bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow water equivalent retrieval over Idaho – Part 1: Using Sentinel-1 repeat-pass interferometry
Authors: Oveisgharan Shadi , Zinke Robert , Hoppinen Zachary , Marshall Hans Peter
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Snow water equivalent (SWE) is identified as the key element of the snowpack that impacts rivers' streamflow and water cycle. Both active and passive microwave remote sensing methods have been used to retrieve SWE, but there does not currently exist a SWE product that provides useful estimates in mountainous terrain. Active sensors provide higher-resolution observations, but the suitable radar frequencies and temporal repeat intervals have not been available until recently. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has been shown to have the potential to estimate SWE change. In this study, we apply this technique to a long time series of 6 d temporal repeat Sentinel-1 C-band data from the 2020–2021 winter. The retrievals show statistically significant correlations both temporally and spatially with independent in situ measurements of SWE. The SWE change measurements vary between −5.3 and 9.4 cm over the entire time series and all the in situ stations. The Pearson correlation and RMSE between retrieved SWE change observations and in situ stations measurements are 0.8 and 0.93 cm, respectively. The total retrieved SWE in the entire 2020–2021 time series shows an SWE error of less than 2 cm for the nine in situ stations in the scene. Additionally, the retrieved SWE using Sentinel-1 data is well correlated with lidar snow depth data, with correlation of more than 0.47. Low temporal coherence is identified as the main reason for degrading the performance of SWE retrieval using InSAR data. We also show that the performance of the phase unwrapping algorithm degrades in regions with low temporal coherence. A higher frequency such as L-band improves the temporal coherence and SWE ambiguity. SWE retrieval using C-band Sentinel-1 data is shown to be successful, but faster revisit is required to avoid low temporal coherence. Global SWE retrieval using radar interferometry will have a great opportunity with the upcoming L-band 12 d repeat-pass NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) data and the future 6 d repeat-pass Radar Observing System for Europe in L-band (ROSE-L) data.
Extreme events of snow grain size increase in East Antarctica and their relationship with meteorological conditions
Authors: Stefanini Claudio , Macelloni Giovanni , Leduc-Leballeur Marion , Favier Vincent , Pohl Benjamin , Picard Ghislain
Published: February 2024

Abstract. This study explores the seasonal variations in snow grain size on the East Antarctic Plateau, where dry metamorphism occurs, by using microwave radiometer observations from 2000 to 2022. Local meteorological conditions and large-scale atmospheric phenomena have been considered in order to explain some peculiar changes in the snow grains. We find that the highest ice divide is the region with the largest grain size in the summer, mainly because the wind speed is low. Moreover, some extreme grain size values with respect to the average (over +3σ) were identified. In these cases, the ERA5 reanalysis revealed a high-pressure blocking close to the onsets of the summer increase in the grain size. It channels moisture intrusions from the mid-latitudes, through atmospheric rivers that cause major snowfall events over the plateau. If conditions of weak wind and low temperature occur during the following weeks, dry snow metamorphism is facilitated, leading to grain growth. This determines anomalous high maximums of the snow grain size at the end of summer. These phenomena confirm the importance of moisture intrusion events in East Antarctica and their impact on the physical properties of the ice sheet surface, with a co-occurrence of atmospheric rivers and seasonal changes in the grain size with a significance of over 95 %.
Recent warming trends of the Greenland ice sheet documented by historical firn and ice temperature observations and machine learning
Authors: Vandecrux Baptiste , Fausto Robert S. , Box Jason E. , Covi Federico , Hock Regine , Rennermalm Åsa K. , Heilig Achim , Abermann Jakob , van As Dirk , Bjerre Elisa , Fettweis Xavier , Smeets Paul C. J. P. , Kuipers Munneke Peter , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Brils Max , Langen Peter L. , Mottram Ruth , Ahlstrøm Andreas P.
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Surface melt on the Greenland ice sheet has been increasing in intensity and extent over the last decades due to Arctic atmospheric warming. Surface melt depends on the surface energy balance, which includes the atmospheric forcing but also the thermal budget of the snow, firn and ice near the ice sheet surface. The temperature of the ice sheet subsurface has been used as an indicator of the thermal state of the ice sheet's surface. Here, we present a compilation of 4612 measurements of firn and ice temperature at 10 m below the surface (T10 m) across the ice sheet, spanning from 1912 to 2022. The measurements are either instantaneous or monthly averages. We train an artificial neural network model (ANN) on 4597 of these point observations, weighted by their relative representativity, and use it to reconstruct T10 m over the entire Greenland ice sheet for the period 1950–2022 at a monthly timescale. We use 10-year averages and mean annual values of air temperature and snowfall from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset as model input. The ANN indicates a Greenland-wide positive trend of T10 m at 0.2 ∘C per decade during the 1950–2022 period, with a cooling during 1950–1985 (−0.4 ∘C per decade) followed by a warming during 1985–2022 (+0.7 ∘ per decade). Regional climate models HIRHAM5, RACMO2.3p2 and MARv3.12 show mixed results compared to the observational T10 m dataset, with mean differences ranging from −0.4 ∘C (HIRHAM) to 1.2 ∘C (MAR) and root mean squared differences ranging from 2.8 ∘C (HIRHAM) to 4.7 ∘C (MAR). The observation-based ANN also reveals an underestimation of the subsurface warming trends in climate models for the bare-ice and dry-snow areas. The subsurface warming brings the Greenland ice sheet surface closer to the melting point, reducing the amount of energy input required for melting. Our compilation documents the response of the ice sheet subsurface to atmospheric warming and will enable further improvements of models used for ice sheet mass loss assessment and reduce the uncertainty in projections.
Disentangling the drivers of future Antarctic ice loss with a historically calibrated ice-sheet model
Authors: Coulon Violaine , Klose Ann Kristin , Kittel Christoph , Edwards Tamsin , Turner Fiona , Winkelmann Ricarda , Pattyn Frank
Published: February 2024

