bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH TEMPERATUR PENEKANAN PANAS DAN REDUKSI KETEBALAN TERHADAP STABILITAS DIMENSI KOMPOSIT ALUMINIUM - ABU DASAR BATU BARA SETELAH PERLAKUAN PANAS T6
Authors: Seputro Harjo , Nafi Maula , Mastuki Mastuki , Hardianto Dedik Saputro
Published: July 2024

ABSTRAK
Penelitian mengenai kestabilan dimensi berbahan aluminium composite abu dasar batubara sangat penting dilakukan untuk mengetahui kelayakan suatu komponen. Tanpa kestabilan dimensi yang baik, maka sebuah komponen tidak akan mampu memenuhi standart mutu yang sudah ditetapkan. Adapun komponen dari bahan yang yang digunakan adalah Aluminium 6061, serbuk aluminium murni, Cairan HNO3, Magnesium, Serbuk Al2O3 ,dan serbuk abu dasar batubara (Buttom Ash yang kemudian dielectroless plating). selanjutnya bahan di cor dengan metode stir casting, stelah itu  melewati proses homogenizing dan hot pressing dengan temperatur yang mana setiap temperatur akan dikombinasikan dengan 3 variasi reduksi 5 %, 10%, 15%. Setelah pelat jadi, pelat akan dipotong dengan proses pemesinan untuk membuat spesimen uji. Setelah itu spesimen uji akan melewati proses pengujian ukuran dengan metode Coordinat Measuring Machine (CMM) dan dilanjutkan dengan proses pemanasan T6, setelah proses perlakuan panas T6, spesimen uji akan kembali diuji kestabilan dimensinya dengan metode CMM, untuk mengetahui kestabilan dimensi setelah spesimen uji mendapat perlakuan panas T6. Kestabilan dimensi dapat diamati dari perubahan titik-titik yang diamati, sebuah titik koordinat bisa dikatakan stabil apabila tidak terjadi pergeseran lokasi pada titik tersebut
Kata kunci: komposite, reduksi, temperatur, kestabilan dimensi,  perlakuan panas T6, metode CMM, hot pressing
Analisis Efisiensi Energi Pada Proses Produksi Gula Di PT Madubaru
Authors: Januar Moh. Rifki , Nugroho Yohanes Anton
Published: July 2024

PT Madubaru adalah suatu perusahaan yang memproduksi gula pasir, spritus dan alkohol.  Gula pasir merupakan produk utama yang dihasilkan PT Madubaru.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan analisis efisiensi energi pada produksi gula pasir di PT Madubaru pada masa produksi tahun 2022. Analisis efisiensi energi pada produksi gula pasir menggunakan metode Energy Productivity Ratio (EPR) menunjukkan bahwa pada masa produksi tahun 2022 yang berjalan pada bulan Mei – Oktober 2022, EPR yang didapatkan pada bulan hingga Oktober 2022, menunjukkan nilai EPR listrik sebesar 1,2 hingga 2,44, sementara untuk ketel antara 1,68 hingga 2,45. Hasil EPR yang didapatkan pada masing-masing periode, yaitu pada bulan Mei 2022 dengan EPR pada listrik 1,2 sedangkan ketel 1,16, EPR bulan Juni 2022 yaitu listrik 1,72 dan ketel 1,68, EPR bulan Juli 2022 pada listrik 1,93 dan ketel 1,92, EPR bulan Agustus yaitu listrik 1,98 sementara itu EPR ketel 1,98, pada bulan September 2022 EPR listrik 2,14 sedangkan ketel 2,14, pada bulan Oktober 2022 EPR listrik 2,44 sedangkan ketel 2,45. Input energi tertinggi pada tahun 2022 dalam penggunaannya untuk produksi gula pasir yaitu tebu dengan nilai energi yang dihasilkan untuk energi listrik adalah 431.885.993,55 MJ dan 6.544.947.856,93 MJ untuk ketel. Berdasarkan analisis EPR, penggunaan energi pada produksi gula di PT Madubaru masih cukup layak untuk dijalankan.
Pengendalian Kualitas dengan Menggunakan Metode Six Sigma dan Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (MEWMA) pada Produk EQ Spacing di PT Sinar Semesta
Authors: Alfiansyah Alvito Shultan , Yunitasari Elly Wuryaningtyas , Kusmendar Kusmendar
Published: July 2024

