bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Destructive Assessment of Agarwood Resin Formation Status in Aquilaria crassna using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Herath, H.M.W.A.I.  , Jinendra, B.M.S.
Published: February 2024

Agarwood is a unique and valuable resin synthesized within a few tree species of the tree family Thymelaeaceae primarily as a self-defence mechanism against stress causes such as fungal invasions. Instead, artificial inoculation leads to short-time harvesting practiced in intensive commercial-level cultivations. The extraction of this resin can be done only after the harvesting where accurate estimation of resin yield is crucial for avoiding immature or underdeveloped harvesting. However, the amount of resin accumulated in the trunk cannot be estimated by the outside inspection. As a result, trees are being cut down before they have reached their maximum harvest potential. Therefore, precise detection of fragrant resin formation status inside the tree has become one of the primary challenges in the agarwood production industry. Currently, the methods available are either destructive, inefficient, or inaccurate. As such, this study evaluates the possibility of the use of NIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive and quick detection method for agarwood formations status inside trees in the in-situ mode. Near-infrared (NIR) range (588–1,025 nm) spectra were acquired from resin-formed and non-formed areas from twenty tree trunks of agarwood with five different formation levels. The best agarwood formation areas of logs were assigned as class level 1 and the least was assigned as the class level 5. The spectra were acquired near the opening made for the artificial inoculation process of considered Aquilaria crassna tree trunks. The results of Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogies showed consistent evidence of differences in the NIR spectral profiles of all levels of agarwood formations. The SIMCA discrimination between the resin developed versus not was achieved with 86% accuracy. The accuracy rates of the degree of the presence of agarwood were obtained as 80%, 100%, 85%, 90%, and 85% respectively, as assigned levels 1 to 5 in the SIMCA models. This research revealed the potential possibility of using NIR technology for the prediction of agarwood resin status inside the agarwood tree in A. crassna before harvesting the tree as a non-destructive and rapid method.

 

Keywords: NIR spectroscopy, Agarwood, Aquilaria crassna, Non-destructive, Agarwood formation
Surface Modification of Montmorillonite Clay Towards the Fabrication of Nanocomposites for Engineering Applications
Authors: Nayanthara, H.H.D.  , Karunarathne, P.K.D.M.C.  , Narangoda, C.J.
Published: February 2024

Montmorillonite (MMT) is a layered clay mineral composed of silica and alumina sheets with a layer thickness of about 1 nm qualifies it as a two-dimensional nanomaterial. MMT is found in natural clay ores in the Murunkan, Kirinda, and Okanda areas in Sri Lanka. Nanocomposites with enhanced physical and mechanical properties can be prepared by dispersing MMT in a polymer matrix. However, the hydrophilic nature of MMT hinders the incorporation of MMT into hydrophobic polymer matrices. Hence, a suitable surface modification is required to make MMT compatible with polymers. The present study was based on the preparation and analysis of organically modified calcium Montmorillonite (Ca-MMT)-polypropylene nanocomposites as a green technology initiative. Homo-ionic Ca-MMT was prepared by treating commercial MMT-K10 with a CaCl2 solution. The predominant exchangeable divalent cations present in MMT-K10 and Ca-MMT were determined using AAS. The cation exchange capacity of Ca-MMT was about two times greater than that of MMT-K10. Furthermore, XRD analysis showed a slight increase in d- spacing of Ca-MMT compared to MMT-K10. A novel ligand, triethylene glycol dodecyl methyl ether was synthesized by treating triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (TGME) with 50% w/w aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide followed by 1-bromododecane with the molar ratio of TGME:NaOH:1-bromododecane in 1:2:2. The crude product was purified by column chromatography and characterized by FTIR and GCMS analysis. Hydrophilic Ca-MMT was surface modified with the organic ligand presumably via the coordination of triethylene glycol moiety with Ca2+ cations at the outer edge of the MMT particles. The long aliphatic chains in the periphery of the modified MMT particle make it more organophilic. Modified Ca-MMT was characterized by XRD, TGA, and FTIR analysis. The XRD revealed a slight increase in the d-spacing related to the 001 plane of modified Ca-MMT compared to unmodified clay. The effect of modified Ca-MMT loadings (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite was studied. The results implied an enhancement of the mechanical properties in terms of impact resistance, hardness, and flexural properties in the nanocomposite compared to the virgin polymer. The fabricated nanocomposite is a promising engineering material that may have applications in automotive, construction, and packaging products.

