bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of microtensile bond strength and marginal adaptation of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Goteti Sameera Vidya , Anwarullah Anupreeta , Mandava Jyothi , Kantheti Sirisha , Pulidindi Hema , Chandolu Vedamani
Published: November 2024

Background:

Long-term durability of a restoration relies on the marginal integrity and its ability to withstand the occlusal forces. Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) exhibited superior properties in terms of fracture toughness, flexural strength, and wear resistance.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare marginal adaptation and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of posterior FRCs comparing with a condensable composite.

Materials and Methods:

Standardized mesio- and disto-occlusal cavities were prepared on 60 maxillary molars with 3.5 mm pulpal floor depth, 3 mm buccolingual width, and 1.5 mm axial depth. The mesial cavities were restored with everX Posterior and Build-It FRCs, while distal cavities of all teeth were restored with Alert composite and were thermomechanically aged. Half of the specimens from each group (n = 15) were evaluated for marginal adaptation under scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the other half were sectioned for μTBS testing with Instron testing machine. Bond failure mode was examined under SEM.

Results:

Marginal microgaps were significantly high for the Alert group than FRC groups. Gingival surface showed more gaps. Mean µTBS values were significantly high for FRCs. Cohesive failures are more among FRCs, and adhesive failures are more in condensable composite.

Conclusion:

The short FRCs showed superior marginal adaptation and better bond strength than condensable composite.
“Comparative evaluation of cytotoxicity of three herbal endodontic irrigants at three intervals of time” – An in vitro study
Authors: Suraksha H , Shetty Shibani , Jayalakshmi K. B. , Sujatha I. , Harishma S , Choudhary Saloni
Published: November 2024

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity of 25% of neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica), 20% of guava leaf extracts (Psidium guajava), and 20% of cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) irrigants at three intervals of time.

Methodology:

Four groups were formed (n = 15), Group 1 (control group) – normal saline solution, Group 2 – 25% of neem extract, Group 3 – 20% of guava extract, and Group 4 – 20% of cinnamon extract. Each group was further divided into three subgroups based on intervals (n = 5). Subgroup A – at 10 min, Subgroup B – at 20 min, and Subgroup C – at 30 min. One hundred microliters of each irrigant was added to 2 mL of the diluted red blood cells suspension obtained from a human volunteer. Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation was done with an automated hematology analyzer after incubating the test samples at 10, 20, and 30 min intervals.

Results:

The reduction in the mean Hb values was not statistically significant in the normal saline, guava, and cinnamon groups. However, in the neem extract group, the mean Hb values reduced significantly at P < 0.001. Among the subgroups, Subgroup A (10 min) showed the least cytotoxicity.

Conclusion:

In the present study, 20% guava extract had the lowest cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity increased with time. Hence, 20% guava extract can be used as an alternative to conventional irrigants as it has been shown to have the least cytotoxicity.
An in vitro comparison of the fracture resistance of MOD inlay restorations using different lithium disilicates
Authors: Mulla Mohammed Junaid , Singh Shishir , Kulkarni Gaurav , Podar Rajesh , Lokhande Ameya , Shetty Roshan , Kumar RS Mohan
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of MOD inlay preparations restored with two different lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Materials and Methods:

Standardized MOD inlay cavities were prepared on 64 human permanent premolar teeth and divided into two groups to be restored with lithium disilicate glass-ceramic materials, i.e. Group I with IPS e.max Press HT and Group II with Shofu Vintage LD Press T. The fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine and recorded in Newtons (N). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 17.0, IBM, USA). P <0.05 was set as a statistically significant level. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used to compare the fracture resistance values of both groups.

Results:

The mean fracture resistance value obtained for Group I (IPS e.max Press HT) was 565.04 N while that obtained for Group II was 732.75 N. Statistically significant difference was found in this intergroup comparison (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

The fracture resistance of MOD inlay preparations restored with Vintage LD Press T (Shofu) was significantly higher than those restored with IPS e.max Press HT (Ivoclar Vivadent).
A Combination of Cell Findings Improves the Accuracy of Voided Urine Cytology
Authors: Iwai Sachiko , Kinjo Mitsuru
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Urine cytology is a morphological diagnostic test that is, patient-friendly and easy to sample but subjective in morphological evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of combining cell findings to assess urine cytology.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty cell findings found in high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) were selected for morphological abnormalities, each with detailed definitions. All 66 HGUC and 30 benign cases were examined for morphological abnormalities. The number of cases with at least one abnormal cell finding deviating from normal cells was used. The HGUC and benign cases were compared using significance difference tests. Using the cell findings extracted by the exact tests, discriminant analysis was performed to determine the valid cell findings for HGUC diagnosis.