Dalam proses produksi produk EQ Spacing di PT Sinar Semesta, ditemukan bahwa terdapat delapan jenis defect yang mengakibatkan cacat produk melebihi standar perusahaan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menjalankan serangkaian analisis dan tindakan yang terfokus pada pengendalian kualitas produk serta mengidentifikasi berbagai aspek yang memerlukan perbaikan selama proses produksi. Jenis cacat dengan presentase tertinggi meliputi permukaan tidak rata sebesar 35,3%, keropos sebesar 24,9%, dan gempil sebesar 19,3%. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (MEWMA) dengan bobot 4,05, ditemukan pergeseran pada periode 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, dan 15 pada grafik MEWMA, dengan nilai DPMO sebesar 24.268 dan sigma. dari 3,5. Analisis ini menunjukkan bahwa untuk mencegah cacat yang berlebihan, kinerja proses produksi harus ditingkatkan. PT Sinar Semesta harus menyarankan modifikasi berdasarkan pendekatan 5W+1H untuk mengurangi jumlah cacat pada produk tas. Tujuan dari peningkatan kualitas ini adalah untuk mendekati nihil cacat dan tingkat kegagalan yang sangat rendah. Hal ini bertujuan agar produk akhir menjadi lebih unggul dan memenuhi persyaratan kualitas perusahaan.
PENERAPAN GREEN TRADE STRATEGY DALAM MENDUKUNG KEPABEANAN HIJAU DI INDONESIA
Authors: Firmansyah Amrie , Kurniawan Indra
Published: July 2024

Perubahan iklim global dan dampaknya pada pergerakan orang dan barang menimbulkan tantangan baru bagi keamanan nasional dan ekonomi Indonesia. Berdasarkan data dari 91 stasiun pengamatan Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG), suhu udara normal periode 1991 hingga 2020 di Indonesia adalah sebesar 26.8 °C dengan suhu udara rata-rata tahun 2022 adalah sebesar 27.0 °C. Indonesia dan dunia secara keseluruhan, tahun 2016 adalah tahun terpanas dengan anomali suhu mencapai 27.4 °C.  Indonesia tercatat menyumbang sebesar 259,1 juta ton CO2 pada tahun 2021 dan diproyeksikan meningkat 29,13% menjadi 334,6 juta ton CO2 pada 2030. Sebagai respon atas perubahan iklim ini, muncul gagasan Kepabeanan Hijau. Tujuannya adalah untuk meningkatkan kapasitas kepabeanan, memantau dan memfasilitasi perdagangan legal, dan mencegah perdagangan ilegal atas komoditas yang peka terhadap lingkungan dengan Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Berbagai negara di dunia dituntut untuk mewujudkan Kepabeanan Hijau. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan Kepabeanan Hijau di berbagai negara dan merekomendasikan kebijakan dalam mendukung penerapan Kepabeanan Hijau di Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Systematic Literature Review. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa World Customs Organization memfokuskan penerapan Kepabeanan Hijau melalui kerja sama antar pihak, Bea Cukai Amerika Serikat merilis Green Trade Strategy, negara-negara di Afrika memanfaatkan AcFTA, dan negara anggota ASEAN perlu melakukan harmonisasi Non-Tariff Measures. Kebijakan yang dapat dipertimbangkan antara lain memberikan insentif perdagangan hijau, menguatkan penegakan hukum lingkungan, mempercepat inovasi hijau, peningkatan ketahanan iklim dan efisiensi sumber daya, memaksimalkan penggunaan Free Trade Agreement untuk produk hijau, memaksimalkan Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor untuk industri hijau, dan harmonisasi non-tariff measures.
ANALISIS KOMPARASI PROSEDUR KEPABEANAN BARANG PENUMPANG DI NEGARA INDONESIA, TIONGKOK, INDIA DAN JEPANG
Authors: Nurcahyo Marsanto Adi , Muslim Hafizh Adam
Published: July 2024

Kegiatan pelayanan barang penumpang oleh instansi kepabeanan mempunyai peran penting pada pertumbuhan ekonomi, kelancaran arus penumpang dan juga hubungan internasional antar negara. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui mekanisme prosedur kepabeanan impor barang penampang di Indonesia, Tiongkok, Jepang dan India. Selain itu penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan prosedur impor barang penumpang di Indonesia, Tiongkok, Jepang dan India. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah adalah studi literatur dan penyebaran kuisioner. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan adanya persamaan dan perbedaan pada prosedur layanan impor barang penumpang. Persamaan prosedur kepabeanan dari negara responden adalah bahwa seluruh negara memberikan fasilitas pembebasan bea masuk hingga nilai tertentu, fasilitas pembawaan barang tertentu dan prosedur yang dilakukan. Perbedaan prosedur kepabeanan terjadi pada besarnya fasilitas yang diberikan dan juga jumlah fasilitas pada pembawaan barang tertentu. Hasil penelitian ini merekomendasikan pemerintah dapat melakukan evaluasi dan penyesuaian secara berkala atas pelaksanaan pemberian fasilitas bagi barang penumpang. Selain itu, pemerintah juga dapat bekerja sama dengan negara-negara terkait untuk harmonisasi prosedur kepabeanan.
The Effect of random seeds for data splitting on recommendation accuracy [Reproduced]
Authors: Schulz Steffen
Published: July 2024

This study replicates and extends the research paper "The Effect of random seeds for data splitting on recommendation accuracy" which analysed the impact of different random seeds used for data splitting and algorithms and found a significant variance between the resulting performance. This would indicate a need for multiple runs with different random seeds and averaging the results to get a more trustworthy picture when presenting new algorithms and results. We extend their efforts by including two more algorithms and datasets to substantiate their claims. We compare the results with the original work and find similar accuracy variances for the new algorithms tested.
DONALD: the 2M-document Dataset Of News Articles for studying the Language of Dubious information
Authors: Miani Alessandro , Carrella Fabio , Lewandowsky Stephan
Published: July 2024

