bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ubicación espacial, exhortación y cuerpo: la espacialidad corporal del existir «entre las cosas circundantes»
Authors: Johnson Felipe
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo propone indagar el problema de nuestra ubicación espacial en términos existenciales. Para ello atenderemos a las consideraciones del espacio planteadas en la analítica del Dasein de Martin Heidegger, destacando un carácter de concernimiento según el cual el existir se despliega en cuanto relación ocupada con el mundo. Atendiendo a las descripciones de Oskar Becker, se planteará la pregunta si acaso una inclusión del fenómeno del cuerpo puede contribuir a una comprensión de nuestro particular «hallarnos en un lugar». Una respuesta será esbozada realizando una caracterización de las cualidades sensibles en términos de un exhortativo «hablar de ellas mismas» y planteando nuestro ser cuerpo como posibilidad de escuchar la exhortación de las cosas singulares. Así, estableciendo una íntima unidad entre ubicación espacial, exhortación de las cualidades sensibles y el cuerpo como posibilidad de dejarse vivir en ellas, intentaremos ir más allá de los índices heideggerianos para proponer una comprensión concreta de nuestra posibilidad existencial de ocupar espacios.
Pluralidad ontológica (mapas, niveles y conceptos) sin fragmentación de sentido (mundo de la vida, metáforas y redes)
Authors: Espinosa Luciano
Published: April 2024

La complejidad inherente a la pluralidad ontológica requiere ser entendida con nuevos conceptos y metáforas: por un lado, tienen que superar la compartimentación de lo diferenciado y, por otro, tienen que construir puentes de sentido en favor de un enfoque más integrador de la realidad. Hay que evitar la fragmentación tanto desde una perspectiva objetiva como subjetiva, respectivamente, a través de la generación de clasificaciones abiertas y de vínculos simbólicos indirectos que puedan compensar la especialización disciplinar. Nociones como nivel, mapa, mundo de la vida y red contribuyen a esta tarea.
El horizonte temporal y las relaciones Dasein-mundo en dos perspectivas de Heidegger entre 1927-1930
Authors: Butierrez Luis
Published: April 2024

En el siguiente trabajo analizaremos la consideración de la temporeidad en la relación Dasein-mundo, a partir de dos trabajos de Heidegger. En especial, desarrollaremos un estudio histórico-hermenéutico de sus elaboraciones en torno a los horizontes temporales, tanto en el período de SuZ, como en su curso de Friburgo de 1929-1930. En este marco buscaremos dar cuenta de las diferencias en que articula tales cuestiones respecto a sus relaciones con los éxtasis del Dasein. Junto a ello, nos proponemos argumentar que esta diferencia y su desplazamiento pueden entenderse como una reelaboración que articula la comprensión relacional del Dasein ya desplegada en 1927.
El paradigma de «el ser» en la ontología y en la metafísica
Authors: Banda Marroquín Obdulio Italo
Published: April 2024

La estructura lingüística «el ser» que maneja la filosofía como un supuesto sustantivo, deriva de formas verbales arcaicas y polisémicas, lo cual determina la vacuidad semántica del supuesto sustantivo «el ser». Éste no es sustantivo, ni concepto, ni principio: es un flatus vocis. La ontología y la metafísica, a fin de subsanar los vacíos conceptuales de sus respectivos sistemas, se han visto obligadas a hipostasiar u ontologizar lo que es una simple estructura verbal asignificativa: «el ser».
Předcházení školní neúspěšnosti v diskurzu vyučujících 1. stupně ZŠ
Authors: Francová Veronika , Páchová Anna
Published: April 2024

Strategies for supporting pupils at risk of school failure at the beginning of schooling process are the key to a successful educational process. The study is part of research aimed at preventing school failure in the first three years of schooling. The aim of the study is to identify categories of general support strategies and to create a typology of teachers according to their discourse. The study follows two research lines: the first includes thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with teachers, the second summarizes quantitative data from an expert assessment of teaching observations. In general, the support strategies presented by teachers fall into three groups: 1) instrumental support, 2) relationships, and 3) discipline. Within them, five types of teachers can be identified, which is based on thematic analysis of the interviews. These are confirmed by quantitative data. The teachers’ discourse generates specific topics linked to the support of pupils, namely pupils’ family background, teachers’ reaction to failure, individual approach and personal/professional boundaries. For support strategies to be effective, it is important that the teacher-student relationship provides basic psychological safety.
Water, nitrogen, and phosphorus coupling improves gray jujube fruit quality and yield
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Wang Jingjing , Bai Xinlu , An Shijie , Zheng Qiangqing , Tang Zhihui , Zhi Jinhu
Published: April 2024