 

Keywords: Montmorillonite, Polypropylene, Nanocomposite, TGME, Compatibility
Computer Based Medical Art Applications In 3D Animated Films case study: “The Inner Life Of The Cell”
Authors: Kılınçarslan Yasemin
Published: February 2024

At the present day interdiciplinary studies has been gaining big importance. Especially scientific studies has been using thecomputer based designs. In historical period, medical illustrations had been created to express the scientific inventions andobservations about human body. The first attempts of these can be seen in the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci’s illustrations. Heis the first medical illustrator and artist. Medical art sustains an information about medical and scientific discourse to everdaylife in which public opinion is formed. Additional, the space aimed discoveries is tansformed to human body. It is an importantcosmos changing. Unknown has been searching for in the human body instead of outside of the world. It is apperant that,diffirent philosophical paradigms should be evaluated in the field of both medical and visual arts. In this study, the scientificartistic production of 3D animation film of “Inner life of the cell” which was produced and created by Harvard University will beanalysed in the light of scientific artistic dimensions. Every activations innerside of a cell is like a simulation of the real world inwhich all the live organisms and social life relations are shaped. Hence, it can be seen as an scientific artistic dramatic production.In this study, all these dimensions will be analysed through visual materials.
US-CHINA RIVALRY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), ASTAFIEVA Ekaterina M.
Published: February 2024

The article analyzes the rivalry between the United States and China in the South Pacific using the example of expanding cooperation between both powers with the Solomon Islands, a state that seeks to focus its foreign policy agenda and the development of international cooperation on the internal needs of the country.
WHY A NEW FOREIGN POLICY CONCEPT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IS IMPORTANT FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS?
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), GARIN Artyom A.
Published: February 2024

The Pacific Islands are a diverse and unique region consisting of thousands of islands scattered across the vast ocean. Although they differ in terms of geography, culture and economic weight, they all have a common question: what is their role in the geopolitics of the 21st century and in building a new world order. For a long time, the Pacific Islands were perceived by long-established major actors in the region only in terms of geostrategic benefits. However, times are changing, and there is a growing demand for a more sovereign foreign policy among the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). It's especially important to consider their specific needs and support the pursuit of economic, industrial and technological development. The potential PICs' inclusion in new international platforms, for example, in BRICS+, is seen as relevant here. Many of the countries in the association are already known to them. Common points of foreign policy and development vision can also be traced in the new Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. The document not only defines the vector of the country's future interaction with the Asia-Pacific, but also emphasizes the importance of independent foreign policy and fair access to economic development for all countries. The article examines tectonic shifts in the international arena, Russia's role in the Asia-Pacific, the specifics of the Pacific Islands' vision, and their importance for a multipolar world. Special attention is paid to assessing their possible involvement in BRICS+ affairs. Among other things, the article considers the advantages of cooperation (building of a broad integration contour; ensuring free access of countries to the benefits of the global economy; and reducing vulnerability to unfriendly external influences).
Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sneha
Published: February 2024

