bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Facebook & Instagram Social Media as Media for Learning Arabic in Indonesia
Authors: Nurul Huda  , Hamasliko Mahdawati  , Aulia Karima Zuhda Utami
Published: March 2024

This research is a descriptive-qualitative study that aims to describe how the use of social media (Facebook and Instagram) affects the process of Arabic teaching and learning in Indonesia. Social media do not only have functions as entertainment but also as education. The research objects are the Facebook group learning Arabic and Instagram @Arabiyahtalks. Data collection techniques used in this research included observation, interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, data analysis techniques use the models of interactive data analysis that have been developed by Miles and Huberman, namely: data collection, data reduction, data explanation, and conclusions. The results of this research show that: The use of social media facebook & instagram as Arabic media learning that conducted by the Account Group Facebook of Arabic Learning and Instagram @Arabiyahtalks included in the pattern of media utilization outside the classroom situation. The management of the two accounts is independent, regardless of formal educational institutions, and does not refer to the curriculum in schools or madrasahs.
Abstrak
Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif-kualitatif yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan bagaimana pemanfaatan media sosial facebook dan instagram dalam proses pembelajaran bahasa Arab di Indonesia, sehingga media sosial tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai hiburan tetapi juga sebagai pendidikan. Obyek penelitian adalah Grup facebook belajar bahasa Arab dan Instagram @Arabiyahtalks. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Sedangkan teknik analisis data menggunakan model analisis data interaktif yang telah dikembangkan oleh Miles & Huberman yaitu: pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penjelasan data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: Penggunaan media sosial facebook & instagram sebagai media pembelajaran bahasa Arab yang dilakukan oleh Grup Akun Facebook Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab dan Instagram @Arabiyahtalks termasuk dalam pola pemanfaatan media di luar situasi kelas. Pengelolaan kedua akun tersebut bersifat mandiri, terlepas dari lembaga pendidikan formal dan tidak mengacu pada kurikulum di sekolah atau madrasah.
ASSESSING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR STRUCTURAL UTILIZATION OF GUADUA ANGUSTIFOLIA KUNT
Authors: CANDO WILSON , GARCIA INES , BUCHELI JORGE , Cando Camila
Published: March 2024

This research focuses on guadua cane, one of the most representative bamboo species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its importance lies in the physical-mechanical characteristics of each cluster, which will be presented in the development of this research. The study includes results for different structural solicitations, such as compression, flexural, and tensile strength, characterizing it as a suitable material for use in construction, distinguishing itself from wood due to its rapid growth. This research work outlines the criteria used for the experimental analysis of the material. Laboratory tests are employed to determine the physical-mechanical characteristics of guadua bamboo, including compressive strength, flexural strength, material elasticity modulus, and natural moisture content. The resulting experimental values obtained through laboratory tests will be compared with the permissible values indicated by the Ecuadorian Construction Standard NEC–SE–GUADÚA. If the values are lower than the permissible ones, the permissible value is considered. This process allows the use of these results in the structural design of houses with guadua bamboo.
KINETIC ARCHITECTURE AS A RESPONSE TO ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR TO CLIMATE, A CASE STUDY THROUGH VIRTUAL MODELS
Authors: Torres Manolo Jefferson , Aguirre-Maldonado Eduardo Bladimir , Cuenca Franklin Guillermo , Ordóñez Santiago Vicente
Published: March 2024

In the current global context, two critical challenges are being faced: the need to take advantage of renewable energies, as well as a technologically advanced architecture to deal with climate variability that has a direct impact on buildings, demanding, therefore, new adaptable proposals, in which the connections between these two variables are strengthened. As an answer to these questions, this research is based on kinetics in architecture, with its capacity to respond to different environmental scenarios through the integration of dynamic elements in buildings. In this sense, the aim of this work was to evaluate how the architectural proposal of a kinetic envelope in an existing building responds to climatic conditions. To achieve this, the methodology used was a case study, integrating simulation as a technique to imitate the behavior of the system, creating virtual models in the process using programs such as Rhinoceros and Grasshopper. The results demonstrated the potential of integrating movable architectural elements into the building envelope and their ability to regulate thermal conditions, with certain exceptions, especially during the colder months of the year, leading us to the conclusion that static façades, while providing a basic level of energy efficiency, lack the ability to adapt to climatic variability, compared to the kinetic envelope proposal which provided an effective adaptive response to climate, leading to the creation of more sustainable and liveable built environments in the future.
DESIGNATION OF THE HEAD LOSS COEFFICIENT IN FITTINGS CFD
Authors: Lapo-Pauta Mireya , Carrión-Coronel Eduardo , Pardo Cristhian
Published: March 2024

