bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Sending of MSC in the Mesoregion of the Mucuri Valley and in the Municipalities of the State of Minas Gerais
Authors: Oliveira Antônio Pereira de , Tarrillo Carlos Alberto Mirez , Oliveira Alan da Silva , Silva Bruno Francisco , Soares Nathalia Stockler Fialho
Published: February 2025

The MSC or Accounting Balances Matrix, in force since 2018, with the obligation to make MSC accountability reports available to all entities. From July 2019, the municipalities would comply with this obligation. The municipal management forwards the data through the platform of the National Confederation of Municipalities CNM. This article analyzes the situation of the municipalities of the State of Minas Gerais, not considering the capital - Belo Horizonte and the Mucuri Valley Mesoregion (microregions of Nanuque and Teófilo Otoni), in sending the MSC to the National Treasury. The justification is because the omission of the delivery of the matrix would imply legal responsibilities and penalties such as the blocking of resources for the municipality, among others. The research is bibliographic, documentary, with quali-quantitative approach. The results show differences between the municipalities of the State of Minas Gerais and the mesoregion of the Mucuri Valley in the accountability of the MSC. In fiscal year 2018, there is a delay (default) in the sending of the MSC by most municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais and in fiscal year 2019 this percentage decreases. In the municipalities of the Mucuri Valley Mesoregion there is 100% delivery of the matrix for fiscal year 2019. The delay may be related to the difficulties of the municipalities in transferring this information, causing the non-compliance of this obligation on the deadline. The theme is of importance for the control of public accounts.
Analysis of Concrete Strength with Addition of Bamboo Fiber
Authors: Nogueira Ana Paula Lages , Ferreira Ana Letícia de Souza , Pinto Jéssica Fernanda Sousa , Oliveira Sarah Mendes de , Cabral Stênio Cavalier
Published: February 2025

Currently, technological advances and the development of new construction methods are being directed towards the search for more sustainable materials, that is, research and studies are being developed in favor of the use of materials that have low energetic consumption, that are less polluting, taht are accessible and economically viable, as well as have high mechanical performance. Bamboo is one of the materials that fits such conditions and, therefore, has been the object of study in civil construction. Therefore, the main purpose of this work is to analyze the behavior of the concrete with the addition of bamboo fibers, regarding the resistance of the material, and to compare the results obtained with conventional concrete. Three traces were performed, one for conventional concrete, one for concrete with the addition of 1% bamboo fiber and the last with the addition of 2% bamboo fiber, where the specimens were submitted to uniaxial compression and diametrical compression resistance tests on the 7th, 14th and 28th day of the concrete curing time. The results showed an increase in the tensile strength of concrete with the addition of bamboo fiber in relation to conventional concrete, in all the days in which the tests were performed, but there was little difference between the traces of conventional concrete, with 1% and 2% of fiber in relation to compressive strength.
Influence Strategic Human Resources Management on Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Ochieng Fred , M. Maweu Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) account for 28.5 percent of the total Kenyan economy and are responsible for generating 30% of the jobs each year, providing employment opportunities for approximately 14.9 million people. This study sought to investigate the impact of strategic human resource management practices (SHRM) on the performance of SMEs in Kenya with specific focus on human resource planning, human resource recruitment and selection practices as well as employee retention strategies.
The study utilized a descriptive research design and targeted a population of 4,614 licensed small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a resultant representative sample size of 405 SMEs through stratified random sampling technique. Findings showed that human resource planning was important in advancing the performance of their respective SMEs and is a significant predictor of SME performance (β = 2.651, p < .001). Similarly, human resource recruitment and selection accounted for significant variance in SME performance and is predictor of the performance of SMEs (β = 3.332, p < .001). On the other hand, although employee retention accounted for substantial variance in SME performance, it was not a statistically significant predictor of SME performance. 
Therefore, human resource planning, recruitment and selection significantly predict SME performance. Consequently, proper human resource planning, effective recruitment and retention policies are vital to attract and retain talented employees, leading to higher performance. Employee development and training programs have been evidenced to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and motivation; ultimately leading to better performance of organizations and SMEs. It is important to consider factors such as the quality of hire, time-to-fill, and cost of hire to achieve optimal outcomes in recruitment.
Influence of Staff Development Capabilities on Competitive Advantage Among Level 5 Public Hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Muthoni Kaguu Lydia , Kaluyu Veronicah
Published: February 2025