We present DONALD (Dataset Of News Articles for studying the Language of Dubious information), a topic- matched corpus comprising 2,173,172 news articles, gathered from 1,709 domains, focused on 172 politically polarizing topics. DONALD serves as a comprehensive resource for shedding light on the language of misinformation circulating online, facilitating comparisons between documents from domains with varying ideological biases and information quality.
Common Threads: Altered Interoceptive Processes as Transdiagnostic Mechanisms Across Affective and Anxiety disorders
Authors: Saltafossi Martina , Heck Detlef , Kluger Daniel , Varga Somogy
Published: July 2024

There is growing attention towards atypical brain-body interactions and interoceptive processes and their potential role in psychiatric conditions, including affective and anxiety disorders. This paper aims to synthesize recent developments in this field. We present emerging explanatory models and focus on brain-body coupling and modulations of the underlying neurocircuitry that support the concept of a continuum of affective disorders. Grounded in theoretical frameworks like peripheral theories of emotion and predictive processing, we propose that altered interoceptive processes might represent transdiagnostic mechanisms that confer common vulnerability traits across multiple disorders. A deeper understanding of the interplay between bodily states and neural processing is essential for a holistic conceptualization of mental disorders.
The role of working memory in structure prediction during language comprehension: Evidence from visual-world structural priming paradigm
Authors: Chen Xuemei
Published: July 2024

Comprehenders can not only predict syntactic information of an upcoming word, but also of a larger unit, such as sentence structure. It is unclear whether such prediction effects are driven by an automatic processing or constrained by cognitive resources (e.g., working memory) in comprehension. In order to investigate the mechanism of structure prediction in comprehension (automatic vs. resource-constrained), we constructed two eye-tracking experiments to test the role of working memory (i.e., a number series recall task between prime and target exerting high or low working memory load) in structural priming during visual-world comprehension. The priming effect is evaluated by the proportion of looks to predicted referents for two critical time windows in target sentence processing: the target verb and the first syllable of the first postverbal noun. When prime and target involved different verbs (Experiment 1), structural priming in both time windows was similar between high and low load conditions. When prime and target involved same verbs (Experiment 2), structural priming in the time window of the first syllable of the first noun phrase was weaker in high load than in low load condition. Overall, structure prediction in comprehension is partially automatic, while the lexically-mediated structure prediction effect is modulated by working memory, supporting the implicit learning theory.
Withdrawn: DNA and IQ: Big deal or much ado about nothing? – A Meta-analysis
Authors: Oxley Florence A R , Wilding Kirsty , von Stumm Sophie
Published: July 2024

Intelligence is polygenic, highly heritable, and predicts wide-ranging life outcomes. Here, we meta-analysed the predictive validity of polygenic scores for intelligence based on the largest available genome-wide association study (or GWAS; Savage et al., 2018) for tested, phenotypic intelligence to date. Across 32 estimates from 9 independent samples, which all came from WEIRD countries and were of European ancestry (Ntotal=452,864), our meta-analytic estimate for the association between polygenic and phenotypic intelligence was ρ=.245 (p<.001, 95% CI=.184 – .307), an effect of medium size. The meta-analytic estimate varied across samples, studies, and phenotypic measures of intelligence, and even after accounting for these moderators, polygenic score predictions remained significantly heterogenous. Our findings support claims that polygenic predictions of intelligence benefit and advance research but their utility in other contexts is yet to be demonstrated.
Altercentric memory error at 9 months but correct object memory by 18 months revealed in infants’ pupil
Authors: Tebbe Anna-Lena , Rothmaler Katrin , Zielke Hannah E. , Hepach Robert , Grosse Wiesmann Charlotte
Published: July 2024

It was recently proposed that infants have a memory bias for events witnessed together with others. This may allow infants to prioritize encoding information relevant to others and predict their actions, despite limited processing capacities. However, when events occur in the absence of others, for example an object changes location, this would lead to altercentric memory errors where infants misremember the object’s location where others last saw it. Here, we tested this theory empirically by showing infants aged 9 and 18 months (N = 176) videos of an agent watching an object move to one of two hiding locations. The object then moved from location A to B, which the agent either missed (leading to her false belief) or witnessed (true belief). The object subsequently reappeared either at its actual or, surprisingly, its initial location. As predicted by the altercentric theory, 9-month-old infants expected the object where the agent falsely believed it to be and not where it really was, as indicated in their pupil dilation. In contrast, 18-months-olds remembered the object’s actual location. Infants’ memory errors did not predict correct action anticipation when the agent reached into one of the locations to retrieve the object. Thus, infants showed altercentric memory errors at a young age, which vanished in the second year of life. Instead of fostering action prediction, we suggest that this early bias helps young infants to learn from others. As infants become more capable of acting on the world, their own perspective gains importance over that of others.
Building Courage, Strength, and Knowledge: Mindfulness Training Reduces Psychological Threat in Introductory Physics Courses
Authors: Benson-Greenwald Tessa , Pelakh Avital , Tumminia Michael James , Jahanian Sara , Diamond Michael , Kuo Eric , Good Melanie , Nokes-Malach Timothy , Galla Brian
Published: July 2024