Nepal became a federal democratic republic following the Interim Constitution drafted in 2007, after a decade-long power struggle between the monarchy, political parties and the Maoist insurgents. Nepal's Election Commission has decentralized carrying out its election activities, with each district and province election office having the power to manage resources for the election in its respective area. This Brief provides an overview of the electoral management framework and the public financial management framework, in addition to the mechanisms for formulating and approving the budget. This Brief is part of the Financing Electoral Management and Electoral Activities project.
Hydrochemical analysis and ecotoxicological assessment of the Kacha river water quality
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Sevastopol, Russian Federation, Sytnikov Denis M. , Kucherik Galina V. ,   Sevastopol State University, Sevastopol, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to conduct a hydrochemical analysis and give a comprehensive eco-toxicological assessment of the Kacha river water. Materials and methods. The content of chemical components in surface water was determined using titrimetric and photocolorimetric analyses. The degree of surface water pollution was calculated using a comprehensive assessment method on individual hydrochemical indicators, calculating the combinatorial water pollution index. Algotesting was carried out by measuring the optical density of the chlorella microalgae culture (Chlorella vulgaris Beijer). For phytotesting the seeds of dicotyledonous plants – cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and monocotyledonous plants – common oats (Avena sativa L.) were used. Test parameters: seed germination and germination readiness, root and sprout length were analyzed. Results. According to the hydrochemical parameters of the Kacha river, the waters were classified as oligohaline, and according to the specific combinatorial index (S′ = 1.15) they were classified as slightly polluted ones of the second class. The values of the coefficient of complexity of water contamination rate during 2012–2018 were within 12 %. In 2023, the Kacha river water was defined as moderately hard water (7.4 mg-eq/cubic dm), while a decrease in the average water salinity (566.1 mg/cubic dm) and an improvement in its quality in terms of total iron (0.12 mg/cubic dm) were noted, which corresponded to the maximum permissible concentration for water bodies of municipal and amenity water use significance. The water algoeffect reached 57 %, and the phytoeffect – 87 %. Conclusions. The use of biological methods – algotesting and phytotesting – showed the presence of toxicants in the Kacha river water from the effluent to the mouth. The need for additional control of the river water quality during its use, including irrigation, was noted.
On prospects for cultivating tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) on irrigated lands of the Lower Volga region
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Ivina Irina P. , Burtseva Natalya I. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Novikov Aleksey A. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to perform a review of an under-investigated bluegrass crop – tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), which is not widespread in forage production, but has some advantages over other bluegrass grasses. Discussion. Tall fescue is characterized by high seed and forage yields, a long-time growing season, early regrowth in spring, an ability to vegetate until late autumn, and an active regrow capacity. Fescue agrocenoses are responsive to irrigation and a high background of mineral nutrition. The ability to grow on saline and alkalini soils is also important. It is widely used for slope and ravines stabilization. Providing optimal combinations of plant life factors creates conditions for good growth, development and formation of high productivity for a long time as well as allows the crop to persist and prevail in multi-species agrocenoses in a wide variety of soil and climatic conditions – from forest and forest-steppe to steppe and semi-desert regions. Tall fescue grows well in damp places under natural conditions. This moisture-loving plant tolerates moisture-saturated, heavy loamy soils well. Regulation of the water regime of fescue crops ensures a more complete use of the biological potential of the crop, which is expressed in the receipt of two additional mowings, compared to natural moisture conditions. Tall fescue is used mainly in the form of hay, silage and haylage. Conclusion. Cultivation of tall fescue against the background of mineral fertilizer application and irrigation ensures an yield increase on average up to 15 t/ha of dry matter and up to 2.5 t/ha of crude protein collection. The wide distribution of this valuable crop in forage production in arid zones is hampered by the lack of scientifically based rational methods for creating highly productive grass stands and elements of cultivation technology.
Structural solutions and hydrometric parameters of fish passage and spawning channel tracts with elements of enhanced roughness
Authors:   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Shkura Viktor N. , Shevchenko Alexey V. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to develop proposals for the design and methodology for calculating the hydrometric parameters of fish passage and spawning channel tracts at waterworks. Materials and methods. The factual basis of the work is data of hydrometric studies of the Nikolaevsky and Konstantinovsky fish passage and spawning channels and materials of technical justification of channel projects at the Bagaevsky and Kochetovsky waterworks on the river Don. The methodological basis of study was the results of the authors’ research and well-known recommendations for determining the parameters of channel tracts with enhanced roughness. Results. The hydrometric parameters of fish passage and spawning channels are accepted and calculated assuming the provision of necessary conditions for attracting anadromous fish into the channels, their passage from the downstream of the waterworks to the upstreams and the spawning of some of them in the tracts. The following parameters were considered: flow rate, average flow velocity, bottom depth and width, cross-sectional shape and slope ratio, underwater gradient and channel length, types and sizes of gravel-pebble channel coating and elements of enhanced roughness. As a result of the study, the recommendations for flow rates, flow velocities and depths, the choice of the cross-section of the channel, the type and size of fractions of the gravel-pebble mixture were proposed. A methodology for hydraulic calculation of the fish passage and spawning channel tracts has been developed for the accepted conditions of its operation taking into account the arrangement of the channel with enhanced roughness elements. To test the methodology, the hydrometric parameters of the conditional fish passage and spawning channel tract, equipped with enhanced roughness elements, with an average flow velocity of 0.9 m/s was calculated. Conclusion. Recommendations for calculating the hydrometric parameters of fish passage and spawning channel tracts with enhanced roughness elements and a methodology for such calculations that meet the requirements of fish farming and biological justification on formation of conditions for fish migration and spawning in their tracts are proposed.
The generalized model of organic carbon and nitrogen flow management on reclaimed lands
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Lytov Mikhail N.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to develop a systematic approach to solving the problem of soil fertility based on a model for managing the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen on reclaimed lands. Materials and methods: the working hypothesis of the study is the assumption of the possibility of creating a system of tools for regulating the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen, working within the framework of the principle of nature-likeness and ensuring comprehensive regulation of soil formation factors and increasing the agroecosystem productivity. Results. The conceptual model for managing organic carbon and nitrogen flows on reclaimed lands was developed. The model includes a quantitative calculation of the organic carbon and nitrogen cycles in agroecosystems, the development of scenario forecasts, the development of a control decision and assessment of its execution consequences, the determination of the basic controller’s parameters, the determination of the composition and options for using the controller’s tools, the organization of process monitoring and the assessment of scenario forecasts for actual data. The controller structure of carbon and nitrogen cycle processes for agroecosystems is detailed by the model. The controller includes tools for influencing small nitrogen and carbon cycles, possible ways to implement the tool in a practical application and technologies through which the impact is carried out, with parameters and restrictions specified for a particular case. The basic controller tools are: the plant physiological activity regulation, the phytomass accumulation regulation, the phytomass turnover regulation, the circulation of animal waste regulation, the C:N ratio regulation, the regulation of soil microbiota activity. Conclusions: a conceptual model for managing the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen including a system of tools for the integrated regulation of soil formation factors and increasing the productivity of agroecosystems has been developed.
The effect of phosphogypsum and steel pickling electrolyte on chemical characteristics of paddy soils in the conditions of the Rostov region
Authors:   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Babenko Alexey A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to study the effect of various ameliorants and their combinations, as well as leaching on paddy soil characteristics in laboratory conditions for determining the possibility of their further application. Materials and methods. In the course of the research, a soil reclamation survey of paddy fields in Rostov region was carried out. Soil samples analyzes were carried out in an environmental analytical laboratory using generally accepted methods. Soils with different chemistry, degrees of salinity and salinization, and different gypsum content were taken for the laboratory experiment. Based on the results of soil samples study, phosphogypsum, steel pickling electrolyte, and their combinations were used as ameliorants. Results. Leaching without ameliorants contributed to a total salt content decrease. On slightly saline soils of chloride-sulfate chemistry, their number decreased by 54 %, and on moderately saline soils of sulfate salinity by only 5 %. Ameliorants, especially phosphogypsum, increased their amount in non-saline soils by 5 times, and in slightly saline soils – by 2.7 times due to the accumulation of calcium sulfates. Their accumulation was not observed in moderately saline gypsum-containing soils. The steel pickling electrolyte reduced their quantity by 18 %, compared to the control. The soil absorption complex of non-saline and slightly saline soils was optimized, but in gypsum-containing soils it remained virtually unchanged. Conclusions. Laboratory experiments have shown that soils of chloride-sulfate salinity, having magnesium salinity and undersaturation with exchangeable calcium in the soil absorption complex, can be improved by using phosphogypsum and steel pickling electrolyte as an ameliorant, as they are the most accessible to land users. They promote the formation of gypsum, which accelerates the process of replacing exchangeable magnesium and sodium with calcium. Reclamation of highly gypsum-rich soils with a gypsum content of more than 20 % and easily soluble salts of more than 1.0 % using traditional methods is not very successful.
Abordaje quirúrgico como tratamiento de hidradenitis supurativa Hurley III
Authors: Castro-Pereira Melina Marita , Quinde-Morocho Ignacio Guillermo
Published: February 2024

