bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Fingerprint Attendance Effectiveness on Compensation with Discipline as a Mediating Variable at PT. XYZ
Authors: Arkadewi Varadilla , Cahyadi Nur
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the fingerprint attendance system on compensation, with discipline as a mediating variable. The study was conducted at PT. XYZ, involving a sample of 110 employees from a population of 689 people. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire with a Likert scale, then analyzed using the PLS-SEM method with SmartPLS 4 software. The analysis process includes validity, reliability, hypothesis testing, and model fit tests. The results of the study indicate that the fingerprint attendance system significantly improves employee discipline, which then has a positive impact on compensation. In addition, fingerprint attendance also has a direct effect on compensation. Discipline has been shown to be an important mediator in building a disciplined work culture, increasing transparency in working time management, and ensuring fair and productive compensation. This study highlights the important role of technology in human resource management, especially in creating an efficient, transparent, and productivity-supporting work system. These findings provide important insights for companies in designing effective technology-based discipline and compensation policies.
The Effect of Strategic Communication on the Quality-of-Service Delivery in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya The Role of Strategic Leadership on The Performance of the County Governments in Kenya
Authors: Wekesa Diana Christabel Natecho , Jemaiyo Beatrice , Eng’air Pamela
Published: January 2025

The study examined the effect of strategic communication on the quality-of-service delivery in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya. The study aimed at finding out the internal communication systems, stakeholders’ interactions and feedback systems that affect the quality of services offered by the ministry.The study employed secondary research and qualitative research techniques. Academic articles, government documents, policies and cases were used to examine the existing literature and determine the current state of strategic communication at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.The study revealed the significance of the internal vertical and horizontal communication in the improvement of the service delivery. Downward communication helps to explain policies and objectives in an effective manner and upward communication assists in passing important information from the subordinates to the superiors. Horizontal communication helps in the exchange of ideas within departments and helps in the overall cohesiveness of the service delivery system. Stakeholder engagement improved the communication across various stakeholder. The study also highlighted the importance of feedback mechanisms in improving the quality of services and addressing some of the challenges including bureaucratic delay. Strategic communication implementation can control public expectations, disseminate information on time, and enhance organizational coordination hence enhancing service delivery results.The findings of the study add to the existing literature by focusing on strategic communication in the delivery of public sector services. It offers specific suggestions on how to strengthen the communication efforts in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, for instance, by developing the internal communication and engaging the relevant stakeholders. Thus, the policy implications of the study include adopting feedback mechanisms and open communication strategies to enhance the public’s trust in its government and foster responsible and accountable governance. In the case of the governmental context, the systems theory and stakeholder theory in analyzing the communication processes provide a theoretical foundation that can be used in other governmental contexts to enhance the delivery of services.
A Case Study on Mentally Disabled Young People’s Participatory Experience of Community Mental Health Program -Centered around participants of「Cheong․Jeong Dangdang」Program-
Authors:   The Korea Academy of Case Management, Lee Keunhee , Shim Kyungsoon
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience and meaning of mentally disabled young people's participation in the community mental health program. For the purpose, the study carried out a case research in which those people's views were reflected. Participants of the research were 7 young persons with mental disorder. This study made a deep interview with them on a one-on-one basis, and collected their statements. Among the statements, the study analyzed responses that it considered meaningful. As a result, 3 themes, 7 sub-themes and 27 factors were drawn out in regard to mentally disabled young people's experience of the community mental health program. The three themes were ① yearning for a job, but frequently falling, ② recovery and major or minor growth ③ I who am not different from ordinary young people. In conclusion, the findings of this study implied that young people with mental disorder should be given supports for future planning and advance into society. Based on this, the study made several suggestions such as development and distribution of more community programs for the young mentally disabled, provision of more opportunities for their lifelong education, case management, and connection with resources that facilitate them to live as a young member of community.
Collaborative Network Structures in Youth Shelters: An Exploratory Study by Shelter Type
Authors:   The Korea Academy of Case Management, Kim HaeJung , Nam SungHee , Chang Saemi , Oh Su-Kyung
Published: January 2025

This study aims to assess the collaborative networks in youth shelters' case management with external organizations. A survey was conducted with a representative from each youth shelter nationwide, analyzing collaboration activities over the past year with public institutions, youth facilities, and healthcare organizations. The study focused on whether collaborative network structures varied by shelter type. Findings revealed distinct characteristics based on shelter type: temporary shelters frequently collaborated with public agencies to identify and protect runaway youth, while short and long-term shelters prioritized collaboration with counseling centers, welfare services, and healthcare providers for broader support needs. This study underscores the need for tailored networks based on shelter type and offers foundational data for enhancing youth shelter networks in the future.
Gépjárművekkel kapcsolatos csalás nyomozása
Authors: Kovács István
Published: January 2025