Many college students view introductory physics as demanding, psychologically threatening contexts. We use the challenge-threat model to demonstrate mindfulness training helps students see they have the resources to overcome their physics demands. Two experiments (Ns = 27, 149; 1 pre-registered RCT) explored the distribution of psychological threat within introductory physics and tested whether mindfulness training could alter students’ appraisals and psychological threat. In screening data, over half of students reported threat. Historically excluded group students were more likely to report threat (vs. challenge) and dominant group students were more likely to report challenge (vs. threat). Further, mindfulness training increased perceived momentary resources and reduced monetary threat during the intervention. Mindfulness buffered against escalating thread and declining resources three months later. The results demonstrate the benefits of mindfulness in academic contexts where stress can be adaptive by changing appraisals and reducing threat in introductory physics.
Adaptive Maximization of Social Welfare
Authors: Cesa-Bianchi Nicol`o , Colomboni Roberto , Kasy Maximilian
Published: July 2024

We consider the problem of repeatedly choosing policies to maximize social welfare. Welfare is a weighted sum of private utility and public revenue. Earlier outcomes inform later policies. Utility is not observed, but indirectly inferred. Response functions are learned through experimentation. We derive a lower bound on regret, and a matching adversarial upper bound for a variant of the Exp3 algorithm. Cumulative regret grows at a rate of T2/3. This implies that (i) welfare maximization is harder than the multi-armed bandit problem (with a rate of T1/2 for finite policy sets), and (ii) our algorithm achieves the optimal rate. For the stochastic setting, if social welfare is concave, we can achieve a rate of T1/2 (for continuous policy sets), using a dyadic search algorithm. We analyze an extension to nonlinear income taxation, and sketch an extension to commodity taxation. We compare our setting to monopoly pricing (which is easier), and price setting for bilateral trade (which is harder). (Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality Working Paper)
Corn straw coated with Fe3+-tannic acid bilayers as a photothermal material for solar steam generation
Authors: Pham Tien Thanh ,   Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam National University - Hanoi, Luu Huu Phuoc Street, Cau Dien Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Hoang Oanh ,   Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam National University - Hanoi, Luu Huu Phuoc Street, Cau Dien Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Published: July 2024

Recently, studies on developing a system to filter seawater into clean water using the method of water evaporation at the interface of photothermal materials and air using solar energy (solar steam generation - SSG) have attracted increasing attention from the scientific community. In those SSG systems, photothermal materials play a key role in improving water evaporation rate and efficiency. In this study, a photothermal material was fabricated by treating the corn straw with tannic acid and Fe3+ solution (cheap and environmentally friendly). The surface of photothermal material from corn stalks exhibited a good ability to absorb over 90% of light with wavelengths of 300-1500 nm due to the formation of a complex layer between Fe3+ ions and hydroxy groups (OH) of tannic acid with sizes of 200-1000 nm. Besides, corn straw consists of many vascular bundles and porous multilayers that exhibit a honeycomb-like structure, which improves the ability of water transportation and reduces the thermal conductivity of the material. Therefore, an SSG system utilising the photothermal material based on corn straw possesses a high-water evaporation efficiency of 1.58 kg m-2 h-1. This efficiency was stably maintained for a long time due to the durability of corn straw in various conditions. The corn straw-based photothermal material showed high potential for SSG utilising seawater desalination method with affordable fabrication cost and eco-friendly raw materials.
Synthesis and pancreatic lipase inhibition activity evaluation ofaurone derivatives with substituents on benzylidene ring
Authors: Vo Thi Cam Van ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 41 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen Thanh Trang , Le Thi My Chi , Dang Ngoc Thien ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 41 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,   Faculty of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, 99 Hung Vuong Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Vietnam,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 41 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 41 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic lipase is an essential enzyme for the digestion and absorption of dietary fat. Inhibiting this enzyme is one of the strategies in tackling obesity. To date, orlistat is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for obesity treatment via this mechanism. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in exploring novel compounds with natural structural frameworks that can give similar activity with fewer side effects. In this study, we describe the synthesis and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity evaluation of 10 aurone derivatives with different substituents on the benzylidene ring. Aurone derivatives were synthesised through aldol condensation of benzofuranone and corresponding benzaldehyde derivatives with medium to good yields (45-73%). Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of synthesized compounds were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy with quercetin and orlistat as references. Three aurones were found to have higher I% than quercetin at the same concentration (50 μg/ml). Compound 5c (2-(5’bromo-2’-hydroxybenzylidene)benzofuran-3(2H)-one) exhibited the greatest activity (I%=60.95%), better than quercetin (I%=27.20%) at the concentration of 50 μg/ml
INVITED ARTICLE: YOUTH IN THE SRI LANKAN POPULATION: EXPANSION OF THEIR SIZE, ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION AND EMERGING CHALLENGES
Authors: De Silva W.I.
Published: July 2024