The optimization of pumping systems is important because it leads to an increment of improved energy efficiency. This study analyzes the hydraulic behavior of clean water through pressurized fittings which is analyzed numerically. The numerical experiment is carried out using Ansys Fluent software. The flow characterization through the fittings was performed using the coefficient of minor losses (KL). Two short radius elbows of 45° and 90°, and a PVC tee (simple) were used. The procedure used for the development of the numerical experimentation in this study is as follows: geometry construction, discretization, boundary conditions, configuration of the numerical simulation parameters, validation, CFD parametric study, and the analysis of results. The results of the flow simulation on the meshes showed a high sensitivity to the mesh size. To determine the optimal element size, a mesh independence study was performed, which consisted of refining the mesh to stable values. The numerical results were compared with values calculated using conventional equations for minor losses in the fittings. The KL values were characterized by two methods: in the first one the behavior of KL with respect to Reynolds number in turbulent flow was studied, in the second one the relative percentage of loss error was determined in comparison with previous investigations on this subject. The numerical results showed an acceptable relative error for the three simulated fittings.
CHARACTERIZATION OF EARTH, LIME, AND GYPSUM MORTARS IN THE CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE 16TH, 17TH, AND 18TH CENTURIES
Authors: LARA CALDERON MARCO LENIN , DEL PINO MARTINEZ INES ANGELICA , SANZ ARAUZ DAVID , LOPEZ ANDRES SOL
Published: March 2024

The historical mortars of three ecclesiastical assets of the Colonial Quito were analyzed, which by 1978 was declared as heritage by UNESCO. The emblematic works of Jesuits, Dominicans, and Franciscans, built between the 16th to 18th centuries have multiple constructive stages and interventions of which there is no technical record because of the historical and present space of worship, living and religious museum of Quito. The objective of the lining mortars characterization is to provide the clear information of the composition of the analyzed samples for better understand the constructive chronology of the churches and to determine which earth, lime, gypsum, etc. mortar was used frequently according to the epoch and religious order. A total of 48 samples of lining mortars of the interior and exterior of the temples were examined, with the protocols and norms on non-destructive essays suggested by the research team. The analysis comprising stereomicroscopy studies that were complemented with mineral characterization and quantitative analysis by X-ray diffraction, as well as polarized light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis of the samples, among others. The results in the laboratory allowed us to demonstrate the existence of earth mortars, lime and gypsum bastards, and gypsum mortars with carbonate aggregate, those elements have volcanic and metamorphic volcanic mineralogical composition, this allowed us to date into the constructive stages registered in the church. The results in the laboratory allowed us to demonstrate the existence of earth mortars, lime and gypsum bastards, and gypsum mortars with carbonate aggregate, those elements have volcanic and metamorphic volcanic mineralogical composition, this allowed us to date into the constructive stages registered in the church
LOGISTICS MODEL VS GOMPERTZ MODEL IN APPROXIMATION OF “S” CURVES IN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS PROJECTS
Authors: Merizalde Juan Enrique , Bermeo Paula Andrea , Osorio Juan Carlos , Castro Fernando Francisco , Cely Mauricio Bolívar
Published: March 2024

Much of the success of an engineering project depends on good planning. Most engineers use an S curve to estimate the relationship between the execution time variables and the financial resources available for construction. Mathematically speaking, the functions that can be used for said estimation are those that pass through the origin of the Cartesian plane, given that at the initial time of the project the cost used is zero, they are also increasing and upon reaching the estimated execution time it is expected to have used the total amount assigned for the work. This investigation began in 2019 where the forms of several executed water supply systems were taken and with this data, the planning curve was modeled with a logistic equation adjusted with least squares and validated with new projects to analyze its effectiveness. Now in 2023, data from new projects is added and a new model was made based on the Gompertz curve that has a graph similar to the logistic curve, but with the difference that the curvature at the beginning and end of the time interval it is not always the same, as is the case with the logistic equation model, and it is expected that this characteristic will improve the approximation to the real execution curve of the project. It is concluded that the Gompertz model is indeed better than the logistic equation model for this type of approach and a tool is presented that is used for decision making.
EVALUATION OF VEGETATION COVER DYNAMICS IN A SUB-TROPICAL CLIMATE USING HIGH-RESOLUTION MULTISPECTRAL DATA FROM UAVS
Authors: González-Jaramillo Víctor , Rodríguez-Cabrera Julio
Published: March 2024