Abstract. We use an observationally calibrated ice-sheet model to investigate the future trajectory of the Antarctic ice sheet related to uncertainties in the future balance between sub-shelf melting and ice discharge, on the one hand, and the surface mass balance, on the other. Our ensemble of simulations, forced by a panel of climate models from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), suggests that the ocean will be the primary driver of short-term Antarctic mass loss, initiating ice loss in West Antarctica already during this century. The atmosphere initially plays a mitigating role through increased snowfall, leading to an Antarctic contribution to global mean sea-level rise by 2100 of 6 (−8 to 15) cm under a low-emission scenario and 5.5 (−10 to 16) cm under a very high-emission scenario. However, under the very high-emission pathway, the influence of the atmosphere shifts beyond the end of the century, becoming an amplifying driver of mass loss as the ice sheet's surface mass balance decreases. We show that this transition occurs when Antarctic near-surface warming exceeds a critical threshold of +7.5 ∘C, at which the increase in surface runoff outweighs the increase in snow accumulation, a signal that is amplified by the melt–elevation feedback. Therefore, under the very high-emission scenario, oceanic and atmospheric drivers are projected to result in a complete collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet along with significant grounding-line retreat in the marine basins of the East Antarctic ice sheet, leading to a median global mean sea-level rise of 2.75 (6.95) m by 2300 (3000). Under a more sustainable socio-economic pathway, we find that the Antarctic ice sheet may still contribute to a median global mean sea-level rise of 0.62 (1.85) m by 2300 (3000). However, the rate of sea-level rise is significantly reduced as mass loss is likely to remain confined to the Amundsen Sea Embayment, where present-day climate conditions seem sufficient to commit to a continuous retreat of Thwaites Glacier.
An investigation on brand hate: understanding negative psychology of consumers in the service sector
Authors: Alam Muhammad , Attiq Saman
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship among the brand hate reasons, antecedents, and its consequences. This study follows the four-step model of reasons, antecedents, and consequences of brand hate. Reasons included are product related such as poor food quality, Safety & hygiene. These reasons lead to antecedents of brand hate such as dissatisfaction, which leads to brand hate and its consequences, which are brand avoidance and complaining behavior. The study model is based on the Triangular theory of hate. This study collected data from primary sources of data through the use of a structured questionnaire. This research study follows a causal research design. The target population of the study was all food consumers of Pakistani, who had experienced any food brand in the last 06 months and had extremely negative feelings about that brand. Data screening was through Excel and was analyzed through SPSS and WarpPLS. Results showed a positively significant relationship between the reasons, antecedents, and consequences of brand hate. The findings indicated that the root cause of brand hate is customer dissatisfaction due to poor food quality and concerns about the safety & hygiene of food, which leads to brand avoidance and complaining behavior of food consumers. The outcomes of this research hold significance for the band managers, who can be helped through superior information and comprehension of such a brand hate study.
Quality assessment of machine-translated post-edited subtitles: an analysis of Brazilian translators’ perceptions
Authors: Koglin Arlene , Moura Willian Henrique Cândido , Matos Morgana Aparecida de , Silveira João Gabriel Pereira da
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the translation product in the form of subtitles and, in particular, investigates the perceived quality of machine-translated post-edited interlingual subtitles. Basing this study on data collected from Brazilian professional translators, we analyse whether the use of machine translation has an impact on the perceived quality and acceptability of interlingual subtitles. We also examine those technical parameters and linguistic aspects that the study participants considered troublesome and whether translators would report any evidence that the subtitles were machine-translated. Sixty-eight Brazilian translators volunteered to participate in this study. They completed a questionnaire, watched a movie trailer with post-edited subtitles, and then assessed the quality of the subtitles by rating them using a Likert-type scale. Finally, the participants responded to a written verbal protocol. Our analysis relies on the qualitative and quantitative data provided by the participants. The qualitative and quantitative data from the protocol answers were triangulated with the quantitative results from the Likert-type scale. IBM SPSS Statistics was used for statistical analysis. Our findings show that 28.1% of the translators assessed the post-edited subtitles as very satisfactory whereas 48.4% judged them as satisfactory. These results seem to be an indication of the acceptability of post-editing machine-translated subtitles as they find support in the written verbal protocol answers. Regarding the technical parameters, 43% of the participants reported no issues whereas 22.8% commented on the font colour and the font size. When asked about any linguistic aspects that could have disturbed the viewing experience, 64.1% of them reported that no linguistic issues were evident in the subtitles. A small percentage of the participants reported some linguistic problems, such as a lack of accuracy, the use of literal translation, and unnatural subtitles. Despite this apparent linguistic evidence of machine translation, no participant explicitly affirmed that the subtitles were machine-translated and post-edited.
Audiovisual translation, translators, and technology: From automation pipe dream to human–machine convergence
Authors: Granell Ximo , Chaume Frederic
Published: February 2024