Through the description of a particular and peculiar case, the author provides an overview of investigative methodology for cases concerning vehiclerelated fraud which involve organised crime as well as tax evasion.
Study and comparison of the bending response of porous advanced composite plates under thermomechanical loads using different materials
Authors: Khaled Zaiter , Madjid Berrabah Hamza
Published: January 2025

This research focuses on the study and comparison of the thermomechanical bending behavior of porous advanced composite plates, particularly functionally graded materials (FGM), where the presence of porosity significantly influences their structural performance. A refined shear deformation theory is developed to analyze the bending response of porous FGMs under thermomechanical loads. The proposed model introduces a novel transverse shear function, separating transverse displacements into bending and shear components. This innovative approach simplifies the analysis, requiring fewer unknowns and eliminating the need for shear correction factors, thereby reducing computational costs compared to traditional theories such as first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT), sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT), and quasi-3D theory. The study examines the bending response of porous FGMs composed of various materials, including FGM 1 (Aluminum/Zirconia), FGM 2 (Ceramic/Zirconia), FGM 3 (Titanium/Silicon Carbide), FGM 4 (Stainless Steel/Zirconia), FGM 5 (Copper/Alumina), and FGM 6 (Nickel/Silicon Nitride). The results derived from the proposed theory are systematically compared with those obtained from other established theories to demonstrate its accuracy and computational efficiency. This work provides valuable insights into the behavior of porous FGMs and highlights the potential of the refined shear deformation theory for future applications in structural engineering.
Enhanced face recognition in unconstrained environments: leveraging 3D morphable model and focal modulation network
Authors: Nachet Randa , Stambouli Tarik Boudghene
Published: January 2025

Due to the fact that faces can vary significantly in appearance when viewed from different angles or orientations, face recognition systems can easily be impacted by this issue. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for face frontalization leveraging a 3D morphable model (3DMM) and advanced deep learning techniques. Our architecture comprises two main modules: the 3D face fitting module, where we redesign this strategy using a focal modulation network-based encoder, and the texture completion module, which recovers the unseen regions caused by self-occlusion. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in producing high-quality frontalized face images across different poses, improving the performance of face recognition in unconstrained environments.
JWST-TST DREAMS: A Supersolar Metallicity in WASP-17 b’s Dayside Atmosphere from NIRISS SOSS Eclipse Spectroscopy
Authors: Gressier Amélie , MacDonald Ryan J. , Espinoza Néstor , Wakeford Hannah R. , Lewis Nikole K. , Goyal Jayesh , Louie Dana R. , Radica Michael , Batalha Natasha E. , Long Douglas , May Erin M. , Mullens Elijah , Seager Sara , Stevenson Kevin B. , Valenti Jeff A. , Alderson Lili , Allen Natalie H. , Cañas Caleb I. , Challener Ryan C. , Colón Knicole , Glidden Ana , Grant David , Huang Jingcheng , Lin Zifan , Valentine Daniel , Mountain C. Matt , Pueyo Laurent , Perrin Marshall D. , van der Marel Roeland P.
Published: January 2025

We present the first emission spectrum of the hot Jupiter WASP-17 b using one eclipse observation from the JWST Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) Single Object Slitless Spectroscopy (SOSS) mode. Covering a wavelength range of 0.6–2.8 μm, our retrieval analysis reveals a strong detection of H2O in WASP-17 b’s dayside atmosphere (6.4σ). Our retrievals consistently favor a supersolar dayside H2O abundance and a noninverted temperature–pressure profile over a large pressure range. Additionally, our examination of the brightness temperature reveals excess emission below 1 μm, suggesting the possibility of a high internal temperature (600–700 K) and/or contributions from reflected light. We highlight that JWST emission spectroscopy retrieval results can be sensitive to whether negative eclipse depths are allowed at optical wavelengths during light-curve fitting. Our findings deepen our understanding of WASP-17 b’s atmospheric composition while also highlighting the sensitivity of our results to pressure–temperature profile parameterizations. This work is part of a series of studies by our JWST Telescope Scientist Team (TST), in which we will use Guaranteed Time Observations to perform Deep Reconnaissance of Exoplanet Atmospheres through Multi-instrument Spectroscopy (DREAMS).
H i Intensity Mapping Cross-correlation with Thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich Fluctuations: Forecasted Cosmological Parameter Estimation for FAST and Planck
Authors: Ibitoye Ayodeji , Deng Furen , Li Yichao , Ma Yin-Zhe , Gong Yan , Chen Xuelei
Published: January 2025

