021. Conclusion: Based on the research conducted, there was an effect of giving ethanol extract of jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) to decrease blood sugar levels in female wistar rats with gestational diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin
Analysis of Relationship between Character Strength and Religiosity of University and Madrassa Students
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad Shahzad
Published: February 2022

This study explores the religiosity and character strength amongst university and madrassa students in Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, the study determined the relationship between character strength and religiosity of madrassa and university students. The convergent mixed-method research design was applied for the study. The survey sample consists of 896 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. This sample includes 640 students (320 from universities and 320 from madrassas) and 256 teachers/heads of institutions (128 from universities and 128 from madrassas). The researcher used two instruments to gather data from the participants. Two research questionnaires were developed that included sixty items in a survey format. At the same pattern, the semi-structured interview schedule contains 14 open-ended questions regarding character strength/religiosity was composed. The views of teachers and heads of departments/institutions were acquired through a semi-structured interview schedule to determine the role of these institutions in developing religiosity and promoting character strength among students. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures i.e. Pearson correlation coefficient, regression analysis and mean scores. A significant and strong relationship between character strength and religiosity is reported, which leads to the fact that an increase in students’ religiosity may increase their character strength and vice versa. Religiosity was significantly associated with a large number of character strengths of students. The present study found a positive and statistically strong relationship between the character strength and religiosity of students. The study recommends extensive and comprehensive research covering public and private universities and madrassas.
Climate Change Awareness and Farm Level Adaptation of Farmers (Central Dry Zone) in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, Myanmar
Authors:   Department of Agriculture, Myanmar, Maung Myo Win , Pulhin Juan , Espaldon Maria Victoria , Lalican Nelita
Published: February 2022

Climate change will affect the agricultural productivity in dry zone area due to insufficient knowledge, inadequate human capacity development, and limited institution al interventions dealing with farm level climate change adaptation. This paper examined factors influencing climate change awareness, the effects of climate change as perceived by farmers and farm level adaptations practiced by farmers in coping with climate variation and other factors in Myanmar. One hundred fifty respondents were interviewed from three geographical strata in Monywa Township (Central Dry Zone), Sagaing Region, in Myanmar namely upstream, midstream and downstream. Climate change awareness influenced by socio-economic and institutional factors can provide the effective decisions for better farming practices to minimize the risks of climate variation in rainfed areas. The development and application of relatively simple and reliable methods for assessing the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies at the agricultural system and/or household level are still demanded to provide timely recommendations for alternative technologies and policies.
Phytoplankton Abundance and Distribution in Selected Sites of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Central Philippines
Authors:   Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Limates Vilma , Cuevas Virginia , Tajolosa Mac Angeline , Benigno Edwin
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors on the coastal water quality dynamics in the Island of Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Central Philippines particularly the effects of nutrient pollution on phytoplankton population. The samples were gathered at two month interval for a total of five samplings by filtering 10 liter buckets of surface water through a net with 25μm mesh bag. There were 35 identified genera of phytoplankton belonging to four taxonomic groups. Diatoms had 26 genera, cyanophycean and silicoflagellate and dinoflagellates had one and seven genera, respectively. Diatoms were the dominant group with the highest mean density of 1,588 ind.L-l, followed by silicoflagellate at 399 ind.L-1 represented by Tintinnopsis, cynophycean was represented by Trichodesmium at 204 ind.L-1, while the dinoflagellates had 132 ind.L-l. Genera richness was high when N and P concentrations were relatively lower. Phytoplankton density was highest in Lugotan Cove and Long Beach where nutrients readings were relatively high. This research clearly demonstrated that the growth of Trichodesmium reaching carrying capacity is an indication that the island ecosystem is near its ecological thresholds. The level of nitrate N acts as the limiting nutrient in the coastal water of the island controlling the growth of Trichodesmium and phytoplankton diversity. Changes in phytoplankton assemblages and density in the coastal waters were associated to variations on intensity and frequency of water mixing along with nutrient loading coming from anthropogenic activities and land uses in the island.
Water Quality and Nutrient Loading in the Coastal Waters of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Central, Philippines
Authors:   Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Limates Vilma , Cuevas Virginia , Benigno Edwin
Published: February 2022