Healthcare industry in Kenya is going through many challenges including reduced funding, shortage of staff, technological innovations and changing customer expectations which puts pressure on public hospitals to attain competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of staff development capabilities on the competitive advantage of Level 5 Public Hospitals in Kenya. The study was anchored on the dynamic capabilities theory. Positivism philosophy and a descriptive correlational research design were applied in the study where a structured questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. The study focused on 33 Level 5 public hospitals in Kenya and the study population comprised 495 CEOs, departmental heads and administrative heads of all the Level 5 public hospitals in Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to pick a sample of 222 respondents. The study’s data analyses involved descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential analysis (simple linear regression analysis). The study results revealed that staff development capabilities had a statistically significant and positive influence on the competitive advantage of Level 5 public hospitals in Kenya (β = 0.744, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the vital staff development capabilities were strategic training initiatives, recruitment of highly skilled personnel, healthy work-life balance and ongoing employee training. Based on the conclusion of the study, it is recommended that the top management of level 5 public hospitals revamp staff development and training initiatives to equip their employees with distinct competencies and skills to deal with today’s healthcare challenges.
Influence of Rare Resources on Performance of SMEs in Nairobi County
Authors: Mwaura Roselyn , Muchara Maina , Kangu Maureen
Published: February 2025

The objective of the study was to examine the influence of rare resources on performance of SMEs in Nairobi County. This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The target population for this study comprised of 121, 680 SMEs. The research used stratified random sampling technique. The sample size of this study was 399 SMEs. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Findings showed that there is a positive significant correlation between rare resource and SMEs performance (r=.378; p<.01). The linear regression analysis showed that rare resources account for 14.3per cent of SMEs performance. The regression coefficient demonstrated that one-unit increase in rare resources improved SMEs performance by 0.381 units (β = 0.381). The t-statistics results showed that t = 6.96, p<0.05, which was enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis and conclude that rare resources have a statistically significant influence on SMEs Performance.
This study concluded that rare resources have a statistically significant influence on SMEs Performance in Nairobi County. The study demonstrated, that quick response in making strategic decisions enables SMEs to respond to environmental changes or exploit temporary changes. It was also evident that quality product contributes to superior operational performance among SMEs. Developing high-quality and durable products helps SMEs establish a competitive edge. Further, compliance with quality standards is vital to improving enterprise performance.
Knowledge Sharing Culture and Transient Competitive Advantage in Textile Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
Authors: S. Saleh Yusuf , W. Muraguri Charity
Published: February 2025

The textile industry has the potential to propel the country towards middle-income status by providing gainful employment to young people. However, the textile industry in Kenya has lost competitive advantage as seen by reduced exports to the east African market and beyond. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of knowledge sharing culture on transient competitive advantage of textile manufacturing firms in Kenya. This study used positivism research philosophy and quantitative correlational research design. A population of 280 top level managers from 56 textile firms in Kenya was considered where 165 were randomly selected to be the study respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the gathered data was analyzed using linear regression analysis. The study findings demonstrate that knowledge sharing culture had a statistically significant and positive influence on transient competitive advantage of textile manufacturing firms in Kenya (β = 0.555, t = 10.407, p < 0.05). The study concludes that textile manufacturers with entrenched knowledge sharing culture are likely to attain transient competitive advantage. The study recommends to the management of the textile manufacturing companies to invest in knowledge sharing tools including databases, collaboration platforms, and training programmes to help staff communicate information and skills. This can help to promote innovation, improve product quality, and increase operational efficiency.
The Influence of Earnings Management on Firm Value: Evidence from Non-Financial Firms in Emerging Markets
Authors: Imran Javed  , Dr Naveed Azeem  , Dr Asghar Kamal  , Malik Muhammad Usman Awan  , Dr Azmat Ali Shah
Published: February 2025

Earnings management is a prevalent practice in corporate finance, influencing firm value and investor perceptions. This study examines the impact of earnings management on the firm value of non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Using a panel dataset over six years, this research applies panel data regression techniques to assess the relationship between discretionary accruals and firm valuation metrics such as Tobin’s Q, earnings per share (EPS), and market capitalization. The findings suggest that earnings management positively influences firm value in the short run but leads to value deterioration over time. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence from an emerging market context and emphasizing the role of regulatory frameworks in mitigating earnings manipulation.
Rebuilding Democracy: An In-Depth Analysis of Pakistan's Political Transformation (2008-2015)
Authors: Wajid Ali  , Dr Sultan Mahmood  , Ayesha Alam  , Adil Khan
Published: February 2025

This study delves into the political evolution of Pakistan between 2008 and 2015, focusing on the intricate process of rebuilding democracy after years of military rule and political instability. During this period, Pakistan witnessed significant shifts in governance, with the peaceful transition of power between civilian administrations, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and a series of reforms aimed at improving political accountability. By examining key political events, such as the 2008 and 2013 general elections, the restoration of the judiciary, and the role of civil society movements, this analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistan’s democratic system. Ultimately, it offers insights into the complex dynamics that influenced Pakistan's political landscape during this transformative decade, highlighting both successes and ongoing struggles in the quest for a stable and functioning democracy.The research adopts a qualitative research design, focusing on political analysis and historical interpretation of key events. It will incorporate both descriptive and analytical approaches to understand the political changes that occurred during the 2008-2015 period.
The Impact of Urbanization on Indigenous Cultural Practices in Hazara Division: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jahanzaib Afridi  , Syed Zeeshan Haider  , Muhammad Burhan Bukhari
Published: February 2025