The main objective of the paper is to investigate the population dynamics of present and future decades with special reference to the youth population, and emerging challenges of youth with special reference to their education. Apart from the population projection information, data was collected from various publications of the Ministry of Education and the Department of Census and Statistics. The youth (age 15-29 years) bulge will be at its peak during the period of 2030s and 2040s. The data indicates a significant increase of school dropouts in Sri Lanka – compared to 2018 by 2020 the student population declined by about 151,000. Although, during the period 2016 to 2018 there was an increase of students in the Collegiate cycle (Grade 12/13), during 2018 to 2020 the student population declined by 146,000 – ‘Lost Generation’. The COVID-19 impact on school education could be attributed to this drop and economic recession and escalation of inflation have further discouraged students to move into Grade 11 and above levels. In this present serious economic recession and inflation, those who left schools would be pushed into vulnerable employment categories, including the sex industry. Thus, appropriate policy reform is an immediate need, to capitalize on the full potential of the Sri Lankan youth for the development of the nation.
THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CREDIT RISK AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LICENSED SPECIALIZED BANKS: EVIDENCE FROM A DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Anuradha P.A.N.S.
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the influence of credit risk on the financial performance of licensed specialized banks in Sri Lanka from 2006 to 2020, a period marked by economic volatility that added layers of complexity and risk, especially for banks engaged in development lending. Using secondary data from annual reports, the study employs regression analysis to examine this relationship, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio as the dependent variable representing credit risk and return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) as independent variables indicating financial performance. The findings reveal that credit risk significantly impacts the financial performance of these banks, demonstrating a notable negative relationship between ROE and the NPL ratio, as credit risk increases, profitability decreases. These insights are crucial for policymakers to set realistic performance targets and for bank management to allocate capital efficiently and develop strategies to mitigate risk, thereby enhancing financial stability and performance amidst economic uncertainties.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON PERFORMANCE OF INFORMAL SECTOR FIRMS: EMPIRICAL STUDY USING INDIAN FIRM DATA
Authors: Kumarasinghe K.W.T.K.  , Pallegedara A.
Published: July 2024

Informal sector enterprises are the businesses that do not registered under the government and therefore not entitled for taxations. Social capital refers to the human networks and relationships people often maintain on their development. Three main types of informal businesses considered in this study are manufacturing, reselling and provision of services. They play a significant role in contributing to the global economy especially in developing countries. The study aimed to examine the impact of social capital on informal businesses. The study further explores the mediating effects of Covid pandemic and female ownership on the informal business performance. Secondary data for the study was obtained from World Bank Enterprise Survey website and the dataset was selected in the Indian context as India is one of the leading countries in South Asia where informal businesses have closer proportion of national economy. Dependent variable, informal business performance was measured in terms of profit and total sales, whereas the independent variable, social capital was measured using a self-developed scale by the author. Multiple regression, instrumental variable regression and censored regression (tobit) models have been used in analysis. The STATA version 11.1 is used as the statistical tool. The regression results show a strong positive relationship among the social capital and informal business performance, while the mediating effect of the global pandemic and female ownership on informal business performance were not significant.
Veterans in Care Homes: An International Scoping Review to Inform UK Policy and Practice
Authors: Gillin Nicola , Almond Michael , Fossey Matt
Published: July 2024

Context: In contrast to the mental and physical health needs of veterans, veterans’ social care needs remain relatively neglected by policymakers and researchers.
Objective: To inform UK veterans policy and practice by drawing together the expectedly limited international research base on veterans in care homes.
Method: An international scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey research literature was conducted, informed by Levac et al.’s (2010) six-stage process.
Findings: Thirty-three papers were found to meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The papers’ contents typically fell into one or more of the following themes: social connection, care preferences and autonomy, and military-related physical and mental health needs.
Limitations: Very little (n = 1) UK-situated research was found, with the majority of retrieved papers (n = 24) being US-based, impeding transferability and relevancy of the findings to a UK context.
Implications: Veterans’ social care needs were found to be a largely underexplored area of research, especially in the UK. There is a pressing need for UK veterans’ policymakers to redress existing imbalances in the focus of policy and research by raising the status and importance of the social care needs of UK veterans, as has been achieved on the mental and physical health fronts.
Problems and perspectives for the use of exotic predators and parasitoids in biological control
Authors: D’Urso Vera , Bella Salvatore , Mifsud David , Lamoliere Arthur , Sabella Giorgio
Published: July 2024