Irrigation and fertilization are indispensable links in the jujube planting industry in southern Xinjiang, China. Regulating the relationship between fertilization and irrigation can effectively reduce costs and improve economic efficiency. A 2-year water and fertilizer optimization coupling test was conducted to determine the optimal water and nutrient supply scheme. The three-factor randomized block experiment included water (W), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). According to the principal component analysis of each index, each treatment’s comprehensive score was obtained. Using yield and economic regression models, the theoretical value and yield value of the optimal economic benefit are inferred. When W, N, and P were applied together, the fruit quality and yield of each treatment significantly differed, and the vitamin C, soluble sugar, and sugar-acid ratio increased significantly with an increase in N fertilizer. However, the titratable acid decreased. An increase in irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased fruit yield. The comprehensive score was the highest in the N4P3W2 treatment, which improved fruit quality, and the lowest in the N3P3W2 treatment. When the amounts of N, P, and W were 275.56 kg hm−2, 413. 66 kg hm−2, and 7278.19 m3 hm−2, respectively, the theoretical economic benefit was the best. The N4P3W2 treatment is the optimal treatment.
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology in the etiological diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis
Authors: Guo Shan-Shan , Fu Gang , Hu Yan-Wei , Liu Jing , Wang Yu-Zhu
Published: April 2024

Pathogens detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and the laboratory blood culture flask method were compared to understand the advantages and clinical significance of mNGS assays in the etiological diagnosis of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP). The study involved a total of 37 patients from the hospital’s peritoneal dialysis centre, six of whom were patients with non-peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. Peritoneal dialysis samples were collected from the 37 patients, who were divided into two groups. One group’s samples were cultured using conventional blood culture flasks, and the other samples underwent pathogen testing using mNGS. The results showed that the positive rate of mNGS was 96.77%, while that of the blood culture flask method was 70.97% (p < 0.05). A total of 29 pathogens were detected by mNGS, namely 24 bacteria, one fungus, and four viruses. A total of 10 pathogens were detected using the bacterial blood culture method, namely nine bacteria and one fungus. The final judgment of the PDAP’s causative pathogenic microorganism was made by combining the clinical condition, response to therapy, and the whole-genome sequencing findings. For mNGS, the sensitivity was 96.77%, the specificity was 83.33%, the positive predictive value was 96.77%, and the negative predictive value was 83.33%. For the blood culture flask method, the sensitivity was 70.97%, the specificity was 100%, the positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 0%. In conclusion, mNGS had a shorter detection time for diagnosing peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis pathogens, with a higher positive rate than traditional bacterial cultures, providing significant advantages in diagnosing rare pathogens.
An experiment-based comparison of different cooling methods for photovoltaic modules
Authors: Abdel-raheim Amr Ayman , Hassan Ali A. M. , Abdel-Salam Mazen , El-Sayed Abou Hashema M.
Published: April 2024

Temperature effect on the performance of a photovoltaic module represents a major concern for expanding the use of solar energy, especially in hot areas. Cooling the PV module is considered an effective method of increasing efficiency by reducing the module cell temperature. An experimental set-up is developed to investigate the effectiveness of different cooling techniques including air cooling, evaporative cooling and water cooling. A comparative study is made among the cooling techniques by simultaneous recording – for the first time – the performance the modules cooled by the different techniques. Experimental measurements dictated that the reduction of the module cell temperature recorded 5 %, 16 %, 17.25, 39.6 % and 44.8 % for passive air cooling, active air cooling, water cooling, evaporative cooling using sprinkler and nozzles, respectively. The best cooling conditions were achieved by evaporative cooling using film of domestic tap-water from nozzles with flow rate of 90–190 L/h/module. The experimental results showed an increase in electrical efficiency of 1.8 % for continuous- against 1.7 % for intermittent-evaporative cooling using water-film from nozzles. The corresponding increase in electrical efficiency on using evaporative cooling by sprinkler is 1.6 % for continuous- against 1.3 % for intermittent cooling. This means there is no significant difference in efficiency values between continuous and intermittent evaporative cooling. This favors the use of intermittent cooling decreases the cost without sacrificing the efficiency value. This makes it possible to identify the recommended method for cooling modules serving in areas of hot weather and moderate climates.
Tragedy and Tender Beauty: Exploring the Tradition of Kuqing in the Chinese Film School
Authors: Liu Fan
Published: April 2024