Results:

There was a difference in the detection rate of abnormal findings between HGUC and benign cases. Additionally, 20 cell findings were detected significantly more frequently in patients with HGUC. Furthermore, the discriminant analysis revealed that six cellular findings (high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, hyperchromasia, eccentric nuclei, nuclear protrusion, unevenly distributed chromatin, and irregular nuclear shape) showed high accuracy in confirming the diagnosis of HGUC.

Conclusions:

Five- to six-cell findings were individually valid; however, the combination of cell findings is crucial for an objective and accurate diagnosis of HGUC.
On the Chow and cohomology rings of moduli spaces of stable curves
Authors: Canning Samir , Larson Hannah
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we ask: For which

(g, n)

is the rational Chow or cohomology ring of

\bar{\mathcal{M}}_{g,n}

generated by tautological classes? This question has been fully answered in genus

0

by Keel (the Chow and cohomology rings are tautological for all

n

(1992)) and genus

1

by Belorousski (the rings are tautological if and only if

n \leq 10

(1998)). For

g \geq 2

, work of van Zelm (2018) shows the Chow and cohomology rings are not tautological once

2g + n \geq 24

, leaving finitely many open cases. Here, we prove that the Chow and cohomology rings of

\bar{\mathcal{M}}_{g,n}

are isomorphic and generated by tautological classes for

g = 2

and

n \leq 9

and for

3 \leq g \leq 7

and

2g + n \leq 14

. For such

(g, n)

, this implies that the tautological ring is Gorenstein and

\bar{\mathcal{M}}_{g,n}

has polynomial point count.
A Rare Case of Osteoblastoma of the Sacrum
Authors: Çalışkan Kamış Şule , Yağcı Begül
Published: November 2024

Osteoblastoma (OB) is a rare bone tumor. It is classified as benign and represents about 1% of all bone neoplasms. While it typically occurs in the axial skeleton, sacral involvement is extremely rare. Despite its non-malignant nature, OB can be locally aggressive and may lead to considerable morbidity if not addressed in a timely manner. This report discusses a unique case of sacral, focusing on the clinical, radiological, and surgical features.A 14-year-old male patient reported experiencing increasing pain in his left lower limb and lumbosacral region for two years. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral area identified a mass measuring 50x43 mm on the left side of the sacrum in T2-weighted images. Further evaluation with a positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scan indicated a destructive bone lesion in the left sacrum, measuring 43x40 mm, with a soft tissue component and increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake (standardized uptake value maximum: 11). The patient underwent surgical excision by a neurosurgery team, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of OB.Although OB is a benign tumor, its location can cause significant symptoms, particularly in rare areas like the sacrum. Diagnostic imaging modalities such as MRI and PET/CT are crucial for identifying the tumor and planning surgical intervention. The elevated FDG uptake observed on PET/CT indicated a metabolically active lesion, reinforcing the need for surgical treatment.Sacral OB is an exceptionally rare entity. This case underscores the need to include OB in the differential diagnosis of sacral lesions and illustrates the value of imaging in facilitating accurate diagnosis and management. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment, offering good clinical outcomes.
Middle Leadership in Educational Teams: Practices and Effects on the Development of Learning Communities
Authors: Pinheiro Generosa , Alves Matias
Published: November 2024

In a new context of management and teaching action, framed by the organisation of the school into educational teams, middle leaders can play a key role in promoting learning communities, teacher development and improving teaching. Therefore, it seems relevant to understand the practices of these leaders that make their leadership effective. To this end, we adopted a qualitative research paradigm, operationalised through a case study, combining a quantitative and qualitative approach. Thus, we articulated data analysis processes based on descriptive statistics, which we subjected to structural and semantic analysis and interpretation, with a qualitative approach, essentially based on content analysis, to delve into some unique contexts and the perspective of individual actors. After analysing the data, we conclude that educational team coordinators play a fundamental role in facilitating the interpersonal characteristics of learning communities, involving teachers in a more collaborative and collegial working environment. However, their role in facilitating teacher learning is weaker, which hinders their contribution to deepening teacher learning and changing classroom practices.
El Papel del Liderazgo Intermedio en la Promoción de Políticas de Educación Inclusiva a través de la Participación de la Comunidad Educativa en Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Ana Eloisa , Veiga Amélia
Published: November 2024