The 21 cm emission from neutral hydrogen surveys holds great potential as a valuable method for exploring the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe. In this paper, we forecast for the cross-correlation between the thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) fluctuations as probed by the Planck satellite and fluctuations in the H i brightness temperature as probed by the ground-based Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope to trace the connection between galaxy clusters and the H i LSS. Assuming that the measurement is limited by instrumental noise rather than by foreground, we estimate the potential detectability of the cross-correlation signal and the improvement in the measurement of the H i cosmic density, the hydrostatic mass bias parameter, and the universal pressure profile parameters. We obtain a constraint on the cosmic neutral hydrogen density parameter significantly to σ(ΩH I) = 1.0 × 10−6. We also find that the average halo masses contributing to the H i − y cross-power spectrum in the one-halo regime is ∼1.5 × 1014
M
⊙. Our results also show that the H i–SZ cross-correlation has great potential to probe the distribution of neutral hydrogen (H i) within halos at low redshift.
Ultraviolet Photometry and Habitable Zones of over 2700 Planet-hosting Stars
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Song , Han Henggeng , Liu Jifeng
Published: January 2025

The ongoing discovery of exoplanets has sparked significant interest in finding suitable worlds that could potentially support life. Stellar ultraviolet (UV; 100–3000 Å) radiation may play a crucial role in determining the habitability of their planets. In this paper, we conducted a detailed analysis of the UV photometry of over 2700 host stars with confirmed planets, using observational data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer and Swift Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope missions. We performed aperture photometry on single-exposure images and provided photometric catalogs that can be used to explore a wide range of scientific questions, such as stellar UV activity and planet habitability. By calculating the circumstellar habitable zone and UV habitable zone, we found that fewer than 100 exoplanets fall within both of these zones, with the majority being gas giants. We also examined stellar activity based on their far-UV (FUV) and near-UV (NUV) emissions. We found the FUV−NUV color more effectively represents stellar activity compared to the

R

FUV

′

and

R

NUV

′

indices. The Sun’s low FUV emission and moderate NUV emission highlight its uniqueness among (solar-like) stars.
Semiclassical Estimates of Pressure-induced Line Widths for Infrared Absorption in Hot (Exo)planetary Atmospheres
Authors: Buldyreva Jeanna , Stehlin Kathleen , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Guest Elizabeth R. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Because of elevated temperatures and high fluxes of stellar radiation irreproducible in laboratory conditions, molecules and molecular ions found or expected in exoplanetary atmospheres are generally poorly characterized from the viewpoint of their spectroscopic line-shape parameters; in many cases, there are no data at all. Advanced theoretical approaches (classical, semiclassical, and quantum mechanical), without mentioning their high computational cost, are also impracticable due to the lack of potential energy surfaces. To fill this gap of crucially missing line-broadening parameters, we provide estimated values issued from a simple rotationally independent semiclassical expression. Only the index related to the leading long-range interaction term, molecular masses and kinetic diameters, as well as temperature are used as input parameters. A wide range of absorbers and perturbation by He, Ar, H2, N2, O2, CO, NO, CO2, H2O, CH4, and NH3 as well as self-perturbation are considered. The explicit temperature dependence T
−0.5 allows calculations to be limited to the single reference temperature of 296 K; for other temperatures a simple scaling can be used. The full set of line-broadening coefficients obtained with various possible values of kinetic diameters is provided by the new Collisional Line-broadening Parameters database, which is specifically designed for this purpose. “Midvalue” (or more recent) kinetic diameters are retained to create one-value line-broadening data required to populate the ExoMol database. A way to generate rotationally dependent line widths is proposed.
Possibilities for inclusion of Bulgarian protected areas on the IUCN Green List
Authors: Bancheva-Preslavska Hristina
Published: January 2025

The most successful approach to conserving biodiversity is the development of a worldwide network of protected areas that are effectively managed through various tools and criteria. The latest global project for management quality of protected areas is the IUCN Green List Standard. It offers an instrument for regular assessment and implementation of protected area management efficiency. Listed sites gain recognition as a good example in nature preservation, international promotion, know-how, access to and exchange of global expertise, support and financial resources for good conservation outcomes. Bulgaria has a well-developed network of protected areas and participates in international programs with several nature sites. Joining the Green List program could influence national policy and actions for further excellence of the national network and its effective management, as well confirm Bulgarian commitment to global conservation efforts. The aim of this study is to assess the possibilities for including sites from the Bulgarian protected areas network on the IUCN Green List, identifying sites, ready to complete the application phase and be credible candidates for inscription. A review of the Bulgarian protected areas network was done and an evaluation, corresponding to the application phase of the Green List, of 49 natural sites (three national parks, 11 nature parks and 35 managed reserves) showed that the best potential candidates for the Green List are the administrations of Central Balkan National Park, Bulgarka Nature Park, Persina Nature Park and Belasitsa Nature Park. It is recommended that they start an application procedure and join the IUCN network.
Opportunities for implementing digital applications to monitor the impact of risk-minimization measures within the pharmacovigilance process: Scoping review of published literature
Authors: Getov Ilko , Panayotova Denitsa , Dobrev Stanimir , Dimitrova Maria , Petkova Valentina
Published: January 2025