Films such as An Orphan Rescues His Grandpa (Guer Jiuzuji, 1923), New Women (Xin Nüxing, 1935), Hibiscus Town (Furong Zhen, 1987), Nuan (Nuan, 2003), and Sister (Wode Jiejie, 2021) demonstrate that, over a century of development, Chinese cinema has crafted a distinctive and significant lineage of kuqingxi (苦情戏, tragic drama with Chinese characteristics). This lineage not only preserves but consistently maintains the kuqing (苦情, a literary and artistic style that signifies tragedy in China) narrative tradition intrinsic to Chinese storytelling, culminating in a unique national aesthetic and cultural experience. In accordance with the core essence of “school,” these family-themed works, which preserve the tradition of kuqing, have emerged as a deliberate and stable genre in Chinese Film School. The films, and their public reception, offer a reflection of China’s national character, emotional structure, and refined aesthetic preferences. It is the central theme of tenderness found within adversity, presented in these films, that conveys the values and spirit of contemporary China.
Reducing decisional conflict in decisions about prenatal genetic testing: the impact of a dyadic intervention at the start of prenatal care
Authors: Collart Christina , Craighead Caitlin , Yao Meng , Rose Susannah , Chien Edward K. , Frankel Richard M. , Coleridge Marissa , Hu Bo , Edmonds Brownsyne Tucker , Ranzini Angela C. , Farrell Ruth M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Decisional conflict and regret about prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic tests may have important consequences in the current pregnancy and for future reproductive decisions. Identifying mechanisms that reduce conflict associated with the decision to use or decline these options is necessary for optimal patient counseling.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a shared decision-making tool (NEST) at the beginning of prenatal care. Enrolled patients completed follow-up surveys at the time of testing (QTT) and in the second–third trimester (QFF), including the Decision Conflict Scale (DCS). Total DCS scores were analyzed using a multivariate linear mixed-effect model.

Results

Of the total number of participants (n=502) enrolled, 449 completed the QTT and QFF surveys. The mean age of participants was 31.6±3.8, with most parous at the time of study participation (n=321; 71.7 %). Both the NEST (the intervention) and control groups had lower median total DCS scores at QFF (NEST 13.3 [1.7, 25.0] vs. control 16.7 [1.7, 25.0]; p=0.24) compared to QTT (NEST 20.8 [5.0, 25.0] vs. control 18.3 [3.3, 26.7]; p=0.89). Participants exposed to NEST had lower decisional conflict at QFF compared to control (β −3.889; [CI −7.341, −0.437]; p=0.027).

Conclusions

Using a shared decision-making tool at the start of prenatal care decreased decisional conflict regarding prenatal genetic testing. Such interventions have the potential to provide an important form of decision-making support for patients facing the unique type of complex and preference-based choices about the use of prenatal genetic tests.
A Correction Function to Improve the Accuracy of Measuring Elastic Modulus by Instrumented Spherical Indentation
Authors: Xu Fenglei , Dou Guijing , Chen Jianfeng , Jiang Hanyang , Zhang Taihua , Peng Guangjian
Published: April 2024

Instrumented indentation combined with the classic Oliver–Pharr method has been widely utilized to measure elastic modulus of various materials. However, the elastic modulus measured by instrumented spherical indentation (ISI) is not as accurate as that measured by instrumented sharp indentation, especially at large indentation depth. In this work, the effect of the maximum indentation depth on measurement of elastic modulus by ISI was deeply investigated through finite element simulations and experiments. It was found that errors in measured elastic moduli increase significantly due to the inaccurate estimation of contact radius and excessive increase in initial unloading stiffness as maximum indentation depth increases. A correction function was then proposed to correct the measured elastic modulus. After correction, the errors were effectively reduced to within ±5 % for most cases. This work contributes to discovery of the error source in the measurement of elastic modulus by ISI, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.
40 Hz Steady-State Response in Human Auditory Cortex Is Shaped by Gabaergic Neuronal Inhibition
Authors: Toso Alessandro , Wermuth Annika P. , Arazi Ayelet , Braun Anke , Jong Tineke Grent-t , Uhlhaas Peter J. , Donner Tobias H.
Published: April 2024

The 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR), an oscillatory brain response to periodically modulated auditory stimuli, is a promising, noninvasive physiological biomarker for schizophrenia and related neuropsychiatric disorders. The 40 Hz ASSR might be amplified by synaptic interactions in cortical circuits, which are, in turn, disturbed in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we tested whether the 40 Hz ASSR in the human auditory cortex depends on two key synaptic components of neuronal interactions within cortical circuits: excitation via N-methyl-aspartate glutamate (NMDA) receptors and inhibition via gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) receptors. We combined magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings with placebo-controlled, low-dose pharmacological interventions in the same healthy human participants (13 males, 7 females). All participants exhibited a robust 40 Hz ASSR in auditory cortices, especially in the right hemisphere, under a placebo. The GABA
A
receptoragonist lorazepam increased the amplitude of the 40 Hz ASSR, while no effect was detectable under the NMDA blocker memantine. Our findings indicate that the 40 Hz ASSR in the auditory cortex involves synaptic (and likely intracortical) inhibition via the GABA
A
receptor, thus highlighting its utility as a mechanistic signature of cortical circuit dysfunctions involving GABAergic inhibition.
Pertinencia de las reflexiones del CONETS en la propuesta formativa de Trabajo Social de la Universidad Católica de Oriente
Authors: García Builes Carlos Andrés , López A. Luz Adriana
Published: April 2024