La hidradenitis supurativa es una condición crónica inflamatoria que afecta áreas de la piel con glándulas apocrinas, presentándose con episodios dolorosos y supurativos en momentos irregulares. Tiene una prevalencia global que varía del 0,00033 % al 4,1 % y tiende a desarrollarse más comúnmente en la tercera y cuarta décadas de la vida. Por lo que suele haber un periodo de 7 a 10 años de demora promedio entre el inicio de los síntomas y el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 48 años, que presenta lesiones recurrentes en región inguinal bilateral y escroto, las cuales secretan material purulento, tratado con múltiples antibióticos con escasa respuesta. En un principio, se llevó a cabo el drenaje, la limpieza quirúrgica y la eliminación localizada de la zona afectada sin cerrar la herida. Ante la falta de una mejora significativa, se decidió realizar una escisión amplia que abarcó la piel de la ingle derecha y región escrotal, esta vez con cierre directo de la herida. En donde se obtuvieron favorables resultados mejorando la calidad de vida del paciente. Como conclusión, a partir de lo mencionado podemos decir que la presentación de este caso es de relevancia, debido a sus complicaciones y manejos terapéuticos.
Optimization of Canny Algorithm for Recognition of Female Clothing Styles from the Perspective of Features
Authors:   Fashion Art School, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, Wuhan, Hubei, China, Liu Zhe , Luo Min ,   Fashion Art School, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Published: February 2024