The study of vegetation status is of great importance as it reveals environmental factors and their relationship with the availability of water resources, components that are relevant in the planification and execution of numerous civil engineering projects. Detecting changes in vegetation cover often requires data from space-based platforms, which may have limitations in terms of spatial or temporal resolution and high costs for acquiring high-resolution data. For relatively small areas, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a solution. These devices facilitate the acquisition of land cover information with high spatial and temporal resolution through the use of photographic cameras or specialized sensors. This research analyzes the vegetation status within a study area characterized by distinct climatic seasons (dry and humid) within a warm sub-tropical climate. The primary focus lies in detecting changes in vegetation cover and evaluating the overall state of the vegetation. To accomplish this objective, a multirotor UAV equipped with a multispectral camera that captures RED and NIR bands is deployed. Various vegetation indices based on distance and slope are applied to access the vegetation’s condition. The analysis of the results indicates that it is possible to evaluate the vegetation cover dynamics using the very high-resolution data obtained with the VANT approach (10 cm per pixel). Notably, the distance-based vegetation indices demonstrate superior efficacy in delineating the vegetation status and the stress induced by the scarcity of water resources during the transition between dry and humid seasons.
TEACHING LINEAR SCHEDULING THROUGH GAMIFIED ACTIVE EXPLORATION
Authors: Ilbeigi Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Previous research convincingly demonstrates that incorporating active and collaborative instructional methods, along with effective strategies to foster student engagement, consistently yields improved learning outcomes. However, conventional educational programs in construction engineering and management are often inflexible, providing limited opportunities for students to actively participate in experiential learning that could contribute to firsthand experience and guide them in finding solutions. This study addresses this gap by developing and empirically evaluating an innovative gamified pedagogical approach aimed at teaching linear scheduling through guided active exploration within a digital gaming environment. The proposed approach and its associated game are grounded in constructivist learning theory. A scenario-based interactive game named Zebel was created using the Unity game engine. Employing a set of pre-and post-assessment tools, the proposed method was implemented and assessed in a graduate-level course on construction planning and scheduling to gather empirical data. The results indicate that the proposed pedagogy effectively guided students, even those without prior knowledge of linear scheduling, in discovering fundamental concepts and systematic solutions for the presented problems.
HABITABILITY CONDITIONS IN SELF-CONSTRUCTED RURAL HOUSES WITHIN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Authors: Parra-Ullauri Andrea , Armijos Ekaterina , Mancheno Diego , Yépez Raul
Published: March 2024

In the Multidimensional Poverty Index, housing conditions carry a weight of 25%. In Ecuador in 2022, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, the rate of multidimensional poverty in rural areas was 70%, while the rate of extreme multidimensional poverty stood at 41%, accompanied by a Gini Index of 0.433. Paradoxically, the processes of globalization related to construction and modern material resources adapted from ancestral knowledge have led to worse habitability conditions in communities settled in the rural Paramus of the High Andes. This study aims to evaluate rural housing under extreme conditions of climate, topography, accessibility, and basic services, in order to establish strategies that are context-appropriate and promote house improvements through collaborative workshops. The conditions of 40 houses in two indigenous communities were assessed through direct observation and thermography. Site characteristics, spatial distribution, materiality and pathologies, along with perceived thermal comfort, were recorded on an adapted datasheet. The assessment was conducted by a researcher and the homeowner, with the objective of generating a participatory diagnosis. Data was analyzed using a multicriteria matrix proposed within a comprehensive framework for assessing building performance in the context of sociocultural and technical dimensions. The main results reveal that inhabitants uphold traditional aspects like collaborative construction processes, a relationship with the landscape, and efficient space utilization. However, the loss of ancestral construction knowledge and the influence of migration to cities have led to technical building errors; consequently, the majority of the dwellings exhibit structural vulnerability and poor indoor environmental quality.
NATURAL FIBERS FOR SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE MIXES
Authors: Lantsoght Eva , Batallas Josue , Hidalgo Nicolas , Montenegro Mateo , Orejuela Lourdes , Jativa Francisco
Published: March 2024

To meet the sustainable development goals, novel concrete mixes are necessary. Natural fibers are becoming an interesting new element for concrete mixes, because these fibers are biomaterials recovered from residual biomass and fit in the concept of the circular bioeconomy. In this paper, we catalogize research insights on concrete mixes with natural fibers, and pay special attention to natural fibers that are available in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador, to use local bio-based materials. We focus on examining information from the literature on how natural fibers influence the mechanical properties of concrete, namely the tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. Based on this analysis, we have developed recommendations on which natural fibers are of interest for further experimental research, with the aim to develop sustainable concrete mixes for Quito. Moreover, this paper gives insights in how natural fibers influence the mechanical properties of concrete and proposes a framework that translates to other regions and cities for the selection of local and adequate natural fibers.
RECENT ADVANCES IN THE FIELD OF BRIDGE LOAD TESTING
Authors: Lantsoght Eva
Published: March 2024