En Portugal, el marco jurídico crea las condiciones para una mayor participación de la comunidad educativa en la promoción de la educación inclusiva. Las medidas de apoyo al aprendizaje y a la inclusión de los alumnos destacan el papel de las estructuras de nivel medio en la promoción de esta participación. En esta línea, las organizaciones internacionales también hacen énfasis en la misma orientación, mostrando un alineamiento político tanto a nivel nacional como transnacional. El estudio sigue la propuesta teórico-metodológica del ciclo político de Stephen Ball. El análisis de los datos siguió el método de análisis temático. En este artículo, demostramos cómo la relevancia de la participación de la comunidad educativa emerge como tema en la educación inclusiva a través del análisis de documentos internacionales/nacionales, así como cómo este tema es interpretado y traducido en el contexto de la práctica por los líderes intermedios a través de entrevistas. Los resultados revelan una falta de articulación entre las políticas abogadas por las organizaciones transnacionales y las prácticas reportadas por coordinadores (líderes intermedios) de Equipos Multidisciplinares de Apoyo a la Educación Inclusiva particularmente en términos de inclusión y participación en el proceso educativo.
A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gamification on Student Learning Achievement
Authors: Diaz Alvie Faustino , Estoque-Loñez Henrilyn
Published: November 2024

Gamification is an educational strategy that makes learning fun and keeps students interested in learning, which helps them learn more and grow their knowledge. However, given its growing popularity, it is necessary to review empirical studies regarding gamification in education as an intervention for an effective teaching and learning process. Due to this need, the researcher conducted a meta-analysis to examine the impact of gamification on students' learning achievement across five moderator variables. Fifteen studies published between 2018 and 2022 were included in the review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Meta-essentials v. 1.5 were used to determine effect sizes (Hedge's g) and the outcomes of the forest plot, funnel plot, Begg-Mazumdar test, and moderator analysis. Findings revealed that gamification significantly and positively affected student learning achievement. The five moderator variables were found to be statistically insignificant. The results suggest that gamification would be appropriate across academic courses at all educational levels in Asian regions. Moreover, Kahoot is the gamified platform with the biggest effect size that could be used in well-designed in-person, online, or blended learning classes.
Leveraging ChatGPT for Scoring Students' Subjective Tests
Authors: Febrianti Tri Sedya , Fatimah Siti , Fitriyah Yuni , Nurhayati Hanifah
Published: November 2024

Assessing students' understanding of circle-related material through subjective tests is effective, though grading these tests can be challenging and often requires technological support. ChatGPT has shown promise in providing reliable and objective evaluations. Many teachers in Indonesia, however, continue to face difficulties integrating technology into assessments, highlighting the need for research on leveraging ChatGPT for scoring subjective tests. This study explores the potential of ChatGPT in mathematics education, specifically for evaluating students’ answers on subjective tests related to circles. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research investigates how ChatGPT analyzes student responses. The findings reveal that ChatGPT effectively processes the answers of 15 vocational school students, delivering results that are logical and well-structured. ChatGPT aids teachers by offering a comprehensive evaluation focused on accuracy, clarity, completeness, and technical terminology. This approach supports effective feedback and objective assessment, making ChatGPT a valuable tool for understanding and addressing students' mathematical comprehension issues.
Exploring Computational Thinking in Mathematics Education: Integrating ChatGPT with GeoGebra for Enhanced Learning Experiences
Authors: Yunianto Wahid , Galic Selen , Lavicza Zsolt
Published: November 2024

ChatGPT has become a significant topic of interest in the field of education, prompting of the potential applications of such technology. The utilization of ChatGPT may facilitate the fostering of 21st century skills, such as computational thinking (CT) and technology, which could subsequently provide a means of offering students personalized assistance. The current study presents the experience of students undertaking a GeoGebra-based mathematics+CT task with the assistance of ChatGPT. The data was collected and analyzed, including students’ screen recording, students’ interaction with ChatGPT, and the questionnaire. The findings indicate that a limited number of students were able to successfully construct objects on GeoGebra with the assistance of ChatGPT. Students were unable to provide a sufficiently detailed prompt to enable them to receive guidance. Nevertheless, the majority of students perceived ChatGPT as beneficial, although they felt that its responses required adaptation. This study highlights the importance of integrating and utilizing both ChatGPT and GeoGebra to enhance CT skills. Future research may examine the relationship between the expertise of using software or writing qualified prompts on ChatGPT and the effectiveness of responses.
Bibliometric Study on ChatGPT
Authors: Gusteti Meria Ultra , Rasli Amran Md. , Wulandari Suci , Mulyati Asrina , Hayati Rahmatul , Azmi Khairul , Elza Syerli Septia , Resi Nurma
Published: November 2024