The accidental introduction of alien organisms potentially harmful to agriculture can cause extensive damage to vegetable crops and fruit plants and is favoured by the global mobility of people, trade of goods and the ongoing climate change. The use of alien predators and parasitoids is well known in the agricultural field, where they are often used for biological control to protect fruit and horticultural plants. The management of invasive species is and will be one of the key issues for preserving biodiversity and the profitability of crops, the latter can now count on an effective, consolidated and lasting strategy: Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The legislation on this subject is complex and articulated and is continuously being updated. It allows for the development of specific skills in biological control and the availability to use quarantine chambers where it is possible to breed and study the behaviour of antagonists (predators and parasitoids), even exotic ones. If successful, their subsequent release to targeted biological control interventions of infestations of the IAS ‘Invasive Alien Species’ can be carried out. This contribution highlights the risk that such practices may involve and takes into account the following points: 1. The behaviour of an alien species can be very different in different contexts, being able to be a real IAS or not showing any character of invasiveness; 2. The behavior of an alien species can vary over time in the same context, diversifying and also expanding its trophic niche; 3. A good number of indigenous predators and parasitoids can over time adapt to new alien prey/hosts and could potentially be used for biological control. In future, biological control will be increasingly used given that EU funds reward and support this type of approach and the intentional introduction of alien natural predators and parasitoids into agroecosystems, although subject to strict protocols, cannot exclude spontaneous colonization by these last of natural environments with currently not assessable consequences on their biocoenosis. In conclusion, the rigorous risk analysis alone does not currently seem sufficient to exclude potential damage to local biodiversity, and programs for the release of exotic predators and parasitoids should be associated with mandatory monitoring of at least five years to verify the behaviour of these aliens in nature and their possible impact on ecosystems.
Making smart use of woody alien plants
Authors: Badalamenti Emilio , La Mantia Tommaso
Published: July 2024

It is unquestionable that some alien woody plant species are a major issue for biodiversity conservation. However, being alien species generally adapted to warmer conditions than natives, they could be particularly suited to cope with the new environmental and climatic conditions that are also forecasted in the coming decades in Sicily. This poses an issue that is not easy to deal with, whether trying to use these species for the advantages they could bring, for instance in the new reforestation activities, while avoiding them becoming a serious problem for biodiversity conservation in natural and seminatural areas. Here, we present some study cases of non-native tree species which represent emblematic examples in that regard: Acacia saligna and A. cyclops, Eucalyptus spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Opuntia ficus-indica and Ailanthus altissima. These tree species are very invasive in some ecological contexts, while being useful to meet ecological services in others. A sound planning activity could help distinguish where planting these species could be not only possible but also desirable, from areas where their presence should be totally avoided.
Brachytrupes membranaceus (Drury, 1773) and B. megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae): two species compared
Authors: Petralia Alfredo , Artioli Marcello , Petralia Alberto , Puma Toni
Published: July 2024

The authors compare the stridulations of Brachytupes membranaceus (Drury, 1773) and Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae), two burrowing sabulicolous crickets which coexist in the contiguous areas of their respective ranges and which, although easily distinguishable morphologically, show remarkable eco-ethological similarities. The sound spectrograms of the two species are here analysed and it is highlighted how the stridulations produced by the males to recall the females do not seem species-specific as they are mutually accepted as a signal of recall for the partner. Is hypothesized that the forms morphologically described in the literature as intermediate between the two species may be hybrids. This work was presented in 6th International Congress on Biodiversity “Biodiversity and the new scenarios on alien species, climate, environment and energy” held at the University Territorial Center of Trapani (Italy, Sicily) (2–3 September 2022).
Isidus moreli Mulsant et Rey, 1874 in Sicily (Elateridae Pomachiliini): regional distribution and threat factors
Authors: Muscarella Calogero , Costa Simone , Faraone Francesco Paolo , Mascarello Giuseppe , Salemi Alessandro , Sechi Daniele , Giacalone Gabriele
Published: July 2024

The distribution of Isidus moreli Mulsant et Rey, 1874 (Elateridae Pomachiliini) in Sicily is updated, a saproxylophagous species linked to dune environments and considered “Vulnerable” in the national red lists and “Near Threatened” in the European ones. For this species, the ecological peculiarities are also highlighted and the main threat factors are discussed, underlining the importance of protected areas for its conservation.
AutistiCare: A One-Stop Centre for Parents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Children In Perlis
Authors: Zakaria Noor Azura , Tajuddin Nur Syazwana , Mohd Supian Nur Faraayuni Sufea
Published: July 2024

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically struggle with social communication and interaction, psychomotor, activity daily living, cognitive, as well as behavioural and intention issues. It is difficult for parents and carers of children with ASD to manage their difficulties, particularly at home and at school. This going to be worst if the parents or carers are not well-equipped with related knowledge on the ASD management. The COVID-19 pandemic situation that spread the world in 2020 has caused significant mental health challenges for parents, such as anxiety and depression, as a result of additional challenges in coping with their children in everyday life, in which the usual therapies that they received at the therapy centre must be completed at home. As a result, supporting them in managing this problem is critical to improving their psychological well-being as a continual attempt from the therapy centre to home. Society nowadays is adapted to the use of the technologies because of COVID-19 phenomena. Strong evidence suggests that online intervention is equally important with a face-to-face approach that has positive effects to autistic children and provides psychological support for the parents. However, there is a gap on the digital intervention platform according to the needs of parents for ASD management especially in Perlis society. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to invent a telehealth platform, characterized as the delivery of healthcare to patients and caregivers via the Internet. The proposed system is AutistiCare targeting parents with ASD children in Perlis that will be developed through a web-based system. The system includes various intervention modules, such as online communities, including online consultations between experts and parents, psychological support through forums, psychoeducation delivered via learning materials such as videos or modules, and service-related postings such as advertisements for ASD programs or seminars. It is envisaged at the end, the system is equipped with optimal ASD management content to support parents with autistic children in Perlis. In addition, it can be a platform to seek knowledge and assistance from the expert remotely.
Design and Development of Cybersecurity Suite
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Aiman , Ahmad Khalil Ahmad Nazrin , Abubakar Adamu
Published: July 2024