Audiovisual translation (AVT), broadly understood as a synonym for media content localization, and not only as a particular practice of linguistic transfer, is undergoing a revolution that was unthinkable only a few years ago – even in those territories where viewers are less accustomed to localized content. Digitalization and technological changes, which have had such an impact on the way audiovisual texts – whether original, localized, or adapted – are produced, distributed, edited, consumed, and shared have also had a substantial impact on the AVT profession. This article explores the ways in which technology has been evolving as an aid to translators: from being merely a clerical aid for transcribing digital texts to automating tasks and integrating machine translation into human translation processes. This it does by providing a range of tools to assist translators in their work processes, progressively migrating both tools and processes to cloud-based environments. The focus is then on AVT, and more particularly on dubbing, where digitalization has shaped the consumer market and posed several challenges to language technology developments and AVT professional practices. Academia has also paid attention to such developments and has increasingly dealt with a number of matters affecting both practice and training to cater to the needs of current media markets. A final word is devoted to proposing a literacy-based framework for the training of translators that embraces technology so as to incorporate automation as an additional aid and which redefines the audiovisual translator’s workstation.
Loison-Charles, J. (2023). Vladimir Nabokov as an Author-Translator: Writing and Translating between Russian, English and French. Bloomsbury Academic. http://doi.org/10.5040/9781350243316 (pp. 266)
Authors: Yuan Limei
Published: February 2024

Book review
PENGARUH LATIHAN STROKES SMASH DAN LATIHAN DRILLS SMASH TERHADAP KETEPATAN JUMPING SMASH DIPERSATUAN BULUTANGKIS BUNGO SPORT
Authors: Saputra Deddy Rahmat , Mori Saputra Deka Ismi , Zahra Jumiya Ginti
Published: February 2024

Abstract

 

 

This research aims to find out whether there is an effect of stroke smash and drill smash training on the accuracy of jumping smash shots. This research is experimental research with a quantitative approach. The population in the study were all players at the Bungo Sport Badminton Association, totaling 20 people.