This study analyzed the water quality dynamics in the coastal zone of Boracay Island in relation to anthropogenic activities and natural factors. Seven sites were studied where possible sources of nutrient inputs on spatial and temporal basis were identified. Water samples were evaluated using the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulatory standards. The coastal water quality was generally influenced by nutrient loading coming from untreated and partially treated waste water from households and commercial establishments not connected to the sewerage system of the island. Natural cleansing mechanisms attributed to activities of autotrophs in the coastal water and biogeochemical processes of mangrove swamps are operational. Coastal waters adjacent to mangrove swamp impoverished of mangrove trees showed poor water quality, while coastal water adjacent to mangrove swamp with relatively good mangrove cover exhibited good water quality. The months of February to June with highest number of tourist arrival proved to be the critical periods. Lugotan Cove close to Mangrove Swamp 6 impoverished of trees was the critical area in the Island. Puka Beach close to Mangrove Swamp 1 with good mangrove cover showed the cleanest water quality, followed by Long Beach with most of the commercial establishments connected to the sewerage system.
Exploring Utility of Formal Concept Analysis Approach to Coral Reef Assessment
Authors:   University of the Philippines Los Banos, Madrid Val Randolf , Lactuan Lei Kristoffer , Corral Jonel
Published: February 2022

This study explored the use of formal concept analysis (FCA), a data mining technique, to analyze coral reef transect data (in terms of life forms) and comparing its results to the standard assessment analysis. Utilizing the quadrat-life form as the object-attribute pair, the results derived from the context was analyzed to assess the coral reefs in the study site which consisted of three stations. Data from Station 1 and Station 2 showed the dominance of Acropora digitate and Acropora branching life forms, respectively. Some life forms were absent from both Stations 1 and 2 but all life forms were present in Station 3 with eight life forms having the highest occurrence. Station 3 had the highest diversity of life forms while Station 2 had the highest live coral cover. This study showed how FCA can be used to generate new knowledge from transect data that can be verified by traditional coral reef assessment results, a possible complement to standard coral reef assessment analytical tools. FCA approach shines when it deals with large data sets from many different sources, which may pave the way for data-driven ecological assessment analysis studies such as those already being done for agriculture.
Attenuation of Methylene Blue From Aqua-media on Acid Activated Montmorillonite of Nigerian Origin
Authors:   University of Nigeria, Akpomie Kovo , Onoabedje Efeturi , Alumona Theresa , Alum Ogechi , Okagu Ogadimma , Ezeofor Chidinma
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the performance of an Unmodified Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (UUC) and the Acid Modified Ugwuoba-montmorillonite Clay (AMUC) of Nigerian origin as low-cost materials for attenuation of Methylene Blue (MB). Batch sorption methodology was applied in adsorption and desorption studies. AMUC was found to have higher adsorption of MB than UUC under all experimental conditions. Optimum experimental conditions were achieved at pH 8.0, adsorbent particle size 100 μm, MB concentration 200 mg/L and contact time of 60 and 90 min for AMUC and UUC, respectively. Equilibrium isotherm analysis was performed by the application of the Langmuir, Freundlich, Flory-Huggins, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Scatchard isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be applicable (R2of 0.999) in the sorption of MB on UUC while the Freundlich gave the best fit (R2 of 0.990) for AMUC. Kinetic analysis was evaluated by the Pseudo First Order (PFO), Pseudo Second Order (PSO), Elovich, Bangham, Intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion models. The PSO model was found to be applicable in the kinetics with an initial sorption rate of 0.647 and 1.477mg g-1 min-1 for the respective adsorbents. Thermodynamics revealed a spontaneous, feasible and exothermic adsorption process, while desorption studies showed a physical adsorption mechanism.
Threats on the Natural Stand of Philippine Teak along Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor (VIPMC), Southern Luzon, Philippines
Authors:   Batangas State University, Briones Romel , Tadiosa Edwin , Manila Antonio
Published: February 2022