Bibliometric studies are an important approach to understanding trends and dynamics in scientific literature. In the context of artificial intelligence (AI), ChatGPT has become an interesting research subject in recent years. This article presents a bibliometric analysis of ChatGPT from 2022 to April 2024, with a focus on publication trends, journals that published the most articles, number of citations, and keyword trends. Data were analyzed using bibliometric methods and information visualization. The main findings show fluctuations in the number of publications from year to year, with a significant increase in 2023 and 2024. Ten major journals publishing articles on ChatGPT were also identified, providing insight into the distribution of publications. Additionally, citation analysis highlights the most influential articles in the ChatGPT literature. The keyword network provides an understanding of the concepts most frequently associated with ChatGPT in the scientific literature. This research makes an important contribution to understanding developments and trends in ChatGPT research, while also identifying areas where further research can be expanded.
ChatGPT as a Learning Assistant: Its Impact on Students Learning and Experiences
Authors: Jalon Joel B. , Chua Goodwin A , Torres Myrla De Luna
Published: November 2024

ChatGPT is largely acknowledged for its substantial capacity to enhance the teaching and learning process despite some concerns. Based on the available literature, no study compares groups of students using ChatGPT and those who did not, more so in programming. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to examine how ChatGPT affects SHS students' learning of Python programming with students who did not use the AI tool. An independent t-test revealed that there is a significant difference between students who utilized ChatGPT and high-performing students who did not use it, but the observed difference is not likely to have practical significance, indicating the potential of ChatGPT to enhance students’ programming proficiency. The effectiveness of ChatGPT in providing solutions and improving understanding was also supported through students' experiences. Four themes were derived from the thematic analysis of students’ shared experiences: students were appreciative and satisfied, students were amazed and surprised by ChatGPT’s ability, students acknowledged ChatGPT’s limitations, and students treated ChatGPT like a human being. The study concludes that ChatGPT can complement conventional teaching approaches but underscores the importance of independently cultivating students' problem-solving abilities, and cooperation between educators and developers can augment the role of AI-driven tools in education.
The Contribution That Utilizing Generative AI for Problem Posing Makes to Pre-Service High School Mathematics Teachers' TPACK
Authors: Segal Ruti , Biton Yaniv
Published: November 2024

Fifteen pre-service mathematics teachers studying in a teachers college participated in a unique program entitled "From high-tech to teaching" as part of a specialization program for teaching advanced secondary school mathematics. During the course, they solved various mathematical problems and then were asked to pose additional problems and upgrade them to meet precise educational goals by furnishing "prompts" to a generative AI environment (ChatGPT) and refining them as necessary according to predefined steps. To understand how this process contributed to the pre-service teachers' body of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK), they were asked to respond to a questionnaire (ten Likert-type statements; six open-ended questions).The findings indicate that posing problems in an AI environment increased their technological knowledge vis-à-vis the advantages of the environment itself and how to generate effective prompts to obtain relevant responses. They also became aware of some disadvantages. With respect to their technological-pedagogical knowledge, integrating AI at challenging pedagogical junctures (e.g., tailoring problems to students' individual needs) provided diverse pedagogical ideas. Although AI involves some challenges (e.g., all suggestions must be critically examined), overall they expressed satisfaction with the concept and indicated they would use it in the future.
Determining the Empathy Level of Coaching Education Students in the Sports Environment
Authors: Ceviker Abdulkerim , Unlu Cisem , Turgut Abdüsselam , Turkmen Ecem , Karaman Cam Merve , Kara Emre , Hafizoglu Fatma
Published: November 2024

The high level of empathy in the sports environment makes it clear that each individual in the sports factor displays a positive attitude in society and is positively influenced in terms of sporting success. This research was conducted to determine the level of empathic tendency of students in the Department of Coaching Education and to examine the effects of demographic differences on empathic tendency scores. The research group consisted of a total of 226 volunteers, 98 females and 128 males, studying in the Department of Coach Education, with a mean age of 21.66±2.26 years. The Empathy Scale in the Sports Environment was used in the study. Independent T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test were used for the data collected in the study. According to the results of the study, there was a significant difference in the sub-dimension of emotional empathy in sports in relation to gender (p0.05). The significant difference was in favor of men. Although there was a significant difference between the groups when the total score of the scale was compared in the students' grade levels, no significant difference was found in multiple comparisons. A positive and significant relationship was found between sports age and emotional empathy in sports. These values show that emotional empathy in sport tends to increase with increasing sporting age. The findings demonstrate that the empathic tendencies of people who participate in sports are at a similar level regardless of gender, age and class variables, but as sports experience increases, so does the emotional empathy level. Applied training programs should be developed to improve empathy skills in sport science faculty and studies should be conducted to strengthen students' emotional and social skills in the sport environment.
Implementation of Early Language, Literacy and Numeracy (ELLN) Program: Through the Lens of the Supervisors
Authors: Emata Charlyn Y.
Published: November 2024