This research investigated how urbanization impact on indigenous cultural practices within the Hazara Division by studying the areas of Haripur along with Mansehra and Abbottabad districts. This study employed qualitative research methods combined with phenomenological research design, Data were collected from 50 participants using semi-structured interview and focus group discussion methods with indigenous members along with cultural practitioners and local elders. purposive sampling was employed specifically to obtain interview participants who experienced cultural change. All participants provided their consent to participate in the interviews as part of ensuring both ethical standards and voluntary willingness. This study used Braun and Clarke’s six-step model for thematic analysis to assess the collected data, the study shows urbanization reduces cultural transfer from one generation to the next which results in language changes as well as changes to social celebrations and traditional customs. No improvement has been observed in the number of Hindko speakers while external control of cultural activities together with weak cultural transmission patterns continue as additional hurdles. The indigenous people protect their heritage by organizing cultural events each year while putting focus on native language restoration and spreading indigenous cultural knowledge among their communities. Native heritage content must be included throughout the local school curriculum to increase cultural knowledge of younger populations and Community members should actively support policies which secure funds for indigenous heritage preservation projects.
“Ashes to Ashes: Eco-criticism in Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”
Authors: Bibi Anwari Kazmi  , Farhan Samad  , Syeda Batool Al Zahra  , Ghanwa Malik
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to demonstrate McCarthy 's aggressive critique against consumerist humanity in ways that treat planetary ecosystems. His Pulitzer-prize winning award novel "The Road " works as an alarm for the planet's destructive environmental decline and reveals detailed strategies for human survival during such disasters. The theoretical framework selected for this research is eco criticism, eco-critical analysis reveals how the novel examines environmental destruction together with ecological breakdowns that results from human actions. This research will open up new possibilities to observe the human environment dynamics while demanding swift cooperation between human society and environmentally responsible framework.
Institutional Quality's Contribution to Environmental Degradation" China's Systematic Approach to CO2
Authors: Usman Nasir  , Ihsan Ul Haq  , Umar Farooq  , Iftikhar Hussain  , Sehar Abid
Published: February 2025

One key research area has been the discussion of the relationship between governance and the environment. The question of how much institutional quality, or IQ, contributes to environmental degradation is still up for debate. This study, in contrast to others, looks at the asymmetric impact of IQ on CO2 in China between 2000 and 2023. The relationship between IQ and CO2 emissions is empirically investigated using the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag model. According to reported data, CO2 is positively impacted by negative shocks and negatively impacted by positive shocks. Results indicate that while energy consumption and economic growth are increasing CO2, a higher IQ is significantly lowering CO2. This research is unique and offers valuable insights into how Chinese institutions are doing with regard to environmental issues. This study also has significant policy implications.
Role of Independent Power Producers in Africa
Authors: Raiss Fatima  , Syed Ali Abbas Abidi  , Hamza Khalil Chaudhary
Published: February 2025

Africa has gone through economic and urban transformation for which demand for sustainable power has been on the rise. The aim of the research article is to explore the role of independent power producers in Africa. The secondary data collection is done by selecting 6 articles from 2016-2024. The research article concludes that IPPs are credible in as far as capacity expansion and development of renewable energy is concerned though such an endeavor requires sound regulations, planning, and competitive investment environments. It is recommended that the government should focus on robust regulatory frameworks, replication of successful IPP models in Africa, incentivizing adoption of renewable energy, strengthening PPP (Public Private Partnership) and tailoring IPP strategies to local context for ensuring sustainable generation of electricity in Africa.
Green Intellectual Capital and Environmental and Social Sustainability: The Mediating Effects of Financial Condition
Authors: Sheraz  , Shahroz Iqbal  , Hafiz Ahmad Ashraf  , Tayyab Ali  , Muzamal Khalid
Published: February 2025