This study documents the threats of the critically endangered Tectona philippinensis in the backdrop of the past conservation policies and projects. Twelve 20m x 50m plots were distributed in three altitudinal strata (S1= 50 – 100 m asl, S2= 150 to 200 m asl, and S3= 250 – 300 m asl) using stratified random sampling. Every tree was examined to detect presence of pest and diseases on foliage, stem, buttress and exposed root system. Threats of anomalous weather patterns like intense drought and human disturbances were also recorded. Leaf skeletonizers, shotholes, buttrot, heartrot, rootrot, illegal harvesting, charcoal making, wind damages, and intense dry season are among the most alarming threats of T. philippinensis. Germinants and wildlings are most susceptible to wilting during intense drought during dry season. A number of interesting species of arthropods and macrofungi within the stand were also encountered. There are variations on the incidence and infection across altitudinal habitat and across diameter classes. Poles and standards at lower altitudinal habitat (<100 m asl) are the most disturbed and susceptible to the disturbances. Existing conservation and protection policies should be strictly implemented especially in hotspot habitats.
Energetics and Water Requirement of a Commercial- Scale Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Production
Authors:   University of the Philippines Los Banos, Demafelis Rex , Alcantara Antonio , Pacardo Enrique , Flavier Maxima , Matanguihan Anna Elaine
Published: February 2022

This study quantifies the energy balance and water requirement for ethanol production from sweet sorghum. The energy balance assessment is important to verify if the system actually achieves a positive net energy balance, while inventory of water requirement provides primary approximation of the water economy of this alternative feedstock. The boundary of the assessment is from the production of the feedstock to the products’ end-use (cradle-to-grave). All the balances were based from a 30-M L yr-1capacity commercial bioethanol plant that operates for 270 d yr-1. The net energy balance of the system was computed by accounting the total energy consumed by the materials and processes in the boundary equated with the total energy produced through the products – power and biofuel. From the assessment, it was verified that the production gains a net energy equivalent to 475,621,789.51MJ yr-1 or 15.85 MJ L-1 of ethanol produced. Since the assessment assumed that a new bioethanol facility will be put up, the analysis included the energy invested during this pre-operational period, termed as “energy debt.” Construction of the whole facility expended a total of 1,127,076,244.75MJ energy or 37.57 MJ L-1 ethanol. However, because the system gains a net energy, a payback period for the energy invested was computed by dividing the total energy debt by the net energy gain. It was deduced that energy debt can be offset or paid back within 2.37 years of operation. Meanwhile, the total water economy in the construction of the bioethanol plant amounts to 960,453.44 m3. Likewise, the whole operation consumed a total of 12,368,904,260.86 L for a year’s operation, which is equivalent to 412.30 L water L-1 ethanol produced, or 19.45 L MJ-1, or 24,541.48 L T-1 cane processed.
Sistema de información gerencial y su influencia en la calidad del servicio: empresa TEMCORPSA S.A.
Authors: Tamayo Jorge Véliz , Aguilar Lisset Cotto
Published: February 2022

La investigación tiene como objetivo mejorar la calidad del servicio entregado a los clientes de la empresa TEMCORPSA S. Para identificar las debilidades en el servicio y cómo un sistema de información gerencial podría aportar a la solución del problema, se trabajó con la población conformada por el área de talento humano y los clientes de la organización, con los cuales se aplicó una metodología con alcance descriptivo de enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo, la muestra utilizada fue de 10 trabajadores de la organización y 40 clientes. Como resultado se obtuvo que existen escasos esfuerzos por transmitir seguridad al cliente respecto al servicio contratado, baja capacidad de respuesta a sus requerimientos, promociones y beneficios que no generan suficiente interés en el público, retrasos en los procesos de atención al cliente, entre otras en donde también figura el no disponer de un registro de clientes efectivo que ayude a pronosticar la demanda y anticiparse a sus necesidades. Por tanto, el desarrollo de procesos que vayan en función de un incentivo a los trabajadores de la organización, a la vez que el personal técnico realice revisiones periódicas a los equipos tecnológicos, ocasionará una mejor atención y seguridad al servicio brindado al cliente.
Limitaciones del conectivismo en el Ecuador: necesidades urgentes para la calidad
Authors: Guerrero Salazar Christian Virgilio
Published: February 2022