Load testing of bridges is commonly used to verify the performance of a bridge prior to opening as well as for the assessment of existing bridges. This paper reports on recent advances in the field of bridge load testing, based on experimental work carried out in Europe as well as international collaboration efforts. The experimental, numerical and analytical work that has been carried out in these past years is summarized. The main findings are: 1) modern instrumentation techniques (such as acoustic emission measurements and digital image correlation) can be combined with traditional measurements to gain more in-depth insights during and after the test; 2) for load testing to be fully compliant with current codes, a probabilistic substantiation of the methodology is needed; and 3) international collaboration is key in order to successfully update current codes and guidelines and develop recommendations and sets of best practices. The recent advances in North America and Europe have also resulted in improvements to the practice of bridge load testing in Latin America (in particular in Costa Rica and Colombia). To conclude, load testing is an important tool for engineers faced with the task of assessing existing bridges. The aforementioned efforts will result in improved recommendations for the assessment of concrete bridges by load testing to be included in codes and guidelines in Ecuador and other countries in Latin America.
IMPACT OF UNSEALED SURFACE PAVEMENTS ON AIR TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY IN PUBLIC SPACES
Authors: Aguirre-Maldonado Eduardo Bladimir , Alvarado Lorena Fernanda , Valarezo Sandra Vanessa , Balcázar-Arciniega Cristian André , Ordoñez Santiago Salazar
Published: March 2024

Public space allows the interaction and encounter of the population without distinction of age, race or gender. The use and permanence in these places depend on the accessibility and comfort experienced by the user. Among the main aspects that determine comfort is temperature control or control of the sensation of heat conditioned by thermal radiation, environmental conditions (air temperature and humidity, wind speed, shade and shelter), and individual factors (age, health, clothing, physical activity). Pavement options affect the sensation of heat, some, such as reflective or lighter-colored pavements can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing the absorption of solar radiation and lowering surface temperatures. This research focuses on the effects of thermal radiation from unsealed surface pavements on air temperature and relative humidity at different heights (5 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm). Measurements were recorded in central public places such as squares and parks in the city of Loja (Ecuador) exposed to high levels of solar radiation. The study mainly revealed that grass and white terrazzo presented lower surface temperatures and increased the relative humidity of the air at 150 cm, refreshing the environment and contributing to the mitigation of the heat island effect.
The Sport Applications and Implementations of Augmented Reality(AR) Technologies
Authors: ATEŞ Hakan
Published: March 2024

New generation digital technologies are being applied in new areas every day. Augmented
Reality (AR) technology is already being actively used in many different sectors from
healthcare to art and education. Recently, studies about AR technologies supported by
Artificial Intelligence (AI) were detected. In this study, AR technologies used in sports were
studied and research was carried out on the steps of implementation and application with
Unity software and briefly demonstrated. In addition, the first AR applications in sports were
analysed and information about their development processes was given. Then, AR
development software development kits are explained. In addition, some researches in the
literature about athletes and AR applications are also mentioned in this study. Information
was also given about Unity Mars, a special application development software for AR, which
will be published in the following years.
Термомеханические состояния гиротропных микрополярных тел
Authors: Murashkin Eugenii Valeryevich , Radayev Yuri Nikolaevich
Published: March 2024

Статья посвящена вопросам моделирования процессов теплопроводности в микрополярных телах, термомеханические состояния которых реагируют на зеркальные отражения трехмерного пространства. Построен новый вариант теории теплопроводности, в рамках которого тепловой поток оказывается псевдовектором алгебраического веса \(+1\), подобным псевдовектору спинорных перемещений. С этим вариантом теории связаны определяющие псевдоинварианты нечетного отрицательного веса (например, коэффициент теплопроводности и теплоемкость). Этой цели удалось достичь, выбрав естественные элементы объема и площади в виде псевдоинвариантов веса \(-1\). Для представления трансляционных перемещений использовался абсолютный контравариантный вектор, а для спинорных перемещений фиксировался контравариантный псевдовектор веса \(+1\). В результате тепловой поток, тензор силовых напряжений, плотность массы и теплоемкость оказываются псевдотензорными величинами нечетного веса. В качестве термодинамического потенциала используется свободная энергия Гельмгольца, отнесенная к единице естественного элемента объема, а функциональными аргументами выступают: температура, симметричные части и сопутствующие векторы линейного асимметричного тензора деформаций и псевдотензора изгиба-кручения. Обсуждается принцип абсолютной инвариантности абсолютной термодинамической температуры. Получено нелинейное уравнение теплопроводности и выполнена его линеаризация.
Об одном способе суммирования многомерных рядов
Authors: Sabitov Kamil Basirovich
Published: March 2024

Известно, что в курсах анализа кратные ряды рассматриваются лишь на понятийном уровне, приводятся их простейшие свойства. Широко распространены два способа суммирования кратных рядов Фурье - сферический и прямоугольный. В данной работе предлагается новый способ обоснования сходимости многомерных рядов путем их сведения к одномерному ряду, что позволяет применить известные утверждения для одномерных рядов к многомерным. В качестве иллюстрации указанного способа суммирования приведены примеры обоснования сходимости числовых и функциональных рядов.
Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination Directly from Culture Supernatant Using Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Pisal R. V. , Hrebíková H. , Chvátalová J. , Kunke D. , Filip S. , Mokrý Jaroslav
Published: March 2024