La investigación analizó la propuesta formativa de Trabajo Social de la Universidad Católica de Oriente (UCO), tomando como referente el documento del Consejo Nacional para la Educación en Trabajo Social (CONETS) Reflexiones para actualizar los lineamientos de los currículos de Trabajo Social. Se usó una metodología cualitativa, de tipo descriptivo, con enfoque hermenéutico, entrevistas semiestructuradas a tres docentes del programa de Trabajo Social, grupo focal con seis estudiantes que habían cursado al menos el 75% del plan de estudios, y método de análisis temático. Esta entrega da cuenta de dos de las ocho categorías de análisis propuestas por el documento del CONETS: prácticas académicas y sentido de la investigación. Los resultados muestran que, desde el reciente desarrollo de los procesos de práctica profesional e investigación, el programa de Trabajo Social ha tenido múltiples y significativos avances, tiene un inventario de necesidades, y ha recogido algunas propuestas de mejora. Así, ha logrado niveles diferenciales de pertinencia. Palabras clave: Trabajo Social, propuesta formativa, pertinencia, prácticas profesionales y sentido de la investigación.
Beyond Borders: A Qualitative Analysis of Migrant Health and Sociodemographics
Authors: Sampedro Palacios Cristina Belén , De la Fuente Robles Yolanda María
Published: April 2024

Migration and health are integral aspects of human nature that are high on global policy agendas. In this context, it is crucial to delve deeper into the study of migration as it relates to physical health in order to explore some dimensions in greater depth. The objectives of this study are as follows 1) To explore the perceptions of migrants, participants in the study, about their health. Focusing on aspects related to physical health, disabilities and access to health care services; 2) To identify and describe the distinctive features that characterise the migrant population participating in the study. This analysis is carried out using a qualitative methodology based on the Grounded Theory approach. We employ tools such as individual records and group interviews to collect data. The primary findings of this study reveal the presence of pathologies and disabilities, alongside deficiencies in accessing healthcare services. Additionally, the key characteristics of migrants in Spain are highlighted. In conclusion, this study underlines the importance of maintaining the study of physical health in the context of migration from different disciplines as a way of underpinning social interventions aimed at improving the situation of migrants in the field of social and health welfare.
Mothers' parenting styles, academic self-efficacy and academic performance: Chinese-Spanish Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Xin Xu
Published: April 2024

This study aims at investigating and highlighting the diversity in mothers' parenting style and self-esteem and their correlations with academic achievements across cultural contexts. A total of 200 university students (100 from China and 100 from Spain) was taken by means of the purposive sampling method. During the course of the 2021-2022 Academic Year, the Parenting Style Scale (S-EMBU) and Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) were used to assess mothers' parenting styles and self-efficacy. It was found out that there were several cultural differences in the way parents approach their children, with the Spanish mothers applying warm and affectionate attitudes and the Chinese parents using stricter methods. As for the difference, no statistical significance was found between the two groups related to academic self-efficacy. In the findings, the rejection type of parenting was associated negatively with self-efficacy and academic performance while warm parenting that is emotional in nature was positively associated with these outcomes among university students. Furthermore, a positive connection between academic self-efficacy and academic success is also observed. The research identified specific parenting behaviors of mothers that significantly affect students’ academic performance in university, which reveals the critical role of parents in student’s academic success. Generally, the study shows the significance of cultural variation in parental involvements into university students' academic performance and the key role of parenting in the students' academic success. The research also considered parenting styles and academic self-conceptualizations between the Chinese and the Spanish university students. While it is true that there were notable cultural differences in parenting styles between Spanish mothers who showed warmer and more expressive styles and Chinese mothers, there were no significant differences in subjects’ self-efficacy in learning processes between the two groups. These results emphasize the significant role of parenting in the predictability of academic achievements among university students. In this sense, parental styles that involve emotional warmth were found to correlate with higher levels of academic self-efficacy and better academic performance. The research shows that positive ways of parenting including fostering emotional closeness and caring could help improve children's school performance.
Online prediction of the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of crop straw
Authors: Fu Xu , Yu Fei , Zhang Huning , Luo Yunhui , Zang Lihua
Published: April 2024

The extent of removal of lignin and hemicellulose are crucial indicators for evaluating the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of crop straw. Numerous factors influence these two indices. Establishing a quantitative model that correlates these factors with hydrolysis efficiency is essential, as it can guide efficient hydrolysis. In this study, a predictive method for enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency in crop straw was proposed using Grey relational analysis (GRA), Kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and a least squares support vector machine (LSSVM). The authors collected a dataset from actual production data and developed an efficiency predictive model using GRA for variable selection, KPCA for dimensionality reduction, and LSSVM for model training. This model allows for the direct estimation of the final enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency based on production condition variables, which can include enzyme amount, temperatures, pH, time, agitation, and straw dimensions. Extensive experimental testing validated the effectiveness of the proposed method, resulting in minimal errors, a high degree of fit, and exceptional performance. The methodology described in this study can serve as a foundation for optimising the design of efficient enzymatic hydrolysis production processes for crop straw. Additionally, it offers valuable soft measurements to support efficient control of the enzymatic hydrolysis process.
Regeneration study of adsorbents loaded with zinc metal ions from contaminated water
Authors: Kaushal Achla
Published: April 2024