The study provides an overview of innovative digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of drug safety monitoring and improve patient outcomes, focusing on implementing digital applications to enhance the monitoring of additional risk-minimization measures (aRMMs) for pharmacovigilance. Over the last decade, the literature has highlighted a critical unmet need for improving the efficiency and accuracy of adverse event reporting. This is crucial for identifying risks not observed during clinical trials. Digital tools offer potential benefits by providing real-time reporting, comprehensive safety data, and increased patient engagement, thus addressing the challenges of underreporting and incomplete data in pharmacovigilance. The scoping review of the literature identified current global practices and evaluated the feasibility of adopting such solutions locally. The findings suggest digital tools such as mobile applications, web-based platforms, and electronic health record integrations are effective mechanisms for the collection of real-world data, patient-reported outcomes, and patient engagement in terms of drug safety surveillance. These tools address significant challenges inherent in traditional systems, such as underreporting and data fragmentation. Integrating digital solutions into pharmacovigilance can significantly enhance the timeliness and reliability of drug safety data, supporting more informed regulatory decision-making and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
De quelques notes historiques sur les origines de la notion de l’identification projective et de ses incidences dans la clinique et le mouvement psychanalytique
Authors: Gougoulis Nicolas
Published: January 2025

Résumé : L’auteur examine l’histoire complexe de l’émergence et du destin de la notion d’identification projective. Consacrée par Melanie Klein elle a été développée par ses élèves et collaborateurs qui ont l’ont enrichi et ainsi ont élargi le champ d’application dans la clinique de patients au-delà du spectre névrotique. Le développement de l’dentification projective est lié à l’approfondissement d’autres notions, tel le contre-transfert. Enfin l’auteur propose une hypothèse d’explication d’une certaine rigidification du concept chez les élèves du groupe kleinien.
La psychanalyse à l’ère des pixels : Réflexions sur le cadre analytique adapté au monde connecté
Authors: Potier Rémy
Published: January 2025

La prolifération du numérique depuis plusieurs décennies ont profondément reconfiguré l’espace psychothérapeutique, questionnant les fondements mêmes de la pratique psychanalytique en l’invitant à essayer des modalités online. Dans cet espace virtuel, les notions de présence, de corps et de cadre thérapeutique se trouvent redéfinies, bouleversant les dynamiques transférentielles et les processus de symbolisation. Cette mutation invite à repenser les théories classiques à l’aune de cette nouvelle réalité, où l’espace analytique se dématérialise sans pour autant perdre sa puissance transformatrice. Les enjeux éthiques, notamment en termes de confidentialité et d’intimité, s’intensifient dans ce contexte numérique, exigeant une vigilance accrue et des compétences nouvelles à acquérir pour les praticiens. Cette évolution, loin de simplement transposer la pratique traditionnelle, ouvre de nouvelles perspectives sur la construction identitaire et la subjectivité dans un monde interconnecté voire hyperconnecté. La psychanalyse se trouve ainsi confrontée au défi de préserver ses spécificités pratiques et éthiques tout en s’adaptant aux modalités contemporaines de l’être et du lien, réaffirmant sa pertinence dans l’exploration de l’inconscient à l’ère digitale.
L’écoute des patients souffrant de maladies auto-immunes
Authors: Jeltikova Eugénia
Published: January 2025

La prévalence croissante des maladies auto-immunes nécessite une réflexion théorico-clinique sur les particularités de la cure d’analysants qui souffrent de telles pathologies. L’expérience de la maladie somatique chronique peut être décrite en termes d’exil, d’étrangeté et de défiguration de la temporalité. L’hypothèse d’une position hypocondriaque du malade somatique conduit à mettre en lumière une dynamique transférentielle particulière : dans la cure de l’analysant malade somatique, c’est au maniement d’un transfert diffracté qu’est appelé l’analyste. Les pratiques psychanalytiques apparaissent alors amenées à évoluer en repensant la question du corps en cure dans le sens d’une « écoute incarnée ».
Adaptive estimation: Fuzzy data-driven gamma distribution via Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches
Authors: Ashok Abbarapu , Nagamani Nadiminti
Published: January 2025