Ensuring mycoplasma-free cell culture is of prime importance as they severely affect cellular characteristics leading to experimental artefacts and spurious results. Various methods persist for mycoplasma detection; out of the whole array of methods polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most favoured one because it is highly sensitive, specific and quick. The PCR-based detection procedure involves three steps: cell culture supernatant collection, DNA isolation, and PCR. We have modified this procedure so that cell culture supernatant can directly be used for PCR without the need for DNA extraction. This modification makes the procedure quicker and more sensitive because loss of mycoplasma DNA is prevented and this loss becomes more significant when the level of mycoplasma contamination is very low.
Financial Market Development and Foreign Portfolio Investments in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Olubodun Abayomi Omoshola , Ogbebor Peter Ifeanyi , Wale-awe Isaac
Published: March 2024

The study investigates the effect of financial market development on foreign portfolio investment in Nigeria and South Africa between the periods of first quarter in 1995 to fourth quarter of 2022. The study employs an ex-post factor research design, the study deploys panel autoregressive distributed lag modelling. The inferences were made at 5% significant level. Findings from the study reveal that lagged Portfolio Investment is not statistically significant to foreign portfolio investment (coefficient = -0.5026613, p-value = 0.275), in contrast, lagged Stock Market Turnover Ratio has a significant positive coefficient (coefficient = 0.5696119, p-value < 0.000), indicating a positive short-term relationship with changes in Portfolio Investment. However, other lagged variables like Stock Market Capitalization, All Share Index, Broad Money Supply, and Real Credit to the Private Sector show coefficients without statistical significance, suggesting limited short-term predictive power. In the long run, the adjusted term for lagged Portfolio Investment exhibits a highly significant negative effect (coefficient = -1.502661, p-value = 0.001). Lagged Broad Money Supply and Real Credit to the Private Sector also lack statistical significance in the long term, while lagged Stock Market Turnover Ratio and All Share Index have statistically significant positive coefficients. However, Stock Market Capitalization lacks statistical significance in predicting long-term changes in foreign Portfolio Investment. In respect to the result, the study recommended that policy makers should implement measures to enhance transparency and regulation within financial markets to promote investor confidence and attract foreign capital inflows. This may include strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving reporting standards, and ensuring effective oversight mechanisms.
Dynamics and Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility Authenticity
Authors: Riaz Saba , Saleem Kashif
Published: March 2024

Authentic corporate social responsibility (CSR), defined as the belief that a company's CSR initiatives are an honest reflection of its "real self," has received little attention in the literature on micro-CSR and management. Establishing views of genuine CSR among workers is undoubtedly crucial for firms to fully reap the advantages of CSR, especially in a climate when charges of corporate greenwashing abound and cynicism about social responsibility initiatives is rampant. Using attribution theory as a framework, we investigate two possible reasons for engaging in CSR—strategic-driven and values-driven—to see how workers view the legitimacy of such efforts. Along these lines,weanalyze how genuine CSR impacts workers' faith in the company and their perceptions of organizational support. Finally, we use a social exchange theory framework to look at how CSR authenticity mediates the connection between how people perceive the organization's motives and two major outcomes, how people perceive the organization's support and trust, and how these outcomes impact how employees feel about the organization and how they act as citizens. According to my findings, workers' views of CSR authenticity are influenced by values-driven reasons. Moreover, these authenticity perceptions play a mediating role in the link between values-driven motives and perceived corporate support and trust. Employees' views of CSR authenticity and sentiments of perceived corporate support are two channels by which values-driven motivations favorably impact organizational citizenship activities, according to further study.
Impotent Husband Culpable Wife: Feminization of Infertility in Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay with Me
Authors: Abianji-Menang Ophilia A.
Published: March 2024

This paper examines infertility as a major reproductive health problem that brings shame and leads to social exclusion of women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Infertility is a global issue that affects couples; however, the concept has been institutionalised by the enterprise of patriarchy in Sub-Saharan Africa to make it a woman’s issue. The paper demonstrates how childlessness has been socially and culturally constructed in African societies to hold women responsible for a couples’ problem, irrespective of the male factors related to infertility. The purpose of this paper is to disseminate information on reproductive health, which is a challenging conversation in most African communities, due to the complexity in the subject. Based on Ayobami Adebayo’s novel, Stay with Me, the text explores the task of the postcolonial African literary artist in providing information on infertility (reproductive health) in their narrative, hence, the interrelation between literary discourse and reproductive health. Erving Goffman’s theory of stigma will be employed to portray how childlessness is a discrediting problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a traumatic experience that reduces women to a tainted and discount other. The institution of motherhood created by patriarchy creates stereotypes about childless women for the interest of sterile men. Considering that male and female factors of infertility co-exist, the dialogic approach of Mary E. Modupe Kolawole and Obioma Nnaemeka is necessary in the follow up and management of infertility rather than focus on the woman who may not necessarily be the problem.
Leading with Integrity: Revealing the Nexus in Private Sector Dynamics between Ethical Leadership and Employee Engagement
Authors: Younas Asifa , Saleem Kashif
Published: March 2024