The function of Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) in promoting social and environmental sustainability in the manufacturing industry is investigated in this study. GIC, which is made up of Green Relational Capital (GRC), Green Structural Capital (GSC), and Green Human Capital (GHC), is a strategic tool that helps businesses adopt sustainable practices. To give a thorough grasp of how GIC supports sustainability, the study combines the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Stakeholder Theory. According to RBV, businesses with a high GIC have a higher chance of gaining a competitive edge through operational effectiveness and innovation driven by sustainability. In order to satisfy the demands of investors, workers, customers, and regulatory agencies, it is critical to strike a balance between economic performance and social and environmental obligations, according to stakeholder theory. The study also investigates how financial circumstances may act as a mediator in the connection between GIC and sustainability results. While financially constrained firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), frequently struggle to integrate sustainability initiatives due to limited access to green finance, financially strong firms are better equipped to adopt green technologies, workforce training, and sustainable supply chains. To support sustainable company transitions, policymakers must put in place focused interventions like tax breaks, subsidies, and green finance programs. According to the results, companies may improve their long-term profitability, operational resilience, and market positioning while lowering environmental degradation by carefully incorporating GIC into their corporate frameworks. Future studies could look into industry-specific obstacles to the adoption of GIC and assess how well regulatory frameworks support sustainability. In the end, this study emphasizes how companies, legislators, and financial institutions must work together to fully realize GIC's potential and facilitate the shift to a more sustainable industrial sector.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Vocal Hygiene Training and Vocal Function Exercises in Primary School Educators
Authors: Dr. Nayab Iftikhar  , Arshad Mahmood Naz  , Muhammad Bilal Bhatti  , Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Zia
Published: February 2025

The current research purposed to explore the effectiveness of vocal hygiene training and vocal function exercises in primary school teachers. The hypothesis was that there are likely to be significant differences in voice disorder intensity and voice related quality of life between treatment group (VHT+VFE) and control group (VHT). The other hypothesis was that there are likely to be significant differences in voice disorder intensity and voice related quality of life before and after treatment. Research design was Quasi Experimental design and non-probability purposive sampling strategy were employed in the study. Sample consisted of N=20 primary school teachers, age ranging between, 25-50 years taken from government schools of Lahore city. The assessment measures used in the study were Voice Handicap Index disorders (Jacobson et al., 1997), Voice related quality of life questionnaire (Hogikyan et al) and Teachers questionnaire. After conducting the requisite analyses, consequences indicated that there were non-significant group differences on the basis of treatment and control groups. The results also indicated there were significant difference in the pre assessment and post assessment of the treatment group. The members in the Treatment Group (VHT+VFE) significantly different on their post treatment scores as compared to pre-treatment scores. The study is likely to open up new avenues of worthwhile opportunities for better understanding of the study variables.
Error Analysis of Writing Task at the Intermediate Level Students of ICMS College, Timergara: A Corder Model-based Analysis
Authors: Wahab Ullah  , Tawseef Ullah  , Hilal Ahmad
Published: February 2025

This study analyze types of errors and assess the variation in writing competence between class 11th and class 12th students of ICMS College Timergara and identify factors that contribute to the differences in their performance. Fifty writing samples were collected from intermediate-level students of ICMS College Timergara to examine common errors systematically. This study used a mixed-method approach to analyze the types and frequency of errors in students' writing. The current study used the Corder Model to identify, evaluate, and describe errors and mistakes made by the students of ICMS College, Timergara. Students' essays are used as the main writing samples and the main data source. Using the close reading technique, researchers carefully identified and categorized these errors, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of students' writing challenges. The findings of this analysis give evidence about the strategies adopted by learners when confronted with a writing task. This careful analysis also sheds light on the reason why the writing and grammar proficiency of class 11th students is weaker than that of class 12th students. Through this research, a better understanding of students' writing difficulties is noted, emphasizing the necessity of efficient teaching methods that improve language competency and encourage accuracy in written communication
A Review of Daptomycin vs. Vancomycin for Susceptible Infections: Is One Superior for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Treatment (OPAT)?
Authors:   Option Care Health, Decker Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background: Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Treatment (OPAT) is becoming a more frequent modality of completing a patient’s antimicrobial treatment to save on hospitalization costs and decrease the risk of nosocomial infections. The use of vancomycin, a widely used medication in OPAT, may mitigate some of those savings due to dosing and lab monitoring challenges, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), clinical failure rate, and rehospitalization risk associated with the drug. The objective of this review is to examine if daptomycin is a safer, more effective, and cost-saving medication to the health care continuum when used in the OPAT setting.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the comparative rate of effectiveness, treatment failure due to adverse event (ADE), patient satisfaction, antimicrobial stewardship concerns, and potential cost comparisons of daptomycin and vancomycin.

Results: Daptomycin was shown to have a higher clinical success rate when used in OPAT vs. inpatient (94.6% vs. 86.3%) and a higher success rate vs. standard therapy for S. aureus when used in OPAT (90% vs. 83%). Compared to vancomycin, daptomycin decreased rate of clinical failure (OR 0.58), had a lower rate of discontinuation due to ADE (OR 0.15), less severe ADE, was associated with higher patient satisfaction, and is considered the superior treatment at a willingness to pay threshold above $15,000 for severe infections.