The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The sample in this study was 12 U 12-17 players. The results of this research show that (1) the first hypothesis states that there is an influence of smash stroke training on jumping smash accuracy at the Bungo Sport Association, with a value of t = 6.708 while t table = 2.570 with a significance level of 0.05. These results show that tcount is greater than ttable. Soha is accepted and ho is rejected. (2) the second hypothesis which states that there is an influence of drills smash training on the accuracy of jumping smashes at the Bungo Sport Association, with a value of t = 6325 while t table = 2.570 with a significance level of 0.05. These results show that tcount is greater than ttable. Soha is accepted and ho is rejected. (3) the third hypothesis which states that there is a difference between stroke smash training and drill smash training on jumping smash accuracy at the Bungo Sport Association, with a value of t = 0.000 while t table = 2.228 with a significance level of 0.05. These results show that tcount is smaller than ttable. Soha is rejected and ho is accepted, meaning there is no difference between the two exercises.

 

Keywords: practice smash strokes, drill smash, jumping smash, badminton
Historia filozofii starożytnej
Authors: Twardowski Kazimierz
Published: February 2024

Tom piąty Ineditów Kazimierza Twardowskiego obejmuje wykłady z historii filozofii starożytnej, wygłaszane na Uniwersytecie Lwowskim w latach 1896–1031. Twardowski uważał, że historię filozofii można rozumieć jako historię ścierających się ze sobą poglądów na świat i życie. Choć poglądów takich nie można uzasadnić naukowo, to – jak zaznaczał – odgrywają one ważną rolę w ludzkim życiu. Stąd też istotne znaczenie ma historia filozofii. Tekst książki został zrekonstruowany i zredagowany na podstawie rękopisów i maszynopisów znajdujących się w Archiwum Kazimierza Twardowskiego (AKT) w Warszawie. Są to następujące dokumenty (kolejność jak w opracowaniu): (1) AKT P.4,1, Uzupełnienia do wykładów „Historia filozofii w zarysie”, 1930/1931; (2) AKT P.11,1, Filozofia indyjska. Grecka do atomistów, 1912/1913; (3) AKT P.1,1. Przegląd dziejów filozofii od wieków najdawniejszych pod koniec wieku XVIII, 1896 (część starożytna); (4) AKT P.2,1, Historia filozofii greckiej I. Tales, sofiści itd., 1898; (5) AKT P.2,2, Historia filozofii greckiej II (w epoce rozkwitu): sofiści, Sokrates, Platon, 1899; (6) AKT P.3,2, Rozwój filozofii greckiej, 1924/1925; (7) AKT P.2,3, Historia filozofii greckiej od Arystotelesa do Ojców Kościoła, 1900. Powyższe tytuły zostały w książce nieco zmienione, co było podyktowane względami językowymi oraz potrzebą dokładniejszego dostosowania niektórych tytułów do zawartości wykładów. Ingerencje redakcyjne w oryginalny tekst obejmują przede wszystkim: rozwinięcie skrótowych sformułowań, dostosowanie tekstu do obecnych standardów językowych, uzupełnienie informacji bibliograficznych, pominięcie skreśleń, które są nieistotne, dokładne opracowanie fragmentów zapisanych w języku greckim.
Prospects of technological development of metallurgical production in Ukraine due to the use of new technologies
Authors:   Iron and Steel Institute of Z. I. Nekrasov National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Tuboltsev L. G. , Chaika O. L. ,   Iron and Steel Institute of Z. I. Nekrasov National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Babachenko O. I.
Published: February 2024