With a focus on the south-northern region of the Punjab, Pakistan this quantitative correlational study explores the relationship between work engagement and ethical leadership in private enterprises within a developed geographic area. Based on the theoretical framework of ethical leadership theory by Brown et al. and the conceptual dimensions of work engagement by Schaufeli and Bakker, this study uses survey data from the Ethical Leadership Scale (ELS) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) to examine 150 conveniently sampled employees. The results, which were obtained using Pearson correlation analysis in SPSS V.24, provide strong evidence against the null hypothesis and show a substantial link between ethical leadership and total job engagement. Furthermore, particular job engagement dimensions—such as vigor, devotion, and absorption—show strong connections with ethical leadership in south-northern private enterprises. As a result, the results highlight the significance of ethical leadership in encouraging higher levels of employee engagement at work, offering insightful information to private enterprises looking to maximize worker productivity and results. In order to favorably impact the many aspects of work engagement and enhance the general well-being and productivity of employees in the private sector, especially in the south-northern region in Punjab, Pakistan the study suggests making strategic investments in ethical leadership.
Estudio del efecto del tratamiento con fármacos antidiabéticos sobre el metabolismo óseo
Authors: Padilla Apuntate Nuria , Puerto Cabeza Carmen G. , Gallego Royo Alba , Goñi Ros Nuria , Abadía Molina Claudia , Acha Pérez Javier , Calmarza Pilar
Published: March 2024

Objetivos

La prevalencia de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) está aumentando de forma exponencial en todo el mundo, habiéndose comprobado que estos pacientes tienen mayor riesgo de presentar fracturas óseas, con respecto a la población sana, por lo que resulta de gran relevancia el conocimiento del efecto de los fármacos antidiabéticos sobre el metabolismo óseo.

Métodos

Estudio estadístico descriptivo, retrospectivo, de 106 pacientes en tratamiento con seis grupos de fármacos antidiabéticos: insulina, inhibidores de dipeptidilpeptidasa 4 (iDPP4), agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (arGLP1), sulfonilureas, inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa tipo 2 (iSGLT2) y pioglitazona, en los que se determinaron osteocalcina (OC), fosfatasa alcalina ósea (FAO) y telopéptido C-terminal del colágeno tipo 1 o beta-crosslaps (β-CTx).

Resultados

Se encontraron concentraciones más elevadas de β-CTx en los pacientes tratados con pioglitazona que en los tratados con iDPP4 (p=0,035), iSGLT2 (p=0,020) y con arGLP1 (p<0,001), siendo los pacientes tratados con arGLP1 los que presentaron las concentraciones más bajas de β-CTx.

Conclusiones

El tipo de tratamiento antidiabético recibido en pacientes que padecen DMT2 puede afectar el remodelado óseo. En nuestro estudio los pacientes que fueron tratados con pioglitazona mostraron las concentraciones más elevadas de β-CTx con respecto al resto de grupos de fármacos, lo cual parece indicar la conveniencia de evitar estos fármacos, sobre todo en mujeres postmenopáusicas con DMT2. Los fármacos arGLP1 presentaron los valores más bajos de β-CTx, por lo que podrían ejercer un efecto beneficioso sobre el metabolismo óseo.
How precisely can x-ray predict the viability of wild flower plant seeds?
Authors: Tausch Simone , Leipold Martin , Reisch Christoph , Poschlod Peter
Published: March 2024

The detection of seed viability is an important step in seed production, as well as in conservation and restoration practice. Due to random natural events, the quality and viability of seeds of wild flowering species vary substantially, and hence a quick and reliable method for seed
viability assessment is desirable. X-rays provide information about the internal structures of a seed and therefore show promise for detection of viability and even germination capacity. Seeds of 207 accessions of 176 wild flowering plant species were x-rayed and the viability results were
compared with combined germination-TZ test results. Of special interest was whether there are certain plant families for which x-ray is an appropriate method for viability detection, considering correlations with seed internal morphology, seed mass and/or shape. The comparison revealed a strong
correspondence between viability determination by combined germination-TZ tests and by x-ray analysis. According to taxonomy and seed type, two main groups could be distinguished, that differed significantly in viability detection by x-ray and combined germination-TZ test. Whereas the evaluation
of little/non-endospermic seeds gave approximately identical results, there was greater discrepancy for of endospermic seeds. Seeds of different sizes and shapes were evaluated similarly with both methods. Especially for little/non-endospermic seeds, x-ray can provide a useful and quick tool
for viability detection, whereas for endospermic seeds, further research is needed. For the commercial seed industry, viability detection via x-ray should be the first step before further vigour testing is performed.
Convergence sets and relative stability to perturbations of a branched continued fraction with positive elements
Authors: Hladun V.R. , Bodnar D.I. , Rusyn R.S.
Published: March 2024