The accurate and fast recognition of women's clothing styles is conducive to the classification and recommendation of merchants, and it is also convenient for customers to choose from. This paper optimized the Canny algorithm used to extract the contour edge of the female clothing image and used a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier to identify clothing styles based on the edges extracted by the Canny algorithm. Finally, the Canny algorithm and the CNN classifier were tested in the simulation experiment. The performance of the CNN classifier was compared with that of the template matching and SVM classifiers, the Resnet34-based recognition method, as well as the target detection network and genetic algorithm-back-propagation neural network combined recognition method. The results demonstrated that the optimized Canny algorithm extracted more distinct contour edges. The CNN classifier exhibited the best performance and the fastest recognition for female clothing styles.
A proposed integration of the event and project management body of knowledge
Authors:   University of South Africa, Antwerpen Sumei van
Published: February 2024

The concept of an established international body of knowledge implies being updated with a respected good standing. The EMBOK (event management body of knowledge) may have some limitations in need of an update to be clearly distinguished. EM (event management) need a special kind of management considering the scope of the event industry with unfortunate event failures. The comprehensive nature of any body of knowledge (BOK) study led to a pre-study with respect to a conceptual integrated exploratory methodology. This provided the freedom to move outside conservatism to relate ideas, notions, theories, impressions and abstractions to the problem. The purpose was therefore not to obtain a final account but to propose a well-defined hypothesis for further studies. The conceptual data less structured casual observation, and an overview of secondary sources and literature. The overall exploratory study indicates a need for the update of the EMBOK also by means of the PMBOK (project management body of knowledge) or a synthesised event-project management framework (E-PMBOK).
Gastronomic potential of food at the maulid sasak tribe event in North Lombok Regency
Authors:   Surabaya State University, Indonesia, Rizkiyah Nurul Farikhatir , Nurhayati Hastuti ,   Bali Tourism Polytechnic, Indonesia, Ferdianto Jujuk ,   Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, Indonesia
Published: February 2024

Gastronomy is a habit of eating to elements of religious, cultural, social, historical and economic values for a certain community, especially the sasak tribal community in Lombok. This study aims to identify and analyze: (1) Food gastronomic particle and (2) Food gastronomic processing and presentation techniques at the sasak tribal customary maulid event in North Lombok district. This research is a qualitative research and includes field research. This research was carried out in a certain community environment, namely the sasak tribe, especially in the northern Lombok district. The sampling technique is in the form of purposive sampling with special purposes epen gawe, ran, tribal council, and professional chefs in the field of culinary gastronomy. The data collection techniques used are observation, interview and documentation. The data analysis technique used is triangulation by drawing conclusions from the three data collections. The results showed that: (1) The gastronomic efficiency of food served at the sasak tribal traditional maulid event in North Lombok regency is divided into 3 classifications of types of dishes, namely vegetables (side dish), side dishes (main course), and traditional snacks (dessert) and (2) Processing techniques used in processing maulid nabi dishes, namely the deep fry, grill, steam, sautee, boil and simmer. As for serving dishes using a container in the form of a tray (nare) with begibung eating procedures.
Dynamics of travel decision-making between organized packaged tourists and backpackers
Authors:   Senior Lecturer (Transitional), Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Hewage Thejani Madhuhansi Wickrama , Chandralal Professor Lalith ,   Professor of Marketing, Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Management and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Published: February 2024

Tourists are different in terms of their purpose of travel, the tourist type, the number of days spent, and how they spend time in a destination. Tourist decision-making models attempt to conceptualize how tourists make decisions during their pre-travel, onsite experiences, and post-travel stages. These models, including the grand models of tourist behavior, have paved the way to broaden our understanding of this complex behavioral phenomenon. Despite their remarkable contributions to the existing knowledge, these models display some limitations in terms of complexity, general nature of explanations, poor empirical support, and lack of consideration of different traveler types. Further examinations are necessary to understand the dynamic nature of decisions that take place under each broader stage. This study attempted to address some of these limitations through a qualitative inquiry with a comparison of tourist decision-making between two mainstream traveler types i.e. organized package tourists and backpackers. The findings uncovered empirical evidence to propose a research proposition that a general travel decision-making model cannot be derived for different traveler types and certain alterations need to be done with reference to different traveler types. These findings contribute to the literature on tourist behavior by inviting scholars to revisit the existing models in light of different traveler types.
The tourism supply chain management: Case Study on Mount Kelud, Kediri regency
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Hermawan Romy , Pangestuti Edriana ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Artono Gigih ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Supriono Supriono ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: February 2024