El presente estudio proyecta un análisis reflexivo de la situación actual de la educación en el Ecuador, y las limitaciones que ésta tiene para adaptarse a las nuevas realidades que exige la evolución constante de las tecnologías y el conectivismo, aceleradas en el último año debido a las necesidades surgidas por la pandemia del COVID 19 a nivel mundial. La propuesta de la investigación tiene un alcance descriptivo y es de tipo documental, ya que pretende analizar desde la perspectiva de varios autores, la problemática de la implementación de los modelos educativos basados en el conectivismo, en una realidad deficiente y poco preparada para los retos que impone un cambio paradigmático tan profundo. El estudio se enmarca en 3 aristas de análisis principales: la dificultad de acceso por razones económicas, el tradicionalismo de pensamiento colectivo y la falta de capacitación docente, tratando de establecer criterios que aporten a la comprensión crítica de estos procesos y su incidencia en la problemática investigada. Las conclusiones de la investigación, propenden a la búsqueda de soluciones que a corto o largo plazo permitan zanjar las brechas existentes para la implementación definitiva del conectivismo en el Ecuador, como opción imperante ante el desarrollo de la nueva sociedad del conocimiento y la búsqueda de la calidad educativa.
The Comparison of Highschool Students’ Happiness between On-site and Online Learning and its Correlation with Motivation to Learn
Authors:   International School Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, Suntarat Fukue
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, education is done in the medium of online platforms compared to the typical on-site learning. As a result, this could be a drastic change in learning environments for many. A key component for learning is motivation, which could be correlated with the happiness students experience while learning. This study aims to compare different levels of happiness and motivation to learn between online and onsite settings and to find the correlation between happiness and motivation of students while learning. The data of this study was collected through an online survey, with the participant’s consent. The participants were students aged between 14-19, who have both experienced on-site learning and online learning. Participants answered 5-Likert scaled statements regarding happiness and motivation while learning in different settings. Additionally, statements regarding motivation were developed on the basis of the principle basic psychological needs which consists of three components: Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness. The survey received 253 responses in which the data, the mean, p-value (t-test), and the correlation value were calculated. Analysis of data showed that the mean scores of happiness and motivation of students while learning on-site were statistically higher than those of learning online at the significance level of 95%. Furthermore, the results illustrated that there was a high level of correlation of happiness and motivation to learn in both learning environments.
Estimation of aloin concentration in Aloe vera L. (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) by mathematical
modeling
Authors: Molero Tamara , Kas-Danouche Said
Published: February 2022

Aloin is one of the secondary metabolites that gives plants of the genus Aloe spp. their healing properties. The concentration of aloin is related to the fresh mass and, its industrial purification involves laboratory processes that add extra costs to its commercialization. The objective of this research was to mathematically modelize the estimation of the aloin concentration in A. vera L. from the fresh mass. The theory of discrete perfect least squares approximations was used, considering linear and exponential approximation functions. For the tabulation of the data, the option of class mark and the average of the values were used. The analyses of the approximations indicate that the exponential curves approximate the data better (with R2 = 75% and 82% for the two options, respectively) than the straight lines (with R2 = 65% and 70% for the two options, respectively). The use of these approximations is recommended to estimate the concentration of aloin in A. vera plants based on their fresh mass, facilitating the measurement of this secondary metabolite, and minimizing costs in the industrialization process.
Estimation and computational evaluation of the coefficient of intraspecific competition in edges in the context of linear models
Authors: Darghan Aquiles , Rivera Carlos , González Nair , Castellanos Jose
Published: February 2022

In experimental trials, it is usually of interest to give special regard to the response of experimental units at the edges, since it is well known that the performance of these can be greater than that of the rest of the units due to having less competition from neighboring units. When treatments are available, it is possible that the differences in the mean crop response are attributable to the edge effect. Therefore, it is important to consider the edge or not in the modeling process. In this case, using the Kempton-Besag model and the reparameterization of the model, the intraspecific competition coefficient was estimated through least quadratic estimation that in this case was associated with the edge effect. Its distributional pattern was studied using Monte Carlo simulation. Simulated variance analyses were carried out to see the distributional effect of the F-statistic in the presence of the edge effect as a form of spatial dependence that was evaluated with the Moran index. The coefficient associated with the edge effect showed a clear normal distribution in all the considered edge scenarios. The sign of the coefficient and the confidence intervals generated made it possible to discriminate the presence/absence of edge effect. In addition, a method was proposed to allow a user to mitigate the fuzziness that may result from the point estimate of the coefficient. This procedure can be used in other neighborhood patterns and other design models of importance in agricultural research. Keywords: border effect, competition coefficient, reparameterization, Monte Carlo Simulation