Regeneration of adsorbents is very important from the environmental as well as economical point of view. It allows reuse of adsorbents multiple times and recovery of heavy metals from spent adsorbents, thus lowering the processing costs of separation and facilitating safe disposal of the adsorbents. Desorption is the simplest, cheapest and commonly used technique for regeneration and metal recovery. In the present study, zinc ions were desorbed from mango leaf powder using HCl, HNO3, NaOH and distilled water as desorbing agents. HCl showed the best elution efficiency (94.7%) followed by HNO3 (89.5%). NaOH and distilled water showed very low elution efficiency (<10%). Regeneration allowed adsorbent to be used for 3 consecutive adsorption cycles with only 11% loss in adsorption efficiency and 16.6% loss in desorption efficiency. Adsorption and desorption isotherms resulted in adsorption hysteresis.
Socio-hydrological analysis of the province of Havana, Cuba
Authors: González Piedra Julio Iván
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship that currently exists between the available water resources and the needs of man, understood as a social being, in the province of Havana. A very peculiar relationship due to the characteristics of both components, which currently presents a conflicting socio-hydrological sign in terms of water supply. A very unfavorable scenario of water resources due to Havana's own hydrological conditions, and a capital city of more than 2.2 million inhabitants in an area of ​​just 728 km2, with a demand for water well above its hydrological possibilities and with a rate of socioeconomic development of great intensity. The methodology used combines, on the one hand, the quantitative variables of the water resource, and on the other, the qualitative socioeconomic characteristics of the capital's population, where in the first case to be able to establish the supply-demand balance of water, and in the second case, the socio-hydrological conflict that generates the scarcity of the resource in the face of a growing demand and that has become hydro-dependent on the water resources of the provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque. The work concludes with the reaffirmation that the socio-hydrological conflict created for many years is endemic, and that only the intelligence of the capital inhabitants and Cubans in general can make it possible to coexist with the natural limitations of the water resource.
Comprehensive understanding of hydrogeochemical evaluation of seasonal variability in groundwater quality dynamics in the gold mining areas of Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Olalekan Awogbami Stephen , Adewoye Solomon Olayinka , Henry Sawyerr Olawale , Olaniyi Opasola Afolabi , Raimi Morufu Olalekan
Published: April 2024

Background: A crucial issue directly affecting the well-being of the human race is water quality. Within a few decades, a greater reliance on groundwater was needed to supply water for drinking, agriculture, and other uses due to the scarcity and contamination of surface water. To forecast its long-term use and increase output, irrigated agriculture requires high-quality water, which must be measured. Objective: The goals of the current study are to comprehend the hydro-geochemistry, drinking water appropriateness, and occurrence of hydro-geochemistry concepts in the groundwater of the gold mining regions of Osun State, South-West Nigeria. Method: Standardized analytical methods were used in the research. All sampling, conservation, transportation, and analysis were carried out in accordance with APHA guidelines (2012). To prevent deterioration of the organic compounds, all acquired samples were sent to research laboratory, while maintaining in an icebox. Results: The study also identifies critical pollutants, affecting the groundwater quality within its course through the gold mining areas of Osun State. Finally, Colour, pH, DO, EC, TDS, TSS, TS, Hardness, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphate, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Manganese, Mercury and Arsenic have been found to be critical parameters for the stretch in each season of this research. Conclusion: The authors advise developing ongoing systems for monitoring water quality as well as efficient management techniques to prevent excessive groundwater pollution. These findings will therefore aid decision-makers in managing pollution in Osun State's gold mining zones and better understanding the impact of different seasons on water quality. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for the future monitoring of the effects of anthropogenic activities on local watercourses when mining companies are developed. This requires consideration in terms of both regulatory measures and proactive initiatives for addressing the ensuing issues in the future. In order to maintain sustainability, a long-term monitoring plan is suggested in this study to be implemented into the groundwater bodies to restore their quality.
Effect of rate of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa
Authors: JM Mohammed , AS Abdullahi , SM Musa , AO Hawau
Published: April 2024

This study determines the effect of rates of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor. The experiment was conducted in Mokwa, Niger state. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up potted with improvised drip irrigation system with five treatments replicated three times. The pots were spaced at 2m x 2m distance. The treatments were; T1 – 2 liters (Ls) of water per week (w), T2- 2 Ls daily for 2 days/w (4 liters per week), T3 – 2 L daily for 3 days /w (6 liters per week), T4 – 2 L daily for 4 days / w (8 liters per week) and T5 – one liter a week. The soil preparation was done by treating the soil with bat manure; 50 Kg bags were half filled with soil from the college orchard, each bag was mixed with 2 Kg of bat manure. The soil was moistened for three days and allow for partial decomposition. Soil physical and chemical analysis was done before treatment by taking sample from a pot at depth of 0 - 20 cm with soil augers. The plant parameters determined include; Seedling Emergence, Plant Height (cm), Number leaves, Number of branches, Days to 50% Flowering, total Pod Number and seed oil yield. From the trial conducted the following conclusions were drawn: although castor can tolerate moisture stress, it performs well with irrigation at 8 liters per week per plant. The appropriate rate of irrigation that gives a better growth and yield of Castor plant were determined to be 8 liters per every 4 days. No irrigation should be given during maturity stage because it delayed maturity and also influences new vegetative growth. Farmers can work with the recommended rate of 8 L/4 days for castor for optimum yield.
A preliminary random checklist of benthic organisms in selected lakes of west peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chew Jia Ming , Yap Chee Kong , Ismail Mohamad Saupi , Wakid Sarini Ahmad , Wan Solahudin Wan Mohd Syazwan , Abd Aziz Nor Azwady , Mustafa Muzkhali , Okamura Hideo , Horie Yoshifumi , Ong Meng Chuan , Setyawan Ahmad Dwi , Yap Chee Wah , Kumar Krishnan , Cheng Wan Hee
Published: April 2024