Integrating fuzzy concepts into statistical estimation offers considerable advantages by enhancing both the accuracy and reliability of parameter estimations, irrespective of the sample size and technique used. This study specifically examined the improvement of parameter estimation accuracy when dealing with fuzzy data, with a focus on the gamma distribution. We explored and evaluated a variety of estimation techniques for determining the scale parameter $ \eta $ and shape parameter $ \rho $ of the gamma distribution, employing both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods. In the case of ML estimates, the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm and the Newton-Raphson (NR) method were applied, with confidence intervals constructed using the Fisher information matrix. Additionally, the highest posterior density (HPD) intervals were derived through Gibbs sampling. For Bayesian estimates, the Tierney and Kadane (TK) approximation and Gibbs sampling were used to enhance the estimation process. A thorough performance comparison was undertaken using a simulated fuzzy dataset of the lifetimes of rechargeable batteries to assess the effectiveness of these methods. The methods were evaluated by comparing the estimated parameters to their true values using mean squared error (MSE) as a metric. Our findings demonstrate that the Bayesian approach, particularly when combined with the TK method, consistently produces more accurate and reliable parameter estimates compared to traditional methods. These results underscore the potential of Bayesian techniques in addressing fuzzy data and enhancing precision in statistical analyses.
UTILIZING BIM TO VISUALIZE REAL-TIME THERMAL AND VISUAL COMFORT IN OFFICE SPACES
Authors: Behery Moatazbellah El , Assem Ali , Fahmy Amgad
Published: January 2025

An average person spends about one-third of their day in the office (Naber, 2013), consequently, improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) helps enhance their overall health and productivity. Therefore, Facility Management (FM) seeks ways to enhance IEQ to improve overall occupants/building performance. With a focus on finding ways to do so, this study investigates the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that measure several factors of IEQ with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to help FM make decisions based on live data to enhance building performance and user satisfaction. The study is conducted on a floor of an office building in Cairo, Egypt. Data exported from an IoT Wireless Sensors Network (WSN) is integrated and visualized in a Revit model through a Dynamo script that also compares the data to standards such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The FM team assesses the efficiency of the tool, then suggestions for improvement are presented. The results produce a user-friendly tool that integrates an IoT WSN network to a Revit model and shows the updated state and history of six IEQ parameters that could be used to ease and support decision-making for FM and improve overall building performance.
JOB–HOUSING SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND COMMUTING RELATIONSHIP: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON MOBILE PHONE-SIGNALING DATA IN XI’AN
Authors: Li Lingyan , Zhu Jiaxin , Yang Jixian , Zhang Chengkai , Xia Haoming
Published: January 2025

Supported by mobile phone-signaling data, this paper integrates spatial analysis technology and social network analysis methods, breaks the restrictions of Xi'an's administrative boundaries, builds a “city-region subgroup” framework for spatial analysis of the job–housing relationship, accurately depicts the characteristics of job- housing space in Xi'an, and explores the commuting relationship between different job–housing spaces. The results show that the job–housing space in Xi'an presents the distribution characteristics of “one city with multiple centers” and the connection characteristics of “horizontally thick and vertically thin.” The commuting connection flow in the study area is mainly concentrated in the central urban area, and this short-distance commuting is the mainstay of the job–housing spatial connection pattern, and most of them are expressed in the form of a triangular closed-loop. There are currently four types of job–housing space commuting relationships in the subgroups formed in Xi'an: a strong interaction balance, a moderate interaction balance, a weak interaction imbalance, and a strong interaction imbalance. Their spatial heterogeneity indicates the necessity for the reorganization of the job–housing function and of the policies appropriate to the local situation.
Role of International Mobility Programs in Higher Education
Authors: R. V. Suganya , S. Asan Bawa , Vanishree G. , Kumar A. V. Senthil
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the impact of international mobility programs in higher education (HE) in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by encouraging the acquisition of critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). It emphasises the link between mobility-related KSAs and UNESCO's Key Competences for Sustainability, with a focus on their impact on SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The study emphasises the crucial role that higher education institutions (HEIs) play in assisting students before to and throughout their mobility experiences, while also identifying a large vacuum in post-mobility support that could improve learning outcomes and contribute to the SDGs. The study emphasises the importance of developing soft skills during international mobility, such as cultural empathy, sociolinguistic awareness, and global citizenship, which are critical for tackling current challenges and contributing to sustainable development.
Elite Making Policies
Authors: Shearer Douglas Fraser
Published: January 2025

This research explores how China has responded to global university ranking systems and successfully positioned itself by examining the history and development of international university rankings and their impact on global higher education institutions (HEIs). China's rise within these rankings is the focus along with the policies and strategies that enabled its HEIs, particularly through initiatives like the 211 and 985 projects. These policies, aimed at fostering elite universities, have influenced the international status of Chinese universities. This chapter also looks at the socio-political factors that shape Chinese HEIs, including governance structures and academic freedom, highlighting challenges in aligning with global standards. Lastly, the research discusses the broader implications of these policies on Chinese HEIs and its role in the global landscape. The findings suggest that while China has made considerable strides in improving its HEIs' global rankings, challenges remain in achieving true academic autonomy and balancing domestic priorities with international recognition.
A Survey on Blockchain Technology and Its Applications for Education
Authors: Ganesan Sangeetha
Published: January 2025