The development of directions for decarbonization of steel production with the aim of increasing energy efficiency and improving environmental indicators by reducing carbon dioxide emissions is an urgent and promising task of today's world metallurgy. In recent years, a new constraint has appeared on industrial production – the 2015 UN Paris Agreement requires countries to ensure the transition to steel production with limited or zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to reduce the impact of industry on the environment. The purpose of the article is to analyze the strategic aspects of the technological development of the metallurgical industry and the decarbonization of steel production on the basis of technology transfer and the development of theoretical and methodological bases for the analysis of energy saving directions. The work presents the results of the analysis of directions for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and reducing carbon consumption in metallurgical production due to the improvement of existing and the introduction of innovative technologies. The results of theoretical and experimental research on reducing CO2 emissions conducted in the world and in Ukraine are presented. The world leaders in the development of technical and technological solutions for reducing CO2 emissions in metallurgical production are the companies of most industrialized countries. Examples of new technologies that reduce CO2 emissions are given. It is shown that developments in the decarbonization of steel production have not yet reached the level that requires a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The prospect of creating innovative technologies is related to the use of hydrogen in metallurgical production. But the solutions proposed by foreign companies are not always possible to apply to the metallurgical production of Ukraine, they require scientific study and adaptation to the conditions of Ukraine, including taking into account the energy balance of enterprises, raw material conditions, the level of technology and competitiveness of metal products, the availability of energy carriers. The conditions to which the general strategy of decarbonization of steel production must comply have been determined. In Ukraine, it is necessary to develop its own concept of reducing CO2 emissions, taking into account the preservation of the competitiveness of products. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate and analyze the directions for reducing CO2 emissions in the metallurgy of the country and abroad for the further reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in relation to the existing and prospective conditions of operation of metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine.
The importance of camel milk and its dairy products – a review
Authors: Zhumabay Aikerim , Serikbayeva Assiya , Kozykan Sabira , Sarimbekova Saule , Kossaliyeva Gaukhar , Alimov Aitbay
Published: February 2024

Camel milk and dairy products based on camel milk are consumed by people in various countries, particularly Asia and Africa. Traditionally, products based on camel milk products have been an essential source of protein for people living in arid countries of the world. Here, we have discussed the chemical composition of camel milk and the technological features and limitations in the production of dairy products from camel milk. Moreover, different species or strains of LAB such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Weissella confusa were detected as the prevalent bacteria in camel milk and camel milk products. Although camel milk has been subjected to numerous studies, technical analyses on an industrial scale remain scarce, especially for processed camel milk products. Further comprehensive research is needed to improve the quality of camel milk dairy products so that they can compete with milk from other livestock.
Assessing otherwise: problems and perspectives
Authors:   Universitatea Pedagogică de Stat ", ACHIRI Ion ,   Ion Creangă"
Published: February 2024

This article aims at strategic, methodological and praxiological aspects related to the process of evaluating school results. It is proposed to modernize the evaluation of school results by carrying out a different evaluation. The problems and perspectives of the implementation of different evaluation in the educational system of the Republic of Moldova are highlighted. The need to develop a new concept of evaluating school results is emphasized. The implementation in educational practice of otherwise evaluating school results would increase the level of education quality.
Inter/transdisciplinary approach - context for reconfiguring learning
Authors:   Universitatea Pedagogică de Stat ", PETROVSCHI Nina ,   Ion Creangă"
Published: February 2024

This article formulates a seies of answers to the question how the organization of education, starting from problems, realities of life, contributes to a better contextualization of learning, to the formation of values, attitudes and transversal competences, based on the fact that this mechanism offers a learning model that goes beyond the rigidity and excessive academic orientation of traditional disciplines, turning it into a process with sustainable and efficient results for the personal and social development of the student.
Agresivness in adolescence: characteristics and psyhcologica implications
Authors:   Universitatea Pedagogică de Stat ", RACU Iulia ,   Ion Creangă"
Published: February 2024

Changes from society and those from each individual life increase the phenomenon of aggression. One of the most important age from human development is adolescence. Adolescents are facing essential biological, emotional and social changes that can conditionate the expending of aggression. According to the mention facts we studied aggressions and the corelates of aggression in adolescence. The obtained results highlight that for adolescents are characteristic aggressions and hostility. At the same time, we noted that for adolescents with high level of hostility are particular low level of self-confidence and the initiation of social contacts. Also, we consider that it is important and necessary to intervene with concrete techniques that can teach adolescents to manage aggression and inappropriate behaviour.
A writer’s exile in a seascape: on crisis, agony and perhaps another fate...
Authors:   ", BARNA Iuliana ,   Dunarea de Jos",   University of Galati
Published: February 2024