The freshwater ecosystem (Kelana Jaya Lake, Seremban Lake Garden and Kanching Eco Forest Park) of west Peninsular Malaysia was the focus of the study's attempt to offer a current checklist of benthic organisms. Three benthic organisms were identified in the urbanized Kelana Jaya Lake, namely the red-rim melania (Melanoides tuberculata), apple snail (Pomacea sp.), and an Odonata damselfly nymph. Four different species were identified for Seremban Lake Garden: Hydrilla verticillata, Viviparus sp., nymph of Odonata, and Macrobrachium sp. The freshwater prawn Macrobrachium was the only genus identified for Kanching Eco Forest Park. Our attempts to promote aquatic ecosystem management and conservation in Malaysia can use the checklist of benthic creatures from the freshwater ecosystems as a continuous baseline for future reference.
Flood frequency analysis of Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Adebayo HO , Ogunlela AO
Published: April 2024

Flooding poses a risk to human lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the environment. Therefore, understanding the flood frequency patterns of the Asa River is crucial in developing effective flood management strategies. This study explores the statistical technique to understand the nature and magnitude of high discharge of floods in the Asa River, aiming at relating the magnitude of floods and their frequency of occurrence through probability distribution. The Gumbel Extreme Value Distribution method was used to analyze the 30 years (1991-2020) flood discharge data of River Asa which was collected from Lower Niger River Basin and Development Authority, Ilorin, and flood discharge for the return periods of 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, 100 years, and 150 years, was predicted. From the observations of Gumbel’s distribution, the R2 value acquired from the trend line equation was 0.9227, indicating that Gumbel's extreme value distribution is suitable for estimating predicted river flood flow. The expected flood discharge for the return periods of the upcoming 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 50 years, 100 years, and 150 years, was estimated to be 43.19 m3/s, 51.12 m3/s, 55.60 m3/s, 58.73 m3/s, 63.11 m3/s, 68.58 m3/s, 75.96 m3/s, and 80.27m3/s respectively. The results obtained in this research would adequately serve as a planning guide for the decision makers on the development and flood risk management along Asa River, to achieve sustainable development and management, with a view of protecting lives and properties downstream of the watershed.
Evincing the social and economic impact of inland waterways transportation in the development of the Port Harcourt metropolis
Authors: Prince Ogboeli Goodluck , Ibama Brown , Williams Onuegbu
Published: April 2024

Road traffic congestion has been decreased by using water transportation. The impact of inland waterways transportation on the socio-economic growth of Port Harcourt Metropolis was investigated in this essay. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a cross-sectional survey design and employed a multi-stage sampling technique. The first stage involves identifying the locations of the jetties and navigable routes available in the metropolis. The second stage involves the listing of the jetties and navigable routes found within the study area which nine (9) jetties and navigable routes were identified. The third stage involves purposively selecting six (6) jetties out of the nine (9) jetties listed. The selected jetties and navigable routes include (Bonny/Bille/Nembe, Marine Base, Abonnema Wharf, Maccoba, Iwofe, and Akpos). The six (6) jetties were selected because of their frequent usage by commuters. The fourth stage involves randomly selecting 200 commuters who are using these jetties and navigable routes for sampling. Using a random sample technique, a structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to the commuters to acquire data for the study. Descriptive statistics (tables and charts) and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data set. Other sources of data for the study include direct observation and photographs to characterise the study area and inland waterways transportation development in the metropolis. The reason the study chose to focus on the commuters and boat operators is because the commuters and operators are individuals who commonly use inland waterways transportation systems. The study found that lack of funds, poor river basin dredging and canalisation, insufficient security and infrastructure, a lack of safety devices, and inadequate training of boat operators and drivers are among the issues and obstacles. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should support efforts to enhance boat service operations for sustainable modes of transportation to promote their use by more people and ease traffic on the roads.
The Algae can be a source of wealth and help to resolve the climate crisis
Authors: da Silva Pinto Ana Catarina de Melo
Published: April 2024