Protecting personal, corporate and government data in the digital age requires cybersecurity. Traditional cybersecurity methods sometimes lack comprehensive and dynamic protection mechanisms as cyber-attacks change and become more sophisticated. A new cybersecurity suite is proposed in this study. It integrates various advanced security technologies into a single user-friendly platform interaction. This paper specifically combines techniques for real-time phishing detection, strong password management, safe encryption and decryption services and an interactive module to promote user awareness and behaviours to improve digital security for individuals and organization. Rapid prototyping is used in iterative and incremental development phases to adapt to changing security needs and user input. This method allows the platform to be constantly improved to satisfy the current cybersecurity standards and react to new threats. The prototyped developed provides proactive digital defence, a complete cybersecurity platform that equips users to defend their digital presence. With the intuitive design and advanced feature set, the prototype aspires to democratize cybersecurity. Empirical testing of the prototype revealed that makes an effective protection of a wider audience without the complexities of security software. This paper contributes in the advances cybersecurity technology and shaping the digital protection measures.
Intergenerational Connections: US College Students’ Attitudes and Expectations Toward Older Adults and Aging in an Online Critical Community Engagement Project
Authors: Faulkner Sandra , Pollino Madison , Shetterly Jaclyn , Watson Wendy
Published: July 2024

We present a critically focused, semester-long community engagement project entitled Intergenerational Connections as a form of critical interpersonal and family communication pedagogy (CIFCP). The project utilized Zoom to connect small groups of undergraduate students in the US enrolled in a course on relational communication with older adults in a long-term care facility to dialogue about close relationships. We were interested in how dialogue across generations maintained or altered students’ attitudes and expectations about communicating with older adults and analyzed student reflections before, during, and after the dialogues using a turning point analysis. The study was framed using Social Identity Theory (SIT) to show how young adults may label older adults as an outgroup contributing to negative stereotypes. We discuss two turning points related to Perceptions of Aging and Developmental Changes and Understanding and Expectations of Relationships and identify practical implications of the project for universities and communities.
Maintaining the Complex Personal and Professional Elements of Our Lives in Academe
Authors: Brammer Sydney , Martinez Ryan , Punyanunt-Carter Narissra
Published: July 2024

This reflective essay offers several practical suggestions for scholars and professionals who are looking for ways to sustain abundant personal and professional lives in a discipline that encourages workaholic tendencies and requires many to engage in hybrid working arrangements. We discuss the tensions experienced by many communication teacher-scholars in academe and how various types of boundaries can aid in the maintenance of rest and work.
Economic Aspects of Automation of Production Management of a Modern Enterprise (by the Example of Kaluga Pjsc Cadvi)
Authors: Kruglov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Tiutin Dmitrii Vasilevich
Published: July 2024

The chapter examines algorithms for improving automated production management systems. The epistemological roots of various stages of the process are analyzed: automated control systems (ACS), automated production development systems (APS), computer-aided design (CAD) systems and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), as a developing technology involving bots that imitate human actions. The relevance of the problems raised lies in the lack of alternatives to innovative development for the domestic economy. This concept inherently includes a component of artificial intelligence associated with the implementation of automated control systems in production cycles. Using the example of Kaluga PJSC CADVI, the authors prove the effectiveness of introducing self-developing technologies for management activities. Systemic, complex, process and situational types of analysis are used. Layers of monographic and statistical developments are taken as the initial base. Specific proposals are given for choosing the most effective and reasonable platforms, taking into account current production realities.
Proizvodstvo sredstv protivodeistviia bespilotnym letatel'nym apparatam (BPLA) v ramkakh strategii innovatsionnogo menedzhmenta na predpriiatiiakh rossiiskogo oboronno-promyshlennogo kompleksa
Authors: Kashirin Aleksandr Ivanovich , Poletaev Ilia Vladimirovich
Published: July 2024

The chapter discusses the managerial aspects of the development of new technologies at enterprises of the Russian defense industry in the digital economy. The relevance of the study is determined by several circumstances. Firstly, it is the market of anti-UAVs that has been studied to a lesser extent than the UAVs themselves. Drones, both as a military solution and as civil technologies, are currently in the focus of attention of the scientific and professional community. At the same time, systems aimed at countering UAVs do not receive due attention. Secondly, for military-technical cooperation of the Russian Federation, the market of anti-UAVS is of great interest: since UAVs themselves are being adopted almost everywhere, it can be expected that in the near future the market will require appropriate solutions aimed at countering these systems. Thirdly, the international arms market itself is in a constant state of change, and these changes should receive proper scientific assessment.
Formation of innovative projects in the context of international economic sanctions
Authors: Alekseenko Mikhail Viktorovich , Golub Ivan Ivanovich
Published: July 2024