The text reveals an aspect of the theoretical-didactic concept of „exile of literature/literature in exile”. It is important to specify that, in this conceptual instance, the didactic aspect of studying Romanian literature in high school regarding the life and work of writers is also built. One of them is represented by Virgil Tănase, who is a prominent personality of the Romanian diaspora in the French cultural space, with an exceptional journalistic and professional activity: prose writer, playwright, director, journalist and professor in prestigious institutions in France, doctor in sociology and in the semiology of arts and letters. In literature, Virgil Tănase assumes the Romanian oneirism formula as a compensatory fictional space. The confessions of the writer, made on the occasion of some interviews, include the discourse on literature and the status of the artist in the era of Nationalist Socialism, and, at the same time, direct metatextually towards the identification of an assumed literary „interiority”. In today’s society, when it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate values from surrogates, Virgil Tănase formulates a final exhortation for the creators of literature, that of continuing to write authentically, regardless of time or space. Prolific writer, Virgil Tănase will forever remain an integrative spirit, having the aspiration and vocation to capture everything: the era in which he lives, the spirit of the world from which he comes, the human soul.
Beyond Academia: Re-evaluating the Nuances of Real-World Empathy
Authors: Banu Shameem
Published: February 2024

Empathy is often portrayed simplistically in textbooks, emphasising cognitive understanding over emotional connection. This paper critiques the disconnect between textbook explanations of empathy and the complexity of practising empathy in real-world contexts. It reviews academic literature, identifying key themes in empathy definitions and gaps regarding language, emotions, and cultural factors. The paper explores real-life challenges of empathy such as navigating biases, stress contagion, and ethical dilemmas. It is argued that bridging the gap between theoretical and practical empathy requires acknowledging nuances, fostering self-reflection, considering contextual factors, and developing emotional resonance. Promoting more comprehensive empathy has implications for education, training programs, and interpersonal relationships.
Logistics Management and Operational Efficiency of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt
Authors: C. C. Ifekanandu , C. I. Ihuoma , B. A. Rennner , T. O. Lawrence
Published: February 2024

This study examined the relationship between logistics management and operational efficiency of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. This study is anchored on the positivist research paradigm; this study adopted the correlation survey research. The population of the study comprised 30 food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt. Based on the population of the study, which is 30 food and beverage firms, the study adopted a census approach with a focus on the staff (inventory manager, distribution manager and warehousing manager). To ascertain the respondents, the questionnaire was distributed in batches of three (3) copies per headquarter branch. A total of ninety (90) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. Copies of the questionnaire were administered and distributed to the management staff of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt. The reliability of the study was tested using the Cronbach Alpha method. The study employed the Spearman Rank-order Correlation Coefficient for testing the various hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings of the study established that transport management showed a positive and significant relationship with operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. It also confirmed that inventory management showed a positive and significant relationship with operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. It was concluded that logistics management is a precursor to operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study recommends that foood and beverage firms should incorporate transport management (vehicle scheduling and route planning) in their operations processes and inventory management should be enhanced as it will help to improve productivity within the organization.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Organizational Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Grace Ufuoma Jakpa
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) on banks’ performance in Nigeria. To do this, 220 questionnaires were administered to employees of 5 selected commercial banks out of which 212 were fully retrieved. Data obtained via the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and parametric tests (regression). Based on the analysis, we found a significant relationship between CRM and profitability. Also, a significant relationship was found between CRM, asset base and turnover of the selected commercial banks. Based on the results, it was recommended that efforts should be made by commercial banks towards enhancing their CRM practices so as to heighten their profitability, asset base and turnover. This can be achieved by ensuring sustainability of CRM initiatives by commercial banks. Additionally, commercial banks should redesign their CRM frameworks for effective and efficient implementation of customer relationships in order to further curtail any current and future challenges they may face due to poor CRM implementation. This study contributes to knowledge by filling the lacuna in management literature on what is known about CRM and organizational performance in the Nigerian context.
PEGASUS Centrifugal Particle Receiver CentRec300S - Optimization, Manufacturing and Test
Authors: Barbri Hicham , Rheinländer Jens , Ebert Miriam , Lubkoll Matti , Thomey Dennis , Lackovic Luka
Published: February 2024