The cultivation of Algea on a large scale, if properly controlled, could help to reverse the process of global warming of planet and contribute to the survival of the human species. In the north of Portugal where we live, there would be ideal conditions for creating a properly structured seaweed farm.
Performance analysis of the lisflood hydrological model in a flood event in the madeira river basin
Authors: Silva Peixoto Jerusa da , Ernesto de Moraes Marcio Augusto , Garcia Klaifer , Broedel Elisângela , Cuartas Adriana , Nova da Cruz Patrícia Porta
Published: April 2024

The largest recorded flood of the Madeira River (largest tributary of the Amazon River) occurred in 2014, remaining above the flood level for 90 days, reaching the maximum level on March 30, at 19.69 m. Among the various tools capable of assisting in monitoring and forecasting floods are hydrological models, such as LisFlood, a distributed hydrological model of the rainfall-runoff type. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of the LisFlood model for maximum flows in the Madeira River basin. There were a total of 7 river gauge stations calibrated and subsequently validated, distributed across 5 sub-basins. The calibration process was carried out using a multi-objective method, applying the NSGA II as an optimization algorithm, with the model's performance being evaluated by the NSE and KGE metrics. The calibration and validation results demonstrated, in general, that the LisFlood model performed well between the simulated and observed flow values for the Madeira River basin. The average of the 07 stations analyzed was 0.81 for KGE and 0.69 for NSE, for the calibration process. In validation, the average metrics were 0.78 in KGE and 0.67 in NSE. In relation to the historic flood event that occurred in 2014, it can be seen that the model followed the maximum flow peak observed at the Porto Velho station, with a difference in the simulated flow of 17% lower than the observed flow, for the year 2014, demonstrating good efficiency of LisFlood in simulating maximum flow. Thus, the study demonstrated that the application of the LisFlood model in large basins is effective in simulating maximum flows, satisfactorily simulating extreme flood peaks.
Environmental impact of open pit coal mining. case study: district of Moatize (2010 to 2023)
Authors: Beula Noivado António , Zefanias Naftal , Mirasse Anussa
Published: April 2024

The subject of this article is the environmental impact of open pit coal mining, with the general objective of evaluating the environmental impacts caused by open pit coal mining in the Moatize district. A qualitative approach was chosen, in an exploratory and descriptive research, regarding the technical procedures, consisting of a case study. It is concluded that residing in Moatize is not safe due to the harm that coal mining can bring to them. Dust was a much-mentioned element among respondents. Coal dust is referred to as causing health problems for those who live in the municipality of Moatize, especially in the neighborhoods close to the mine. The results of the study demonstrate that it is imperative that there must be an increase in the institutional responsibility of companies and government bodies, providing health care and promoting environmental interventions for the population of Moatize, directly affected by the precarious living and health conditions and by dust from charcoal, as well as a deeper re-discussion of the political and ethical aspects linked to the resettlement of more exposed population groups.
Educación en cárceles en Uruguay: innovación educativa, Derechos Humanos e inclusión
Authors: Viscardi Etchart Nilia
Published: April 2024

Este trabajo se basa en el estudio de los elementos volcados en las instancias de diálogo generadas entre diferentes actores que desarrollan, en Uruguay, tareas vinculadas a la educación de personas privadas de libertad (PPL) o con medidas alternativas a la privación de libertad. Dichas instancias fueron apoyadas por el Programa de Justicia e Inclusión y organizadas conjuntamente con la Coordinación de Educación y Cultura (CEC), el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación (INR) y el Instituto Nacional de Inclusión Social Adolescente (INISA). El desarrollo de estas iniciativas de diálogo se organizó a través de dos grupos diferenciados —adultos y adolescentes— como una forma de asegurar un enfoque específico en cada uno de ellos. A partir de las voces recogidas en estos grupos se propone una reflexión respecto de la relación entre interinstitucionalidad, educación y nuevas políticas de inclusión educativa, en el entendido que el debate sobre educación para personas privadas de libertad, se incluye en esta línea de discusión y construcción
A note about Simpson's Inequality via weighted generalized integrals
Authors: Nápoles Valdés Juan Eduardo , Rabossi Florencia
Published: April 2024

In this work we establish a Simpson-type identity and several Simpson-type inequalities for generalized weighted integrals operators.
Corpos negados na Educação Física escolar: uma discussão epistemológica no Ensino Médio
Authors: Cardoso Eduarda Pereira , Da Silva Raimunda Gomes , Ferst Enia Maria
Published: April 2024