Tourism is a lucrative sector for a country looking to boost its economy. The tourism industry can generate state income in the form of foreign exchange, therefore this tourism industry must be considered if a country wants its economy to rise. One way that can be done to increase the competitiveness of the tourism industry is to carry out comprehensive supply chain management. In this study the type of descriptive research selected and its approach with a qualitative research approach. So that the research location and research site is the Mount Kelud Tourism Area, Kediri Regency. Through the results of interviews, observations, and surveys related to the focus of research to related parties, there were 5 informants as primary data sources which were determined by researchers with certain considerations, namely the Tourism and Culture Office of Kediri Regency, tourism managers, visitors, motorcycle taxi associations, and traders associations. The results show that Mount Kelud tourism has very good potential to be developed. The lack of coordination between the two parties, namely between the government and the manager to improve existing facilities, becomes a problem such as adding photo spots which are considered insufficient and also expanding the parking area which is a problem because it is considered not spacious enough to accommodate many vehicles when the holidays arrive. The products sold are also less varied, namely only pineapple products and their derivatives such as pineapple chips, pineapple juice, pineapple candy, and others. So that visitors are not satisfied with the products sold because the products are less varied.
Vegan menu marketing strategies for tourists to support green tourism in Loving Hut Restaurant in Denpasar Bali
Authors:   Politeknik Negeri Bali, Sumawidari Ida Ayu Ketut , Sudarmini Made ,   Politeknik Negeri Bali, Pugra I Wayan ,   Politeknik Negeri Bali, Nadra Nyoman Mastiani ,   Politeknik Negeri Bali, Damayanti Ida Ayu Kade Werdika ,   Politeknik Negeri Bali, Susyarini Ni Putu Wiwiek Ary ,   Politeknik Negeri Bali
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to formulate a marketing strategy for vegan menus for tourists to support green tourism for Loving Hut restaurants in Denpasar. Data were collected using interviews, observations, questionnaires, and documentation. Then the data obtained were analyzed using: descriptive statistics, qualitative descriptive, IFE matrix, EFE matrix, IE matrix and SWOT analysis. The results of the analysis show that (1) tourists' perceptions of the vegan menu of non-animal products at Loving Hut restaurants are in the good category; (2) Loving Hut Restaurant in Denpasar is in cell II of the IE matrix, namely a growth strategy with product development through product differentiation or innovation is the right strategy. Alternative strategies that can be done are (a) expanding the market; (b) increasing promotional activities; (c) set competitive prices; (d) maximize the use of space; (e) adding suppliers; (f) improve services; and (g) improving the quality of human resources. There are several suggestions that can be given to improve the business going forward, including (1) utilizing e-commerce (social media, web) for promotion; (2) establish cooperation with existing travel agencies; (3) involve employees in trainings held by the government/educational institutions; (4) making product packages; and (5) recruiting marketers. It appears that Loving Hut restaurant can position itself strategically for growth through product development with a focus on differentiation and innovation.
Current studies in local-culture based ELT materials development evaluation instruments: Systematic review
Authors:   Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia, Ikhsanudin Ikhsanudin , Ikramunnisa Erica ,   Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia, Ratri Paramita Ratri x ,   Politeknik Pariwisata Bali, Indonesia
Published: February 2024

This systematic literature review was completed to investigate the status quo of evaluation instruments utilized in the development of local-culture based ELT materials in Indonesia. The main concern in this review is the validity of the evaluation instrument. This research used the PRISMA 2020 model to review the existing studies in the intended area. The data were collected from the Garuda database an official database to index articles published in Indonesia. There are 2.394 studies obtained and only 76 of them fulfil all criteria for analysis. Out of 76 studies reviewed, the results show that there are no studies that have validated their evaluation instruments. In addition, 56 studies prefer to use self-made evaluation instruments in the materials development process. Only 10 studies chose to adapt the available evaluation instrument from other sources in their development process. This review found that there is a gap that lies between the available local culture-based ELT materials evaluation instruments and the need of validity to be applied to materials development. It suggested the need of more studies in instrument development and validation to support Indonesian local-culture based ELT materials development. In the long run, the local culture will be globally well-known and accepted if the materials are available and accessible world-wide.
Dimore della Cirenaica: Abitare a Cirene e a Tolemaide durante l’età imperiale
Authors: Eleonora Gasparini
Published: February 2024

Dimore della Cirenaica analyses urban housing in Cyrenaica (East Libya), with a specific focus on the cities of Cyrene and Ptolemais, from the early through to the late Roman imperial period.

The first part, in the form of a gazetteer, comprises twenty-one case studies. An introduction to the urban layout and the main urban buildings is included in these sections. Each individual residence design is illustrated and parallels are outlined from the region and the wider imperial world.

The second part draws out key themes previously treated separately to discuss them more broadly. The main topics here are floorplans and elevations, decoration and the socio-economic framework of Cyrenaica as outlined by housing features. This analysis attempts to reconstruct the history of the investigated buildings and to highlight the role of their architectural evolution as an indicator of local and wider changes over the period under examination.