The qualitative – case study aimed to unveil the supportive leadership practices of supervisors in the implementation of Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (ELLN) in terms of fostering learner-centered pedagogical practices; providing conducive learning environment; ensuring a balanced curriculum; capacity building; fostering multi-cultural awareness; and building connections, anchored on DepEd vision, mission and core values. There were five (5) supervisors who participated in the study. Of the five (5), three (3) were Education Program Supervisors and two (2) were Public Schools District Supervisors.  As to the supportive leadership of supervisors in terms of fostering learner-centered pedagogical practices, four (4) themes emerged: advocating developmentally appropriate techniques; conducting trainings; doing monitoring and evaluation; and encouraging coaching and mentoring. As to providing conducive learning environment, two (2) themes emerged: providing instructional materials; and ensuring an enabling environment. In terms of ensuring a balanced curriculum, two (2) themes emerged: adhering to standards; and contextualizing the curriculum. As to capacity building, one (1) theme emerged, which was conducting professional development activities. In terms of fostering multi-cultural awareness, one (1) theme emerged, which was promoting inclusive education. In terms of building connections, one (1) theme emerged, which was advocating stakeholder engagement. The DepEd vision, mission and core values served as guide to the supervisors.
La devoción de la familia real española a San Fernando en la época moderna
Authors: Porres Benavides Jesús
Published: November 2024

La familia real española ha mantenido una gran devoción hacia su antepasado Fernando III de Castilla prácticamente desde su muerte. Adicionalmente, la monarquía tenía gran interés en tener algún monarca canonizado entre sus miembros al igual que otras casas europeas. En este artículo analizamos especialmente a la casa de Austria y posteriormente el inicio de la dinastía borbónica. Respecto a los Habsburgo, hubo reyes muy implicados en el proceso de canonización como fueron Felipe IV y su hijo Carlos II. También los Borbones tendrán una especial estima a su “abuelo”, con ejemplos destacables como Felipe V que, en 1729, al inicio del lustro real en Sevilla, inaugura la nueva urna a la que traslada los restos del santo o Carlos IV, que viaja expresamente a Sevilla en acción de gracias por la curación de una de las infantas.
Legal Personality of Artificial Intelligences: From the classical canonical concept of legal person to the design of a specific legal personality and a Registry of Artificial Persons
Authors: López Segovia Carlos
Published: November 2024

On 16 February 2017, the European Parliament made recommendations to the Commission about civil law rules on robotics, including a proposal to design a specific legal personality for autonomous robots and most sophisticated Artificial Intelligences with the capacity to make decisions and interact with third parties. Although the recent European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act presents notable advances on supervision, surveillance, control and registration in this field, the question of legal personality remains an open issue. In order to design a specific concept along the lines of the European Parliament’s proposal and to make further progress along this legal line, the classical concept of legal person devised by Sinibaldo Fieschi is an essential reference.
Implications of Pollution and Weather Fluctuations on the Economic Health of India’s Labour Workforce
Authors: Arora Siyona
Published: November 2024