Researchers are delving into blockchain technology (BT) due to its attributes like reliability, decentralization, data veracity, and security. However, its application in education remains underexplored, with gaps in understanding its potential to address sector-specific challenges. Certificates are crucial in education, serving as essential records for professional careers, making their integrity and longevity vital. Yet, many educational institutions and certification authorities still rely on paper-based certificates, which are inefficient, prone to loss, and susceptible to fraud. These outdated methods highlight the urgent need for digitization. The proposed blockchain platform for education, built on the Ethereum blockchain, uses smart contracts to automate and enhance the certification process. This approach creates a transparent, efficient, and reliable framework for managing, sharing, and verifying credentials. By integrating BT, the education sector can improve the accuracy, security, and accessibility of certifications, paving the way for a modernized and trustworthy system.
Engaging Coachees and Measuring Success in Cross-Cultural Transnational Education
Authors: Ye Jinting
Published: January 2025

Professional development is becoming more of a trending topic and plays a significate role in talent acquisition and retainment. Within the realm of constantly evolving transnational higher education (TNHE), educators and administrators are encountering challenges brought by cultural, linguistic, and educational systems differences. To navigate among the complexities of the features, the need for effective coaching strategies is becoming paramount. This chapter aims to delve into the complexities and nuances of coaching in the multicultural higher educational setting, focusing on how coaching outcomes can be effectively measured and how they can be improved based on the needs, cultural backgrounds, and psychological factors with a coachee-centric perspective.
Temporal Rainfall Trends in the Northern and Eastern Coastal Regions of Sri Lanka: An Analysis Spanning from 1981 to 2019
Authors: Ampitiyawatta A. D. , Wijenayake R. M. S. M. , Nilmalgoda E. P. R. H. H. W. , Wimalasiri Eranga M. , Kaushalya K. C.
Published: January 2025

The annual and seasonal rainfall trends and patterns along the Northern and Eastern coastal belt of Sri Lanka were analyzed by studying the daily rainfall records from 1981 to 2019 from five locations: Jaffna, Kanukkerny Tank, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Pottuvil, because no such pattern has been addressed previously. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator were used to detect the annual and seasonal rainfall trends and the magnitude of the trend, respectively. The findings indicate that the eastern coastal belt exhibits more consistent rainfall patterns both annually and seasonally. The rainfall pattern of Jaffna, situated in the Northern coastal region, differs from the aforementioned locations. The long-term mean annual rainfall of all locations was less than 1750 mm. The lowest seasonal rainfall occurs during the first inter-monsoon (FIM) season, amounting to less than 200 mm. During the second inter-monsoon (SIM) season, the entire area experiences its peak monthly rainfall, reaching up to 280 mm/month. The Northeast monsoon (NEM) is distinctly wet season for the entire Northern and Eastern coastal belt, with rainfall surpassing 100 mm/month. Trend investigations reveal that only the Batticaloa has a significantly increasing trend of 17.5 mm/year. This annual significant (p <0.05) trend primarily stems from the noteworthy trend during the SIM, with an increase of 7.3 mm/season. Although converse trends are evident during other seasons across all locations, none of them are statistically significant (p >0.05). In conclusion, the eastern coastal belt demonstrates a more consistent rainfall pattern both annually and seasonally, whereas the rainfall pattern of the northern region differs from it. Furthermore, only the Batticaloa region shows a statistically significant trend with an increment of 17.5 mm/year.
Impact of Transplants Age on the Nutritional Quality of Cherry Tomatoes
Authors: Hossain M. F. , Islam M. S.
Published: January 2025

The age of transplants for planting in a local environment is important for better quality cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) production. A field experiment was conducted during the winter (October 2023 to March 2024) to evaluate the effect of transplant age at the time of planting on fruit quality parameters (total soluble solids (TSS), moisture, ash, fiber, fat, pH, and vitamin C) in two cherry tomato varieties: BARI tomato-11 (red-coloured fruits) and Philippines variety (yellow-coloured fruits). Cherry tomato plants were cultivated at four different transplant ages (21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) on the same day, and fruit quality parameters were measured in the ripe fruits. According to the results, there was a significant difference in all the studied fruit quality parameters, except for moisture content, among transplants of different ages, irrespective of variety. The TSS in fruit juice was higher (6.45) in 28-day-old transplants than in transplants of other ages. The vitamin C content in fruit pulp was higher (16.71 mg/100 mL) in 28-day-old transplants, which was statistically similar to that of fruits from 21-day-old transplants. Fat (0.20%) and ash (1.54%) contents in fruits were higher in 35-day-old transplants while the fruit fiber content (0.85%) was higher in 28-day-old transplants, which was statistically similar to that of 35-day-old transplants. Moreover, fruit quality parameters were significantly different between the varieties, except for TSS and moisture content. The BARI tomato-11 variety (red-coloured fruits) was more acidic (pH value of 4.03) and contained higher contents of ash (1.47%), fiber (0.85%), and vitamin C (16.56 mg/100 mL) than the Philippines variety (yellow-coloured fruits), irrespective of transplant age. Hence, it can be concluded that 28-day-old cherry tomato transplants are suitable for producing better quality fruits (higher TSS, fiber, and vitamin C contents).
Practical Strategies for Addressing the Worker Shortages: Insights from Sri Lankan Tea Plantations
Authors: Mahinda T. G. N. , Esham Mohamed , Rosairo H. S. R. , Shyamalie H. W.
Published: January 2025