The book gathers information that is otherwise scattered across other publications, along with new data collected by the author during her fieldwork at the two sites and on visits to archives. It represents a corpus of evidence that will be a starting point for any future research on these topics.
Exeter: A Roman Legionary Fortress and Civitas Capital
Authors: John Pamment Salvatore
Published: February 2024

Exeter has long been known as a Roman city, but it was only in 1971 that its origin as a legionary fortress of the mid-first century AD was revealed. That discovery was the result of excavation work undertaken by the first professional archaeological unit to be based in the city. The author was one of those involved and this book explains how innovative archaeological techniques introduced in the 1970s were employed, not only to construct a picture of the legionary fortress, but to demonstrate with some confidence that the 5,000 strong garrison which manned it was the Second Augustan Legion. Whilst at Exeter the legion built its own stone bathhouse. Constructed only around 15-20 years after the Roman invasion in AD 43, it is the earliest known monumental masonry building in the South-West of Britain. Significantly, it was also possible to establish that Exeter became a Roman regional capital around AD 80 after the departure of the legion to Wales. The redundant bathhouse was converted to a basilica (council chamber and administrative centre) for the fledgling city which went on to acquire a circuit of walls by the start of the third century. Exeter continued to flourish as a Roman city on the very western edge of the Roman Empire before its ultimate demise in the late fourth century.
Picta Nilotica Romana
Authors: Eleonora Voltan
Published: February 2024

Picta Nilotica Romana presents an in-depth analysis of Roman paintings with a Nilotic theme. The first part of the study introduces the classical texts on Egypt and provides an overview of landscape depiction in Roman art. After an outline of methodology, an iconographic-archaeological catalogue of the 74 paintings is developed, founded on specific scientific criteria, with a classification into three categories according to iconographic composition. The corpus is followed by an analysis of the archaeological contexts in which these paintings are found, an analysis of Nilotic iconographies and a definition of the ''Nilotic landscape''. The volume is also completed by an iconographic apparatus and several maps showing geographical and chronological spread.
An Iron Age Settlement and Roman Complex Farmstead at Brackmills, Northampton
Authors: Chris Chinnock
Published: February 2024

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) undertook archaeological excavations at Brackmills, Northampton, investigatng part of a large Iron Age settlement and Roman complex farmstead. The remains were very well preserved having, in places, been shielded from later truncaton by colluvial deposits. Earlier remains included a late Bronze Age/early Iron Age pit alignment.

The main focus of occupation spanned the middle Iron Age to the late 4th century/early 5th century AD. The initial late middle Iron Age enclosed farmstead was defined by a series of enclosures and boundary features. From the late Iron Age the core of the settlement shifted and the range of activity increased dramatically, both in complexity and density through the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The pottery assemblage associated with the beginning of this development is dominated by utilitarian jars with no clear evidence of higher status activity. Two well preserved pottery kilns date from this period, adding to our understanding of local pottery traditions. Funerary evidence for this period was limited to two late Iron Age/early Roman crouched inhumations, and a small assemblage of disarticulated human bone.

By the second century the settlement had developed further, and a well-constructed road surface had been laid, leading to the stone roundhouses at the core of the settlement. The re-establishment or expansion of the farmstead with stone rectangular buildings in the late 3rd to 4th century AD marks a clear shift in the status of the site. Industrial remains included a drying oven. Of note for a rural site were 17 inhumation burials and a single cremation burial. Following the decline of the settlement, there was only a short reoccupation when there was a single sunken featured building. Later the site became part of an open field system in the medieval period.
Excavations at Redhouse, Adwick Le Street, Doncaster
Authors: Tracy Preece
Published: February 2024

In the early Bronze Age, there was a single isolated burial monument defined by a ring ditch within which were six similarly shaped pits. One of these pits contained urned cremation burials, one pit contained an unurned cremation burial, two pits contained pottery vessels and two pits did not contain human remains or artefacts.

The vast majority of the archaeological evidence was associated with enclosures and fields systems that were probably established during the middle to late Iron Age period and were developed and expanded upon in the Roman period, being utilised until the early 4th century. At least two of the enclosures were established during the Iron Age and a further seven enclosures were created during the Roman period, with the earlier enclosures being incorporated. These enclosures and field ditches were part of an extensive landscape across this area, where a vast array of cropmarks have been plotted, making the Redhouse site just one of many in the landscape. Part of the Roman Road from Lincoln to York, known locally as the Roman Ridge, extended across the eastern part of the area.