Conclusion: According to the literature review, daptomycin may be superior to vancomycin for severe infections in the OPAT setting.

Key Words: daptomycin, vancomycin, OPAT, AKI, WTP
EVACUATION CENTERS EXPOSED TO MULTI-NATURAL HAZARDS: A GIS SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Hilvano Gabino
Published: February 2025

Local government officials usually spearhead evacuation activities during calamities with the participation of barangay officials. The city of Tacloban in Eastern Visayas, Philippines is prone to various natural hazards particularly floods, storm surges, and landslides. During disasters, government facilities are converted into evacuation centers. This study was conducted to assess the evacuation centers in Tacloban City if they are found within the natural hazard zone or multi-hazard prone areas as based on the thematic maps provided by the national government, particularly the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in the country. The study used the Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. The thematic natural hazard maps that were used to overlay were flooding, storm surges, and landslides. The study showed that Tacloban City is prone to three natural hazards. The result further indicated that there were 97 identified evacuation centers in the city, and most of the evacuation centers are schools and public buildings. Most of them are found in low lying areas which are prone to flooding and storm surge. Some are found in landslide-prone areas which are highly risky.  Few evacuation centers are found in the landslide and flood-prone areas. However, there are three evacuation centers located in three natural hazard-prone areas.  In conclusion, there could be community folks that are at risk of natural hazards even if the government had placed them in evacuation centers and facilities. It is suggested that the government must thoroughly evaluate target areas where evacuation centers are to be built.
INNOVATING AN ELECTRONIC BODY-MASS-INDEX CALCULATOR (E-BMIC) FOR THE TECHNO-CHALLENGED COMPUTER APPLICATION USERS
Authors: Cardoso Evelyn
Published: February 2025

Existing Body-Mass-Index (BMI) calculators generate reports by data migration, or encoding analyzed nutritional data into the spreadsheet. Then, the user formats these reports according to the Organizationâ€™s specifications. In some cases, the user does manual computation and analysis, or the spreadsheets require additional coding and importation of growth standards. These knowledge and skills are beyond the capability of most end-users. This paper, therefore, aimed to innovate an electronic Body-Mass-Index Calculator (e-BMIC) for generating auto-formatted nutritional reports that are usable by even the techno-challenged end- user. The program was written in Visual Basic Application for Excel following the modified waterfall software design. Since it runs on personal computers and mobile devices, it is useful for health workers conducting field monitoring and reporting in rural communities. Its major distinct features are the following: (a) automatic calculation, generation, and formatting reports without data migration; (b) provision of management modules for data entry to allow users with limited Excel knowledge and skills; and (c) immediate display of an individual clientâ€™s nutritional status in the user-interface and worksheet. Based on accuracy and reliability, it generated error-free nutritional status reports for Eastern Samar Division of the Department of Education in the Philippines. It was assessed as excellent for usability and more likely to be recommended to users. However, the future of this application is intensifying its usability and capability while extending it for general purpose implementation.
ETHEPHON TREATMENT FOR EARLY SPROUTING OF YAM (Dioscorea alata L.) TUBERS var. VU-2
Authors: Regis Mary Ann Jully , Quevedo Marcelo
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to determine the effect of ethephon on the sprouting behavior of VU-2 yam tubers and to establish the most effective concentration and time of application of ethephon for early sprouting of yam tubers. The ethephon concentration of 500 mg/L was more effective when applied at one month after harvest (OMAH) in promoting early and high percentage and long sprouts while the delayed application (i.e., two months after harvest) resulted to delayed sprouting, low sprouting incidence, and production of short sprouts. Also, tubers applied with 500 mg/L ethephon immediately after harvest (IAH) reached 50% sprouting the earliest. The degree of sprouting, shriveling, and decay incidence was not significantly affected by the different concentration and time of application of ethephon.
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND SENSORY QUALITIES OF MAKOPA (Syzygium samarangense) WINE
Authors: Piedad Fe T.
Published: February 2025