India's quest for globalisation and increased economic growth has been long and arduous, more so for some than others. In the past 4 years, India has seen a massive boom in the number of infrastructural projects aimed mainly at creating job opportunities to become a global superpower, but the weakening of environmental protection has marred this progress. Most daily wage workers in India earn 30-60% of the government's prescribed minimum wage (Labour Availability on Construction Projects, 2020) and aren't aware of their rights. The main objective of this paper is to ascertain the different causes of ill health in India’s unskilled labour, determine the relationship between poor health and labour productivity and harness computational economics to alleviate the harmful impacts the workforce faces owing to pollution.
Plants Mind and Consciousness: A Theory of Plants Consciousness
Authors: Frimpong Frank Asamoah
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this research is to find out whether plants species have mind and consciousness, or whether plants have conscious awareness of themselves and their environment comparable to the human mind and consciousness. To begin with, this Paper has hypothesized that plants, animals, and human beings meet certain natural challenges that compel them to develop attributes and capabilities through (their common urge to survive) to cope with those challenges in the world. Thus, all living organisms, plants, animal, and human beings face the challenges to feed and avoid being eaten (or find a way around being eaten as plants do), to pass on their genes to the next generation for the perpetuation of their species. Human beings do it, animals do it, and plants also do it. Secondly, to be able to adapt to your environment, pass on your genes, take care of your offspring for the perpetuation of your species that animals have, human beings have, and plants also have, you got to have consciousness in the first place. However, in the third place, human adaptation to their environment as well as human behavior is powered by human consciousness or (according to neuroscientists), the human brain. But what about plants that obviously do not have brains? What type of consciousness fuels plants ability to adapt to their environments for their obvious survival activities? The search for the type of consciousness that powers plants activities of survival has led to these postulates: Consciousness consists of two main parts namely: a) Cosmic Consciousness and b) brain derived consciousness. c) Human beings use their brain derived consciousness (known as objective consciousness) for their behavior, while plants use their Cosmic Consciousness for their activities of survival. Hence, consciousness is dual, not monist, but dual consisting of Cosmic Consciousness (that plants use) and brain consciousness (that is responsible for human behavior). This Paper has focused on Plants use of Cosmic Consciousness for their activities of survival with regards to the topic of crosspollination that will be clear evidence that plants have consciousness. Plants use their Cosmic Consciousness for their activities of survival in many ways but the most prominent use of Cosmic Consciousness by plants can be clearly demonstrated in plants intentional and conscious control of the process of their fertilization widely known as Crosspollination. This is what this Paper has laid out as valid proof beyond any scientific doubt that Plants indeed have consciousness. So, what is crosspollination? How do plants consciously control crosspollination?
Evaluating the Impact of Microfinance on Socioeconomic Development in India: A Comprehensive Assessment
Authors: Odhrani Jaydeep
Published: November 2024

Given that access to conventional financial services is rather limited, particularly in rural areas, microfinance serves as a significant driver of social and economic development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of microfinance, with a focus on self-help groups (SHGs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), in tackling poverty, women empowerment, and financial inclusion in India. This study, based on secondary sources and the analysis of such, shows that programs like the SHG-Bank Linkage Program have enabled low-income households to access credit and led to improved income generation and financial stability. Women, who comprise the majority of MFI clients, have particularly benefited, gaining greater empowerment and decisionmaking power within their households and communities. Despite these successes, however, challenges remain, such as regional differences in accessing microfinance resources and rising non-performing assets (NPAs), which were worsened by COVID-19. The study also highlights the immediate need for targeted interventions such as financial literacy programs, improved risk management, and digital financial solutions, in order to keep microfinance's role in inclusive growth.
A Framework of Visual Effects in Digital Content to Foster Creative Thinking, Learning Readiness, and Student Performance in Schools
Authors: Mohammad Abu Aladeeb Maha Zuhair Ahmed , Mai Dr. Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Particularly in abstract sciences, elementary stage students sometimes struggle to grasp scientific topics. Thus, depending simply on conventional learning approaches would result in a lack of creative thinking in the learning process and a weak preparedness to continue in the study. This situation calls for alternative learning techniques including visual effects based on digital information. This paper aims to investigate the interactions among visual impacts in digital material, creative thinking, learning readiness, student performance. The correlations between visual effects in digital material, creative thinking, learning preparedness, and student performance were examined in this paper using quantitative approaches. The population consists of UAE's teaching personnel for elementary schools. Data tool is a self-administered questionnaire. 700 teachers in 248 Abu Dhabi schools is the sample used for the data collection. The survey process has followed a simple random sample method. Data analysis is done with SPSS program. Data analysis and hypothesis testing of this study have been done using SEM and regression analysis. The findings showed that visual impacts in digital material significantly influence creative thinking, learning readiness, and student performance as well as creative thinking and learning readiness have major effects on student performance. Thus, including visual effects into digital textbooks is a good way to enhance UAE students' learning process. Therefore, this study advises include visual impacts in education curriculum; while future studies in this subject should assist the policymakers in the ministry of education to control alternative learning approaches and develop new standards for this aim.
Pioneering Progressive Strategies: Leveraging E-commerce Platforms for the Growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Authors: Lakhotia Kartik
Published: November 2024