The chapter examines the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy, analyzes various theoretical approaches to the concept of economic integration and financial and legal mechanisms, their role in ensuring national security and stimulating economic growth. Special attention is paid to the problems of Russian tax legislation and its impact on attracting foreign investment, as well as the possibility of using cryptocurrencies in international settlements under sanctions pressure.
Implementation of the digitalization strategy in applied tasks
Authors: Terioshina Vlada Valerevna
Published: July 2024

The chapter analyzes the key trends of digital transformation based on factors determining the development of digital technologies. Digital transformation implies the integration of digital technologies into all aspects of an organization's activities, including operations, processes, and business models. Based on the classification of influencing factors, the main directions of digital transformation are defined in the form of four directions. Also, problems arising during digital transformation are considered, and its advantages are presented.
Bootstrap Procedure for Correlation Model of Random Design Under Strong Dependence
Authors: Aga Mosisa
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the validity of a bootstrap least square estimate of a polynomial correlation model whose error terms are an autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average ARFIMA (p,d,q) strongly dependent time series. For an (r + 1)*1 vector B of unknown parameters, ^Ba an 'adjusted' least square estimate of B, ^B* a bootstrap estimate of B, it is shown that the distribution of ✓n(^ B*- ^Ba) converges to that of ✓n (^Ba - B), where n is the sample size. The result in this paper extends the correlation part of the results obtained by [9] and [6] to the case where the error term exhibits a long memory time series.
Indoor radon monitoring in Zázrivá
Authors: SMETANOVÁ Iveta , CSICSAY Kristian , MARKO František
Published: July 2024

Indoor radon survey in Zázrivá was conducted within the framework of the project “Multidisciplinary research of geophysical and structural parameters, and environmental impacts of faults of the Western Carpathians”. Monitoring was carried out in selected houses and kindergarten using RamaRn detectors. Annual average of indoor radon varied between 45 and 260 Bq/m3, with median of 90 Bq/m3. Seasonal variation with minimum in summer was observed in the majority of monitored rooms. Radon concentration higher than 200 Bq/m3 was measured only in rooms with direct contact with the subsoil. A possible relation between the position of a monitored building close to an assumed fault line and elevated indoor radon levels was not proven.
Clinical Outcomes of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Vathana Nassawee , Thitipolpun Siriporn , Buaboonnam Jassada , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Phuakpet Kamon
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in countries with limited resources.Material and Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients <15 years old, diagnosed with LCH and treated at Siriraj Hospital; from January 1, 2002 until December 31, 2016, was performed. The patients’ demographic data, treatment protocol, and efficacy of treatment were collected and analyzed.Results: LCH was diagnosed in 38 patients, with a median age of 1.9 years old; of whom, 24 had multisystem disease (MS) and 14 had single system disease (SS). In the MS group, 16 patients had risk of organ (RO) involvement, with hepatic involvement being most common. The prevalence of central diabetes insipidus was 21.0%. Reactivation was observed in 11 patients (28.9%). RO involvement of the hematopoietic system (p-value=0.016), spleen (p-value=0.031), and MS (p-value=0.001) were significantly associated with a poor response to induction therapy. RO involvement of the hematopoietic system (p-value=0.016), liver (p-value=0.0), and spleen (p-value=0.005), as well as MS (p-value=0.013) were significantly associated with reactivation risk. The 5-year event-free survival rate of patients with and without RO involvement were 9.2% and 88.3%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with and without RO involvement were 82.5% and 96.4%, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of MS and RO involvement seemed high in this cohort; however, the outcomes were comparable to other Asian studies. Novel treatment for RO involvement may improve clinical outcomes.
Aplikasi Aljabar Max Plus pada Pengaturan Lampu Lalu Lintas di Perempatan Kasihan Yogyakarta
Authors: Susilowati Eka
Published: July 2024

Aljabar max plus dapat digunakan dalam berbagai permasalahan sehari hari. Pada penelitian ini, dibahas mengenai aplikasi aljabar maks plis dalam masalah system antrian lampu lalu lintas. Hal ini sangat penting karena dapat mengurangi antrian kendaraan yang mengakibatkan macet lalu lintas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menerapkan aljabar maks plus dalam mengatur lama waktu lampu lalu lintas di Perempatan kasihan Yogyakarta. Data yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini adalah data berupa lama waktu lampu lalu lintas. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penggambaran graf kondidi perempatan kasihan dan merepresentasikan arah dari system gerak setiap jalur.Kemudian disusun atruran sinkronisasi yang disesuaikan dengan graf tadi sehingga didapat model aljabar maks plus. Berdasarkan pemodelan aljabar maks plus tadi, didapat pengaturan lampu lalu lintas dan lama periodic yang didasarkan pada vector eigen dan nilai eigen. Hasil penelitian ini adalah karena diperoleh nilai eigen 106,25, maka dapat digambarkan keperiodikan nyala lampu lalu lintas.Selain itu, diperoleh juga vektor eigen (438,75 437,5 431,25 425) yang bersesuaian dengan nilai eigen 106,25 yaitu  yang mendasari fase nyala lampu lalu lintas di setiap perempatan jalannya.