In the paper, the problems of convergence and relative stability to perturbations of a branched continued fraction with positive elements and a fixed number of branching branches are investigated. The conditions under which the sets of elements \[\Omega_0 = ( {0,\mu _0^{(2)}} ] \times [ {\nu _0^{(1)}, + \infty } ),\quad \Omega _{i(k)}=[ {\mu _k^{(1)},\mu _k^{(2)}} ] \times [ {\nu _k^{(1)},\nu _k^{(2)}} ],\]\[i(k) \in {I_k}, \quad k = 1,2,\ldots,\] where $\nu _0^{(1)}>0,$ $0 < \mu _k^{(1)} < \mu _k^{(2)},$ $0 < \nu _k^{(1)} < \nu _k^{(2)},$ $k = 1,2,\ldots,$ are a sequence of sets of convergence and relative stability to perturbations of the branched continued fraction \[\frac{a_0}{b_0}{\atop+}\sum_{i_1=1}^N\frac{a_{i(1)}}{b_{i(1)}}{\atop+}\sum_{i_2=1}^N\frac{a_{i(2)}}{b_{i(2)}}{\atop+}\ldots{\atop+} \sum_{i_k=1}^N\frac{a_{i(k)}}{b_{i(k)}}{\atop+}\ldots\] have been established. The obtained conditions require the boundedness or convergence of the sequences whose members depend on the values $\mu _k^{(j)},$ $\nu _k^{(j)},$ $j=1,2.$ If the sets of elements of the branched continued fraction are sets ${\Omega _{i(k)}} = ( {0,{\mu _k}} ] \times [ {{\nu _k}, + \infty } )$, $i(k) \in {I_k}$, $k = 0,1,\ldots,$ where ${\mu _k} > 0$, ${\nu _k} > 0$, $k = 0,1,\ldots,$ then the conditions of convergence and stability to perturbations are formulated through the convergence of series whose terms depend on the values $\mu _k,$ $\nu _k.$ The conditions of relative resistance to perturbations of the branched continued fraction are also established if the partial numerators on the even floors of the fraction are perturbed by a shortage and on the odd ones by an excess, i.e. under the condition that the relative errors of the partial numerators alternate in sign. In all cases, we obtained estimates of the relative errors of the approximants that arise as a result of perturbation of the elements of the branched continued fraction.
Louise Fowler-Smith, Sacred Trees of India: Adornment and Adoration as an Alternative to the Commodification of Nature
Authors: Haberman David L
Published: March 2024

Louise Fowler-Smith, Sacred Trees of India: Adornment and Adoration as an Alternative to the Commodification of Nature (Newcastle, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2022), 320 pp., £77.99 (cloth), ISBN: 978-1-5275-8833-2
Big data-driven risk decision-making and safety management in agricultural supply chains
Authors: Han Guanghe , Pan Xin , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2024

In the era of digitization, the integration of big data technologies has become instrumental in advancing agricultural supply chain management and bolstering risk decision-making processes. Agricultural supply chains, critical to ensuring food security and bolstering rural economies, face vulnerabilities stemming from a myriad of internal and external elements, including natural disasters and market dynamics. Consequently, the urgency to adopt effective risk management strategies is paramount. Contemporary studies have explored the utilization of big data in decision-making processes specific to agricultural supply chain risks, predominantly concentrating on preliminary risk prediction and characterization. Nonetheless, there exists a shortfall in comprehensively analyzing the intricate interplay among risk factors and establishing a holistic risk management decision-making framework based on such analyses. This research addresses these deficiencies through two principal investigative components. First, this research explores the analysis of risk factors and their interrelationships in the agricultural supply chain based on a decision tree algorithm with a transition structure. This algorithm enhances decision-makers’ understanding of risk factors and their interrelationships, and guide the implementation of effective risk mitigation measures and the formulation of contingency plans. Subsequently, the research constructs a corresponding data-driven multi-criteria decision-making method, assisting managers in balancing different risk management strategies in a volatile supply chain environment, considering costs, benefits, and feasibility to formulate the optimal strategy. The innovation of this research lies in the development of a novel risk analysis tool based on the transition decision tree algorithm. This is the first time that such advanced algorithms are applied to agricultural supply chain risk management, filling a gap in the current research. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to enhancing risk management practices within agricultural supply chains but also offer novel insights and methodological tools that are applicable in research and practices across related domains.
Unpacking Social Capital for Growth and Development of Islamic Boarding School
Authors: Al Muiz Mochamad Nasichin , Kurniawan Syamsul , Miftah Muhammad , Fitriyani Feny Nida
Published: March 2024