This study determined the physico-chemical and sensory qualities of wine from makopa (Syzygium samarangense) in terms of pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), specific gravity, alcohol content, clarity, aroma, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability.  Evergreen makopa fruits were collected from Eastern Samar and were prepared following standard procedures and underwent anaerobic fermentation for 45 days and aging for four months.  A digital pH meter was used to determine pH, titration for TA, refractometer for TSS, hydrometer for specific gravity, and dichromate oxidation and redox titration for alcohol content. Thirty tasters composed of 23 students, four teachers, and three security guards served as sensory evaluators.  Results showed that makopa wine had the following mean values: pH, 4.40; TA, 3.11 g/L; TSS, 14.47 Â°Brix; specific gravity, 1.05; and alcohol content, 8.61%.  For the sensory qualities, the mean scores are 3.70 for clarity, described as slightly clear; aroma, 3.93, described as distinct makopa odor; flavor, 4.03, described as distinct makopa flavor; taste, 4.30, having a very desirable. The overall acceptability is 8.60, interpreted as extremely acceptable.  Makopa fruit of evergreen variety is suitable for the production of fruit wine considered as off-dry wine due to its lower alcohol.  It is recommended that other varieties be tested in winemaking, lengthen the aging period, and other local fruits, especially the exotic ones, can also be studied.
TRENDS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY APPLICATIONS: A REVIEW
Authors: Manguerra Michael V. , Cabatuan Melvin K. , Culaba Alvin B.
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence has been considered as one of the disruptive technologies for the past years, especially in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As researchers continue to unlock the potentials of AI, the limits of what can be done with this technology are yet to be seen. As AI increases the productivity of companies such as those in manufacturing and business process outsourcing, it may also result in the displacement of workers. This is addressed by new job opportunities such as those related to data sciences. The Philippine government, through the Department of Science and Technology, has laid the foundation of AI infrastructure and continues building the Filipino scientists capacity but a law must be passed to coordinate efforts nationwide and ensure that the AI infrastructure is maximized to address priority areas such as boosting economy, better healthcare, and responding to public health emergencies.
A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC
Authors: San Juan Jayne Lois , Mayol Andres Philip , Ching Phoebe Mae , Bernardo Ezekiel , Miguel Angelimarie , Culaba Alvin , Ubando Aristotle , Sy Charlie , Mutuc Jose Edgar
Published: February 2025

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an overwhelming impact on lives around the world. Countries around the world have scrambled to implement various control measures such as social distancing, community lockdowns, quarantines in varying degrees of stringency and success. This paper proposed the application of the system dynamics (SD) modeling framework to capture the complex relationships, feedbacks, and delays present in a disease transmission system so that policies may be developed to effectively target the issue. In this study, three common policies, namely social distancing, quarantine, and vaccination, were integrated into the basic flu model to assess which would be the most effective in mitigating the infection and identify the portion of the system it would be best to leverage actions on. Results revealed that policies that remove the possibility of transmission through quarantine and vaccination performed best in reducing the spread and consequences of the pandemic. This model may help policymakers evaluate potential policy alternatives, especially when responding to high-risk issues such as a pandemic.
CORONAVIRUSES AND DETECTION METHODS FOR SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS CAUSING COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors: Lim, Jr. Antonio E.
Published: February 2025

COVID-19 infection caused by a newly discovered virus SARS-CoV-2 has already reached a pandemic state involving 190 countries seven months after it was first reported in Wuhan province, China, before the end of 2019.  The first aim of this paper is to describe (a) the general characteristics of viruses, (b) the coronaviruses, and (c) SARS-CoV-2 virus. The second aim is to discuss the diagnostic tests used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.  Since the virus is new, there is a need to disseminate information about viruses in general and SARS-CoV-2 in particular.  The laboratory tests for the detection of the virus and the disease are likewise presented.  Altogether, the pieces of information provided here can help various stakeholders make sound and prudent decisions to contain the disease and prevent further spread of the virus so that everybody will be able to live once again a normal life
RISE OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN RESIDENTIAL SECTOR UNDER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
Authors: Ubando Aristotle T. , Del Rosario Aaron Jules R. , Gundran Julius Ezra M. , Culaba Alvin
Published: February 2025

The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compelled various countries to implement societal lockdown to avoid further contagion. The mandatory lockdown forced numerous industries to adapt to a new operational norm, including the work from home (WFH) setup. As society embraces the WFH scheme, the energy consumption shifts from the industrial to the residential sector. This enabled a lesser and energy requirement from the transportation sector, thus, leading to a significant decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. However, the burden of shouldering the energy cost brought by the WFH scenario is now shifted to the employees rather than the employers. Hence, the impact of the rise of energy consumption in the residential sector needs to be quantified for decision-makers to develop appropriate policies to protect the employees from the surge of residential energy cost. The study presents the impact of implementing a lockdown on the rise of residential energy consumption using a machine learning energy consumption model.
The Simulation of Water Level Using Delft3D Hydrodynamic Model to analyze the case of coastal Inundation in Pontianak
Authors: Kuntinah  , Nugraheni Imma Redha , Ardianto Randy
Published: February 2025