Enclosures were utilised for both domestic and other functions such as crop processing, stock management and smithing. Features found included a crouched inhumation within a pit which was radiocarbon dated to the middle Iron Age. Several Roman coins including three counterfeits were recovered during excavations. Of note were fragments of coin moulds from one of the Roman enclosure ditches, which makes this one of only about 40 sites that have produced evidence for this activity.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Dakdareh Sara Ghasemi , Abbasian Karim
Published: February 2024

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment are common diseases in the elderly, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide in 2020. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing these diseases, but their complexity poses a challenge. Convolutional neural networks have shown promise in accurate diagnosis.

Objective:

The main objective of this research is to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment in healthy individuals using convolutional neural networks.

Methods:

This study utilized three different convolutional neural network models, two of which were pre-trained models, namely AlexNet and DenseNet, while the third model was a CNN1D-LSTM neural network.

Results:

Among the neural network models used, the AlexNet demonstrated the highest accuracy, exceeding 98%, in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the accuracy of the DenseNet and CNN1D-LSTM models is 88% and 91.89%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The research highlights the potential of convolutional neural networks in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. The use of pre-trained neural networks and the integration of various patient data contribute to achieving accurate results. The high accuracy achieved by the AlexNet neural network underscores its effectiveness in disease classification. These findings pave the way for future research and improvements in the field of diagnosing these diseases using convolutional neural networks, ultimately aiding in early detection and effective management of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Novel Development and Prospects in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Teng Zenghui
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease with cognitive decline and behavioral dysfunction. AD will become a global public health concern due to its increasing prevalence brought on by the severity of global aging. It is critical to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of AD and investigate or pursue a viable therapy strategy in clinic. Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein are the main regulating variables in the pathological phase of AD. And neuroinflammation brought on by activated microglia was found to be one risk factor contributing to changes in Aβ and tau pathology. It is important to investigate the unique biomarkers of early diagnosis and advanced stage, which may help to elucidate the specific pathological process of AD and provide potential novel therapeutic targets or preventative measures.
Applying SVR-PPSO, SVR-SSO, and SVR-BBO to estimate california bearing capacity of stabilized pond ash using admixtures
Authors: Teng Wei , Li Yan , Sun Hongxing , Chen Haojie
Published: February 2024

In the present study, three hybrid models include support vector regression-salp swarm optimization (SVR-SSO), support vector regression-biogeography-based (SVR-BBO), and support vector regression-phasor particle swarm optimization (SVR- PPSO) was applied to forecast pond ash’s CBR value modified with lime sludge (LS) and lime (LI). In the developed models, five variables were selected as inputs. It can result that the developed integrated models have R2 bigger than 0.9952. It means the agreement between observed and forecasted values by hybrid models is mainly similar to represent the highest accuracy. In both the training and testing stages, PSO-SVR results from better performance than the BBO-SVR model, with R2, RMSE, MAE, and PI equal to 0.9983, 0.6439, 0.3181, and 0.0081 for training data, and 0.9975, 0.7319, 0.4135, and 0.0141 for testing data, respectively. So, by considering the OBJ index, the OBJ value for PSO-SVR is 12.966, lower than BBO-SVR at 16.9957. Therefore, the PSO-SVR model outperforms another model to estimate the CBR of pond ash modified with LI and LS, consequently being recognized as the proposed model that makes it to be used for practical applications.
Novel Aczel-Alsina operations-based probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic aggregation operators and their applications in Blockchain performance evaluation Blockchain
Authors: Lei Fan , Cai Qiang , Wei Guiwu
Published: February 2024

The development and application of blockchain provides technical support for supply chain technological innovation and industrial innovation. Integrating the decentralized, independent, open, traceable and tamper-proof features of the blockchain into the supply chain can effectively improve the problems of unstable supply chain structure, low security, low privacy, low collaboration ability and high operating costs. Establishing probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic multi-attribute decision-making (PDHL-MADM) model to evaluate the performance of blockchain is an effective measure to optimize blockchain performance and improve supply chain stability. Therefore, this thesis first takes the processing efficiency, cost, security performance, update and improvement ability as evaluation attributes. Then the IDOCRIW weight method is used to calculate the objective weight of attributes. Based on Aczel-Alsina t-norm (AATN) and Aczel-Alsina t-conorm (AATCN), four operations of probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic term set (PDHLTS) are defined, and PDHLAAWA operator, PDHLAAOWA operator, PDHLAAHA operator, PDHLAAHM operator, PDHLAAWHM operator and their dual operators are proposed, and a series of corresponding PDHL operator models are constructed. In addition, the sensitivity and stability of this series of operator models are analyzed in depth. Finally, the new model proposed in this thesis is compared with the existing model to verify its scientific and superiority.