This article describes and analyzes the significance of social capital for the growth and development of the Integrated Islamic Boarding School Al Kamal in Blitar, East Java. It is the result of qualitative research aimed at illustrating, revealing, and explaining the importance of social capital for the Integrated Islamic Boarding School Al Kamal in Blitar, East Java. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, following John W. Creswell's qualitative research procedures. The data analysis technique used was interactive analysis, following the procedures of Matthew B. Miles, A.M. Huberman, and Saldana. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the presence of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) is closely related to the role of social capital. Besides serving as educational and religious institutions, pesantren also play a crucial role as social institutions within the community. Social capital has become a vehicle for their growth and development. This trend is evident in the Integrated Islamic Boarding School Al Kamal in Blitar, East Java, where its growth and development are intricately connected to the social capital it has built and possesses. The types of social capital developed by the pesantren include bonding social capital, bridging social capital, and linking social capital.
Exploring the Role of Religious Moderation in Islamic Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Unifying Potential and Practical Applications
Authors: Mala Asnal , Hunaida Wiwin Luqna
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore the role of religious moderation within Islamic Education as a unifying force in diverse societies. Employing a qualitative library research approach, this investigation delves into the concept and implementation of religious moderation, seeking to understand how it can foster moderate religious attitudes and mitigate tensions within pluralistic communities. The article encompasses an analysis of various sources, including perspectives from the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as a wide range of related literature. These sources, including books, journals, and other relevant materials, were collected and analyzed to produce a scholarly article. The findings suggest that religious moderation holds significant potential to bridge differences and cultivate unity in multicultural societies. The study highlights the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to Islamic education that incorporates the principles of religious moderation into the curriculum. Additionally, an understanding of religious moderation is also crucial at the family, community, and higher education levels to develop attitudes of tolerance and a balanced approach to religious life. This research aims to contribute additional insights into the concept and implementation of religious moderation within the context of Islamic Education and its potential to act as a cohesive and unifying element in diverse communities.Education and how it can contribute as an adhesive and unifier in a diverse society.
Influence of Solid and Liquid Red California Vermicompost (Eisenia foetida) on Lactuca sativa var. crispa L
Authors: ÖZBUCAK Tuğba , ALAN Hülya
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effects of different doses and applications of vermicompost formed by composting cow manure with Red California Worm Eisenia fetida (Lumbricidae) on the growth, development, and pesticide resistance of L. sativa var. crispa (Lettuce) was tried to be determined. Vermicompost was applied in solid and liquid form at rates 10%, 20% and 30%. The leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll amount (SPAD), number of marketable leaves, number of discarded leaves, leaf pH, leaf nitrogen content and pesticide residue analyze were examined in plant samples. In addition, texture, pH, organic matter, EC, total N, P, K, Mg and Ca analyzes were made in the soil samples and vermicompost used in the study.

According to the statistical analysis results of the study, it was determined that all results except leaf pH, the number of discarded leaves and pesticide residue analyzes were statistically significant in terms of vermicompost type and dose. In all the parameters studied, solid vermicompost application have higher results than both the control and commercial liquid vermicompost. The highest leaf length and width values were determined at 20% dose of solid vermicompost, while chlorophyll amount and leaf nitrogen values were determined at 30% dose. The number of marketable leaves was the same in all doses of solid vermicompost application. However, it was no found statistically significant difference in pesticide residue analyzes in terms of vermicompost types, dose amounts and vermicompost type-dose interactions. The fungicide residue levels were above MRL (Maximum residue limits) in all studied samples.
Content of Organic Acid and Essential Fatty Acid in Natural Sweet Chestnuts Growing in Giresun/Turkey
Authors: ŞENGÜL Ümit , ŞENGÜL Bünyamin , APAYDIN Elif
Published: March 2024

This study investigated organic acid and volatile fatty acid components of sweet chestnut fruits collected from naturally growing chestnut trees within the borders of Giresun province. For this purpose, chestnut samples were collected from 10 trees in different regions of Giresun province. The organic acid composition of chestnuts was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Essential oil components were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Five different organic acids, including oxalic, quinic, maleic, citric and succinic acid, were investigated in chestnut samples, and the highest oxalic and citric acid concentrations were found in chestnut samples. In the GC-MS analysis of chestnut samples, 18 fatty acids were detected and terpilonene (TPO) was the most abundant among them. Another vital component found in chestnut samples is limonene.