The livelihoods of rural communities in tea-producing developing economies in South Asia are heavily dependent on the tea industry. Worker shortages and rising costs in tea-producing countries affect tea consumers globally. This study aims to investigate the most effective strategies that tea plantations could implement to address the worker shortage. In this cross-sectional study, a survey methodology was applied. Proportionate stratified sampling procedures were used to randomly select 135 tea plantation managers from tea-producing regions of Sri Lanka. To test the hypotheses and analyse the data, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized. The findings show that the availability of alternative employment opportunities is the most influential key factor in the scarcity of workers. The occurrence of workforce shortages is significantly influenced by commitments related to debt, insufficient monthly wages, and a lack of job recognition. The results show that revenue-sharing and mechanization are the most effective options to address worker shortages. Under the revenue-sharing concept, plantation workers have greater options to earn additional income. Mechanization increases job recognition, decreases production costs, and provides workers with the opportunity to earn satisfactory monthly earnings. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comparatively evaluated study that indicates various strategies implemented by plantations to address worker shortages within a single study setting. To mitigate worker shortages and reduce production costs, the study suggests the importance of sharing managers' experiences with non-adopter categories on the revenue-sharing model and mechanization.
Dispelling myths: Christian prayers and their impact on democracy building in Nigeria
Authors: Amaole Chisom B.
Published: January 2025

Background: Prayer and political participation are two important elements of the Christian faith and the state. However, the importance of prayer in democracy-building is one that is widely misconstrued among Christians in Nigeria. Lack of adequate knowledge of the role of prayer and political participation often generates false traditional conceptions that undermine democracy-building through collective political participation.Objectives: The study aims to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the role of prayer in democracy building and to awaken the consciousness of Christians to their civic responsibilities. It also seeks to highlight the importance of prayer and political participation for the consolidation and growth of democracy in Nigeria.Method: Descriptive and analytical methods are employed in the study. Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s paradigm on prayer and protest formed the theoretical framework.Results: The study reveals that while prayer is important, it cannot replace the role of active political participation in electioneering and other civic responsibilities.Conclusion: Active participation in political processes and related civic duties in addition to prayer is crucial for democracy building and sustenance in Nigeria.Contribution: This study adds novel insights by addressing the misconceptions surrounding the role of prayer and political participation in democracy building among Christians in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s public health response to disease outbreaks: A review of strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Jonah Japhet H. , Samuel Gabriel , Abdullahi Mohammed I. , Emmanuel Edwin A. , Danladi Samuel S. , Ekwuluo Celestine E.
Published: January 2025

ackground: In the past 20 years, Nigeria has confronted an array of six significant infectious disease outbreaks, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, cholera and Ebola. Although the country has generally managed to address most of these infections effectively, there are still some shortcomings in the nation’s public health response.Aim: This review examined the six most significant outbreaks of infectious diseases and the corresponding public health responses, evaluating the strengths and limitations of the country’s public health system.Setting: This study focused on Nigeria. Nigeria is regarded as a country with the largest population in Africa.Method: A narrative review approach was employed, which entailed identifying pertinent literature using search terms with various Boolean combinations derived from multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) database, the Web of Science and Africa Journals Online.Results: The key strengths of Nigeria’s public health system include surveillance, workforce development, prevention at entry points, risk communication and establishment of national reference libraries. However, the study also identified several areas of weakness, such as inadequate funding, inadequate efforts at the subnational level, poor coordination between public health and security authorities, a lack of integration between the animal and human health sectors, inadequate biosafety and biosecurity policies and programmes and logistical complexities.Conclusion: Despite the strengths, there are still weaknesses within Nigeria’s public health system response to infectious diseases.Contribution: The study outlined the various strengths and weaknesses of the Nigeria Public health system in combating infectious disease. Therefore, it is recommended that funding be increased, poverty and inequalities are addressed, efforts at the subnational level be increased, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the public health sector and security authorities be established.
ARL15 Gene Variant rs255758 Provides Susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis in Northwest Indian Population
Authors: Sandhu Inder Mohan Singh , Singh Hemender , Kaur Simranpreet , Rai Ekta , Mahajan Anupama , Mohan Gurinder , Sharma Swarkar
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic, and inflammatory autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. ARL15 gene variant rs255758 has been reported as a candidate for RA susceptibility. A replication study was performed on this variant by taking 188 RA cases and 310 healthy non-RA controls from northwest India in a case–control association study design.