The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in India is a significant contributor for the socio-economic expansion within the nation. This sector has attained considerable prominence due to its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation and as well as exports. Furthermore, it has contributed enormously by generating tremendous employment opportunities and building entrepreneurship skills, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions within the nation. This research paper highlights the classification of the MSME sector in terms of investment and annual turnover of firms and the sector's evolution and proliferation in India. The major chunk of this research concentrates on a case study of leveraging e-commerce platforms for the growth of the MSME sector in India, conducted by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in 2023. The study provides the details of the demographics of the survey respondents, various features of MSMEs integrated with e-commerce platforms like the age and educational qualifications of the proprietors and the firms’ investments and sources of financing. It also discusses the average turnover of such firms and the export capacity of MSMEs employing e-commerce platforms, their ability to utilize digital platforms, the obstacles this sector faces, the subsequent policy amendments needed and a critical analysis of the survey.
A Game-Theory Analysis of Political Decision-Making in Geopolitical Hotspots: Perspective on Crisis Management in Border Disputes
Authors: Shetty Dhatri Jagadeesh
Published: November 2024

This This review analyses the application of game theory and behavioural economics to political decision-making in geopolitical hotspots, with a focus on border disputes. Using case studies, it highlights how strategic interactions and psychological factors like loss aversion influence crisis management. The paper aims to provide insights for mitigating tensions and improving conflict resolution strategies
The Nexus Between Foreign and Portfolio Investments, and Youth Unemployment in Kenya
Authors: KIOKO JOSPHAT MUTUKU , KIMUNIO DR. ISAAC
Published: November 2024

Youth unemployment is a global problem as countries at different stages of development that is underdeveloped, developing and developed are grappling with the problem of youth unemployment, which has been addressed in different country specific ways. Investments of whatever form are the life wire of the economy. Investments are a remedy for macroeconomic problems of unemployment, income inequality and economic growth. Investments change the economic structure to affect certain economic sectors eyed by private and public sectors. Investments from foreign entities provide a supportive role in an open foreign economic system with accompanying effects on economic development and growth. Foreign direct investments effects are seen unevenly or uniformly around the globe due to variety economic conditions. Investments in whatever form in a certain country is a key ingredient of economic growth or a catalyst of growth and development leading to job creation for the youth and other people in the labor force. Facilitated portfolio investments and capital market ease of penetration are pull factors for investors. The study seeks to determine the investments effects on Kenya’s youth unemployment rate. The study objectives are to determine the foreign direct investments and portfolio investments effects on Kenya’s youth unemployment rate. Investments have not been much prioritized to affect the level of youth unemployment; this informs this research work. The Keynesian theory of unemployment anchors the study. This research would be non-experimental as the time series data would be collected from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, World Bank Development Indicators and Central Bank of Kenya for 1993 to 2022 period. Time series properties of trend and stationarity that is unit roots tests were tested for all the variables if it exists before estimation. Linear regression assumptions of homoscedasticity, linearity and collinearity were tested before estimation. Multiple regression analysis method was used to analyze stationary data. Tables were used to present results. Study findings, on the effect of foreign direct investments had a statistical insignificant effect on youth unemployment ages 15- 24 years in Kenya while portfolio investments had a statistical insignificant effect on youth unemployment rate ages 15-24 years in Kenya. Conclusion of the study, portfolio investments and foreign direct investments t-statistics were insignificant at five per cent (5%) level of significance therefore could not affect the level of youth unemployment rate ages 15-24 years. Recommendations of the study portfolio investments, foreign direct investments and other forms of investments should be directed towards labor absorbing sectors so that different categories of unemployment can be absorbed thus employment creation. Kenya’s macro-economic measures need to be directed towards all categories of unemployment.
An Analysis of the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 on Female Labour Force Participation in India
Authors: Bagga Priyanshi
Published: November 2024

The financial emancipation of women is crucial for female empowerment and economic growth. Participation of women in the labour force equips them better to combat socio-economic issues while simultaneously boosting economic activity and GDP at the macro level(Buterin et al., 2023). Despite this, even in the 21st century, women's participation in the workforce is less than 47% compared to 72% for men(The Gender Gap in Employment: What’s Holding Women Back?, n.d.). The reasons for this disparity include both demand-side (opportunities for women to work) and supply-side (availability for women to work) factors. This paper explores women's labour force participation in India and the factors influencing it. It evaluates the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 as a demand-side policy intervention to improve women’s labour market participation using secondary data. The results of this research indicate that the policy has helped improve the income, employment and decision-making power of women. Yet, the research indicates that the programme faces several structural constraints in providing employment and fails to address the long-term supply-side issue of low female labour market participation.
Impact of Orunodoi Scheme on Women Empowerment of Assam: A case study of Topatoli village under Sonapur Block of Kamrup (M) District of Assam
Authors: Chandra Pegu Dr. Nijan
Published: November 2024