Several Indonesian coastal areas are prone to tidal flooding, one of which is Pontianak. High tides can trigger floods due to astronomical and meteorological factors. This study discusses the Delft3D hydrodynamics modelâ€™s performance in alluding to sea level and wave height in 4 cases of tidal flood events. Final Data (FNL) Global Operational Analysis from NOAA and tidal component data from oceananomatics are used to the Delft3D model. The model output consists of sea level is verified using tide gauge observation data from BIG. This is then used to analyze sea level to 4 flood events with the accumulated rainfall data from GSMaP, wind, pressure from ECMWF, and rainfall observations to describe the hydro-meteorological conditions. Based on four sea-level simulation cases, the Delft3D hydrodynamic model can perfectly reproduce the sea-level rise pattern. This can be seen from the correlation value of 0.93 - 0.96.  Even though the simulated seawater level's value has a high error, it was significantly resolved after the datum correction (with a decrease in error of Â±7-11 cm). Generally, the most dominant hydro-meteorological conditions affecting the level of flood events are waves and the direction (45Â°-90Â° towards the Pontianak Coast) and speed (4-16 knots) of the wind.
In some cases, heavy rain can exacerbate tidal flooding conditions if it coincides with high sea-level conditions. It can obstruct the river's flow into the sea and cause water to overflow on land. This research can be used to consider making early warnings of tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially Pontianak. In addition, it is better to use forecast data (GFS) to make predictions and early warnings of tidal flooding.
Sédiments superficiels du système lacustre Déganobo (San-Pédro, Côte d’Ivoire), source ou puits de phosphore ?
Authors: Naminata Sangaré Soumahoro , Marcel Yao Konan , Kouakou Koffi Urbain , K. Fabrice Konan Arthur
Published: February 2025

Surface sediments of the Déganobo lacustrine system (San-Pédro, Côte d'Ivoire), source or sink of phosphorus?

This study focused on evaluating the seasonal self-purification potential of phosphorus at the water-sediment interface in the Deganobo lake system. To this end, samples of free water at the water-sediment interface and surface sediments of this aquatic ecosystem were collected over a one-year period (from August 2021 to July 2022). The concentrations of orthophosphates in these free waters and interstitial waters were determined in accordance with the NF ISO 6878 standard. The seasonal diffusive fluxes of this nutrient at the water-sediment interface of this lake site were evaluated using a chemical method based on Fick’s first law. The average seasonal diffusive fluxes ranged between 5±4 and 3±5 µmol/(day.m²), with an annual average of 4±2 µmol/(day.m²). They were relatively more significant during the small rainy and dry seasons than during the larger rainy and dry seasons. These results indicate that the surface sediments of this aquatic ecosystem constituted an additional source of phosphorus in the free waters, contributing to their hypereutrophication during the study period.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF LQR AND LESO-BASED CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR ROBUST DC MOTOR REGULATION
Authors:   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, CHRIST University, Bangalore, K. M Haneesh , Valsalan Prajoona ,   College of Engineeing Dhofar University Salalah, Oman, P Jisha ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates two modern control strategies applied to Separately Excited DC Motors (SEDCM) to achieve robust speed regulation. The performance of SEDCM in applications like automation and robotics is usually affected by internal or external disturbances. The Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) strategy uses a cost-minimal algorithm to generate state feedback to obtain optimal tracking. Linear Extended State Observer (LESO) is a robust control strategy that estimates system states and disturbances and applies for real-time compensation. The performance of these two control strategies employed on an SEDCM was evaluated for tracking performance, and disturbance rejection. This study also analyzed the impact of LESO gain values for pole placement. Proper selection of gain values ensures faster response, lower overshoot, and stability. The results show that both the control strategies ensure the desired tracking performance but LESO shows superior performance both in time response and in disturbance rejection, which will make LESO suitable for many similar applications.
A REFINED VGG-19 MODEL FOR ACCURATE CLASSIFICATION OF LUNG CANCER
Authors:   Integral University Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Madhava Tripathi Manish ,   Integral University Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, so proper and effective screening methods are crucial. Machine learning algorithms have been shown to be very useful in medical diagnostics, as they can analyze very complex medical data with high accuracy. This work discusses an ML-based approach to lung cancer detection based on advanced feature extraction and classification techniques for the identification of cancerous patterns in medical images. By applying a comprehensive dataset of lung CT scan images, the proposed model outperforms traditional methods by remarkable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. With the assistance of predefined pre-processing steps and optimized algorithms of ML, the algorithm can work robustly against noise and variability in
data. This work highlights the transformative potential of machine learning in early detection of lung cancer, leading to a better outcome and increased survival rate of patients. Various CNN architectures, including AlexNet, Inception-ResNet-V2, and VGG16, were evaluated to determine the most effective model for lung cancer detection. An enhanced VGG-19 approach emerged as the superior framework, achieving an impressive accuracy of approximately 99%, significantly outperforming other architectures.
Research on the Construction Strategies and Practices of the Aesthetic Education Evaluation System in Rural Primary Schools — Taking T Primary School in Beijing as an Example
Authors: An Shanshan
Published: February 2025