Materials and Methods:

DNA isolated from collected blood samples was analyzed by genotyping of the variant on real-time polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan Allele Discrimination Assay and statistically analyzed.

Results:

The variant was found to follow Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (P = 0.079) in the control group. The variant was significantly associated with RA susceptibility in the present studied population cohort (P = 0.024) with C as a risk allele and increased risk in the recessive model (CC vs. CA + AA; P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

The present study corroborates the earlier findings on the role of ARL15 gene variant rs255758 in RA and further contributes to its genetic etiology.
The influence of clinical pharmacist-directed PDCA and DRG on the hospital’s antitumor treatments and safety management
Authors: Gong Ting , Deng Min , Lei Haibo , Wu Shiwei , Long Liang , Zou Yang , Liu Xiang
Published: January 2025

Background:

To assess the impact of the clinical pharmacist-directed PDCA+DRG approach on antitumor treatments and safety management within a hospital setting, specifically focusing on medical expenses, the utilization rate of restricted-level antitumor drugs, and the allocation of expenditure on antitumor drugs and adjunctive medications across different cancer types.

Methods:

The retrospective study involved a comparative analysis between a control group (n = 105) and a PDCA+DRG group (n = 102) across various cancer types. On the basis of the medical insurance policy, the control group received treatment according to the latest medical guidelines, while the PDCA+DRG group received treatment based on the clinical pharmacist-directed PDCA and DRG approach. Medical expenses, utilization rates of restricted-level antitumor drugs, rational prescription rate, and the allocation of expenditure on antitumor drugs and adjunctive medications were evaluated.

Results:

The implementation of the clinical pharmacist-directed PDCA+DRG approach led to a significant reduction in medical expenses across different cancer types. The implementation of PDCA+DRG approach could effectively improve the rational use of antitumor drugs in surgery department, while it had limited impact on promoting the rational prescription in internal medicine department. The utilization rate of restricted-level antitumor drugs did not show significant differences between the control and PDCA+DRG groups. However, there was a notable increase in the proportion of expenditure on antitumor drugs in the PDCA+DRG group compared to the control group. Additionally, the PDCA+DRG group had a significantly lower proportion of expenditure on adjunctive medications for antitumor drugs.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that the implementation of the clinical pharmacist directed PDCA+DRG approach in antitumor treatments and safety management within a hospital setting can lead to significant reductions in medical expenses and effective improvement of the rational use of antitumor drugs. While no significant changes were observed in the utilization rate of restricted-level antitumor drugs, the allocation of expenditure showed a higher proportion directed towards antitumor drugs and a lower proportion towards adjunctive medications. These results indicate potential improvements of clinical pharmacist involved approach, especially in cost-efficiency and resource allocation, which can guide healthcare institutions in optimizing antitumor treatments.
Genotypical analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Deshpande Trupti V. , Dorwal Pranav , Anikhindi Akshay A , Tiwari Nishant , Jain Dharmendar , Mehra Simmi , Vaid Ashok , Raina Vimarsh
Published: January 2025

Background:

To study the prevalence of genetic mutations in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) using next-generation sequencing at a tertiary care center in northern India.

Methods:

We performed genotypic analysis of histologically and immunohistochemically diagnosed GIST using Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 to identify mutations on resected biopsy samples.

Results:

In our cohort of 41 patients, we observed a variety of genetic mutations. The corresponding prevalence for those mutations was Tumour Protein 53 (TP53) 90%, KIT Protooncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) 88%, Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor (PDGFRA) 78%, HRas Proto-oncogene (HRAS) 61%, Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) 56%, Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) 54%, NRas Proconcogene GTPase (NRAS) 20%, Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) 15%, and B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) 7%.

Conclusion:

GISTs host a variety of mutations that need to be further investigated for their interplay and overall effect on the Indian population so that we can tailor treatment for better prognosis. The incidence of GIST is rising worldwide. Advances in technology have made tailored theranostics a possibility in managing GIST. Detailed genetic presentation of GIST is still unclear. Next-generation sequencing has provided us with an excellent tool to prospectively analyze the genetic makeup of GIST and most of the tumors. The present study opens up a huge possibility for using molecular makers for risk stratification of GIST and for theranostics of such tumors.