The Orunodoi Scheme in Assam targets specific categories of people based on socio-economic criteria to ensure it reaches those most in need of financial support. The Scheme primarily aims to benefit female heads of households who are economically vulnerable. Under this scheme, eligible women receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1000, which is intended to help them manage household expenses and reduce economic burdens. This direct benefit transfer empowers women by enhancing their financial independence and providing a steady source of income. This paper tries to study the economic empowerment of rural women due to the scheme and to identify various challenges faced by rural woman in accessing, utilizing scheme benefits of the study area. For these purpose data have been collected from both secondary and primary sources and analysed with different statistical techniques.
Mao Zedong’s Theories on Labor Collectivization and Political Decentralization (1958-63)
Authors: Jeong Nathan
Published: November 2024

This paper attempts to most completely and holistically define Mao Zedong’s political opinions, philosophical theory, and general rationalizations that influenced or motivated the methodologies of the Great Leap Forward campaign, including this movement’s radical principle goals of decentralization and collectivization. It will not, however, delve into the collectivization’s failures nor its indubitable impact, but rather the theoretical reasonings propelling Mao into creating the movement. This paper builds on and accounts for previous works like Tetsuya Kataoka’s “Political Theory of the Great Leap Forward” (1969), addressing its thoughtful insights but also its shortcomings, analyzing both pre existing research in the field with Mao’s original works in effort to contribute meaningful interpretations to discussions on Mao Zedong thought and its influence.
Empowerment Potential in Gig Economies for Lower Income Strata
Authors: Thapar Ditya
Published: November 2024

The growth of the gig economy is directly related to the expansion of digitalization and internet facilities due to the convenience of connecting firms and employees online. The growth of this economy has had an impact on the reduction of unemployment. The methodology used is a mix of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data utilized are from government sources. Preliminary data indicated that 56% of new employment being generated in India is by gig economy companies across the blue-collar and white-collar workforce. The study looked into balance sheets and other financial data of Uber and Swiggy. The growth of this sector involved the understanding of cost-effectiveness for the employer as well as the employee working on a contractual or temporary basis. It was found that the important factors were whether the economy is developed or developing, additional income or primary income, and the education and skill set of the employee. Employment opportunities have increased and this could be the future for countries like India, where the demographic dividend could be effectively utilized. This sector's problem is ensuring that workers are not being exploited. The paper will analyze the increasing importance of the “Gig Economy.” How important are these economies in solving issues like employment for both developed and developing economies? Is this an alternative to the ‘Formal Employment’ type of model for economies? How far does employment in this sector help empower the workforce? Does it address the gender inequalities that exist in all economies? How important is this sector as an addition /alternative to the informal sector of developing economies? These and many such questions will be attempted in the course of research.
Didaculturation in Literature Class
Authors: Kerras Nassima
Published: November 2024

This study aims to present a new concept (Didaculturation) based on the work of the author Formoso (2021), a specialist in the analysis of cultures. Formoso has proposed a notion (Coculturation) focused on the importance of the coexistence of different cultures, moving away from the separating theories and terms that are often used in plural societies. Our approach (Didaculturation) aims to take up this definition and apply it to didactics. We centre on teaching literature as a field of verbal and written expression, including narratives that often reflect social actions that must be explained in class under a cultural approach. It should be done in this way for an effective reception of the message and the positive coexistence between people. This is in addition to teaching the stylistic, aesthetic or poetic functions.
Commodity Analysis of Carbohydrate Food Availability in the Banyumas Regency Area
Authors:   Fakultas Peternakan Dan Pertanian, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia, Fimbriata Fitrizka Acha , Dwiloka Mukson, Bambang ,   Fakultas Peternakan Dan Pertanian, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
Published: November 2024

The study aims to determine the potential of carbohydrate food sources regarding the availability of carbohydrate food sources in Banyumas Regency. The research method is carried out through descriptive research. The data used in this study are primary data sourced from the services or agencies related to the problem being studied, namely the Banyumas Regency BPS, and the Banyumas Regency Agriculture Service. With SPSE analysis. The results of the study concluded that in Banyumas Regency there is availability of carbohydrate food sources, namely rice, corn, and cassava. The suitability of land and climate conditions is the main consideration for farmers to grow rice, corn, and cassava. Dry or marginal land in Banyumas Regency can be planted with one or even all three of these plants. In carbohydrate commodities in the last 5 years, namely in 2019-2023, almost every sub-district has a good food security value. Where these conditions make rice, corn and cassava the main commodities to meet food availability