Este artigo discute corpos negados na Educação Física escolar, em aspectos literários epistemológicos do Ensino Médio. Definiu-se como objetivo analisar na literatura a discussão de corpos negados na disciplina de Educação Física Escolar no Ensino Médio. Como caminho metodológico foi realizado uma pesquisa de cunho bibliográfico, em revisão de literatura em trabalhos acadêmicos de 2014 até 2021, para análise dos resultados foram cinco (5) trabalhos, dentre eles divididos em uma (1) monografia (TCC) e quatro (4) artigos na área da Educação Física. Dessa forma, como resultados, obteve-se que o corpo ainda sofre por diferentes dilemas e situações na Educação Física e no contexto educacional, corpos sobre poderes, vigiados, sofridos e marginalizados. Adolescentes do Ensino Médio ainda se sentem insatisfeitos e infelizes com a imagem corporal, se encontram com corpos inseguros, pressionados, como julgados e oprimidos por padrões sociais de beleza e estéticas. Nesse sentido, os juvenis precisam de um resgate de identidade, como também de profissionais preparados para orientar os/as alunos(as) nessa temática, ou seja, professores(as) preparados(as) para enfrentar a realidade escolar.
Prevalence and clinical phenotypes of adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid behavioral addictions
Authors: Grassi Giacomo , Moradei Corinna , Cecchelli Chiara
Published: April 2024

Background

Although the correlation between substance use disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been largely studied, less is known about the correlation between behavioral addictions and ADHD. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of behavioral addictions in a large sample of adult patients with a primary diagnosis of ADHD and to compare the clinical profile of ADHD patients with and without behavioral addictions comorbidity.

Methods

248 consecutive adults newly diagnosed as ADHD patients were assessed through a series of validated scales for gambling disorder, internet, sex, shopping and food addictions. ADHD patients with at least one comorbid behavioral addiction were compared to non-comorbid patients on ADHD symptoms, impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms and functional impairment.

Results

58.9% of patients had at least one behavioral addiction comorbidity. Of the whole sample, 31.9% of the patients had a comorbidity with one behavioral addiction while the 27% showed a comorbidity with two or more behavioral addictions. Internet addiction was the most common comorbidity (33.9%) followed by food addiction (28.6%), shopping addiction (19%), sex addiction (12.9%) and gambling disorder (3.6%). ADHD patients with comorbid behavioral addictions showed higher ADHD current and childhood symptoms, higher cognitive and motor impulsivity, higher mood and anxiety symptoms and higher functional impairment.

Conclusions

Behavioral addictions are highly frequent in adult ADHD patients. Comorbid patients seem to have a more complex phenotype characterized by more severe ADHD, mood and anxiety symptoms, higher impulsivity levels and greater functional impairment.
Compliance and alternative behaviors of heavy gamers in adolescents to Chinese online gaming restriction policy
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Liao Min , Gorowska Monika , Chen Xijing , Li Yonghui
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

In 2021, China implemented a policy to prevent adolescents from excessive online gaming, with the goal of encouraging healthier leisure activities.

Methods

Three months after this policy was implemented, we conducted a study involving 430 Chinese adolescents who regularly played online games for over two hours daily before the policy. We collected their responses to the restriction, including their compliance with the policy, engagement in undesirable alternative behaviors (e.g., watching short videos), and engagement in desirable alternative behaviors (e.g., playing sports). We also collected data on individual factors, parental technology interference, and feelings of restriction to use as predictors for behaviors, including those related to violating the restriction or watching short videos.

Results

A small percentage of heavy gamers violated the restriction by renting others' game accounts (3%) or using a family member's identity (14%), while 59% of the sample shifted to watching short videos. Heavy gamers who lived in rural areas, spent more time on online games prior to the policy, did not feel restricted from playing online games, and experienced parental technology interference were more likely to violate the restriction. Females or those lacking stable hobbies were more inclined to watch short videos.

Conclusions

Although the policy restricted heavy gaming, it has also led to increased short video use. Policymakers could explore alternative approaches, such as developing infrastructure that supports outdoor leisure activities in rural areas, encouraging parents to model responsible technology use behaviors, and guiding adolescents to cultivate positive hobbies in their leisure time.
Men's attitudes toward third party casual sex
Authors: Hahnel-Peeters Rebecka K. , Goetz Cari D. , Goetz Aaron T.
Published: April 2024

The reproductive self-interest model of morality (RSIMM) is a framework for understanding moral judgments associated with sexual behavior. This model posits that individual differences in sexual strategies, mediated by one's religiosity and political orientation, casually influence people's moral judgments toward social hot-button issues. Previous work on the RSIMM has explained individual differences in attitudes toward abortion, prostitution, and contraception. Individuals more interested in long-term mating judged these behaviors as morally wrong. In this preregistered study, we proposed the RSIMM would account for individual differences in rape myth acceptance (RMA). RMA is the phenomenon of endorsing beliefs or stereotypes about rape that diminish the severity of assaults or shift blame from perpetrators to victims. We examined the relationship between political orientation, attitudes toward third-party casual sex, and RMA in a convenience sample of 308 participants (137 women). We predicted that more negative attitudes toward third parties' casual sex would correlate with increased RMA. Our hypothesis was supported for men but not women: Men who condemned others' casual sex, had more unrestricted attitudes about their own casual sex, and desired more casual sex were statistically more likely to accept more rape myths. In the discussion, we speculate that sex differences in the relationship between attitudes towards casual sex and RMA may be due to the costs of rape incurred by women but not men.