Primary school art education plays a crucial role in the inheritance and development of aesthetic education. Taking T Primary School, a rural school in Beijing, as the research object, this paper explores the strategies and practices of constructing an aesthetic education evaluation system under the characteristic concept of the "Thinking Development - Oriented Classroom". By integrating resources, innovating courses, and coordinating the efforts of all parties, it aims to improve the quality of aesthetic education in rural primary schools, contribute to the all - round development of students, and provide a reference example for other rural primary schools.
-wl-6983-Industrial Concentration in India
Authors: Ghosh Gaurav S , Gupta Subhashish
Published: February 2025

Industrial concentration is an issue that has attracted attention in recent years, particularly, as a source of inequality. This paper investigates concentration in India using a standard measure of concentration: the Herschel Herfindahl Index (HHI) using data from the CMIE Prowess database from 2011-12 till 2021-22. We calculate HHI at different levels of NIC classification using income, assets and the sum of assets and income. We find differences across industries based on levels of aggregation and variables used to measure HHI. We also find variability in concentration over time. We construct a measure of aggregate concentration and note the pitfalls of such a measure. Concentration has remained fairly steady over the years of our study. We provide a discussion of our results and conclude.
BR 139/2022 - wl-2814-The Cycles of Global Hierarchies; Reversals of Fortune: Why the Hierarchy of Nations So Often Turns Topsy-Turvy by Ashok Sanjay Guha, New Delhi: Routledge, 2020; pp 109, Rs695
Authors: Sirohi Rahul A
Published: February 2025

Reversals of Fortune: Why the Hierarchy of Nations So Often Turns Topsy-Turvy, by Ashok Sanjay Guha, New Delhi: Routledge, 2020, pp 109.
(wl-2800)-Muchkund Dubey: A True Friend of Bangladesh and Beyond
Authors: Parvez Mahfuz
Published: February 2025

Muchkunda Dubey had a remarkable career in Indian diplomacy and international affairs, concentrating in peace and stability in the region. He fought for a better South Asia as a Championing the Global South Interests. He was a scholar and diplomat who aspired to a world without injustice. He worked in Bangladesh during his illustrious career to improve bilateral relations in a way that made him Bangladesh's "true friend." This short paper focuses on Dubey's personal and professional ties to Bangladesh, an often-overlooked aspect of one of the most notable figures of the modern era.
(Wl 954) From Emancipation to Appropriation
Authors: Pandy Sanjay , K Nivea Thomas
Published: February 2025

As an extension to Valerian Rodrigues' article, "Ambedkar as a Political Philosopher" (EPW, 15 April 2017), contextualising further the discursive intervention within and beyond historiography and political philosophy framework. The anti-caste filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, speaking at a rally organised by the Neelam Cultural Centre in Chennai following the murder of K. Armstrong, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu president, critically examined the intersections of electoral politics and Dalit representation, foregrounding how Dalit endeavours are critiqued, co-opted, and framed within the state's political discourse. The speech, delivered amidst heightened public emotion, has ignited a vital conversation about the political realities perpetuating systemic inequities, stressing the broader implications of caste. The filmmaker's insistence on Dalit perspectives being invisibilised and addressing lived experience against the power compels emancipation against co-optation to rethink who must critique, why and how it can be more meaningful.
(wl-608)-On BEST’s Decline
Authors: Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST
Published: February 2025

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L & S-wl-2033-The Digital Personal Data Protection Board: Persisting Questions of Constitutionality
Authors: Kumar Alok Prasanna
Published: February 2025

The Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 does not provide adequate clarity on how the DPDP board which is responsible for the implementation of the act is supposed to work. Given that it is the sole agency empowered and responsible to adjudicate the rights and liabilities of individuals, questions can also be raised on the constitutionality of the act and the rules in this respect.
Transfer Payments Are Too Meagre
Authors: Editor
Published: February 2025

The large variations in welfare transfers across states further limit the offered entitlements.
-wl-7198-B R Ambedkar and the Evolution of Pragmatism in India
Authors: Stroud Scott R.
Published: February 2025

It is well known that Bhimrao Ambedkar had a great respect for John Dewey, a prominent American pragmatist philosopher and his sometime teacher at Columbia University. Yet no one knows much about what Ambedkar heard in Dewey’s courses, what books he read from the prolific Dewey, or what he saw as useful to appropriate or change, and what he resisted. This article surveys the relationship between Ambedkar and Dewey and argues that there are clear and evidenced points of engagement—and resistance—between their forms of philosophy. In showing this complex reception of Dewey’s pragmatism, this study reveals a new way of talking about Ambedkar—as a new entry into the diverse range of figures associated with the global pragmatist tradition.