The centrifugal particle receiver (CentRec®) developed by DLR for high-temperature solar applications, previously tested on sun in a 500 kWth prototype at the solar tower in Jülich was further developed and tested at slightly smaller scale of 300 kWth. The test with artificial sunlight provided more stationary and controllable boundary conditions. Outlet temperature of 681 °C was reached at an irradiating input power of 214 kW. The performance was determined with particle mass flow and temperature measurement systems. The data confirms the thermodynamic model for this receiver, indicating an extrapolated performance of 81% at nominal conditions.
Cloud computing: Challenges and future directions
Authors: Choo Kim-Kwang
Published: February 2024

Cloud computing can be defined as a pool of virtualised computing resources that allows users to gain access to applications and data in a web-based environment on demand. This paper explains the various cloud architecture and usage models that exist and some of the benefits in using cloud services. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the emerging threat landscape created by cloud computing, with a view to identifying avenues for risk reduction. Three avenues for action are identified, in particular, the need for a culture of cyber security to be created through the development of effective public-private partnerships; the need for Australia’s privacy regime to be reformed to deal with the issues created by cloud computing and the need for cyber-security researchers to find ways in which to mitigate existing and new security risks in the cloud computing environment. Cloud computing is now firmly established in the information technology landscape and its security risks need to be mapped and addressed at this critical stage in its development.
Computer security incidents against Australian businesses: Predictors of victimisation
Authors: Richards Kelly , Davis Brent
Published: February 2024

Drawing on data from the Australian Business Assessment of Computer User Security (ABACUS) survey, this paper examines a range of factors that may influence businesses’ likelihood of being victimised by a computer security incident. It has been suggested that factors including business size, industry sector, level of outsourcing, expenditure on computer security functions and types of computer security tools and/or policies used may influence the probability of particular businesses experiencing such incidents. This paper uses probability modelling to test whether this is the case for the 4,000 businesses that responded to the ABACUS survey. It was found that the industry sector that a business belonged to, and business expenditure on computer security, were not related to businesses’ likelihood of detecting computer security incidents. Instead, the number of employees that a business has and whether computer security functions were outsourced were found to be key indicators of businesses’ likelihood of detecting incidents. Some of the implications of these findings are considered in this paper.
NEW FINDS OF AXE-SHAPED PENDANTS ON THE TERRITORY OF BELARUS
Authors: LUCHSHEVA U.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to axe-shaped pendants from the territory of Belarus, which have been found in recent years. The issues of interpretation of these ornaments, their dating and cartography are considered. The pendants from the territory of the Pripyat Polesie are evidence of the coexistence of the Gothic population and the population of the Eastern European forest zone for most of the Hunnic time, and the "hatchet" from the territory of the Ponmont region indicates the gradual movement of part of the Gothic population towards modern Lithuania. These findings can be used to further study the problems of contacts between the Eastern European forest zone and the Gothic population during this period.
PLYNTH IN THE BURIALS OF THE XIth – XIVth CENTURIES IN POLOTSK
Authors: KOTS A.
Published: February 2024

The article presents materials from studies of burial complexes of the Ancient Rus' period. In some burials, accompanying grave goods were recorded - an ancient brick plinth. It was placed under the head of the deceased. In the literature, such details are defined as “stone pillows”. Researchers associate them with the asceticism of the deceased. 9 graves with plinths were recorded in Polotsk. 4 were in ground burials in church cemeteries and 5 were in sarcophagi of stone churches. The plinth was used from the same monument at which (or in which) the burials were located. In all examples in Polotsk were used one or more pieces of plinth. In some cases, there is a whole brick, but with damage. It has been previously determined that the plinth under the head could have been placed in the grave of a socially significant person.
MEMORABLE BOOKS OF PROVINCES AS A SOURCE FOR STUDYING THE MORTALITY OF THE ORTHODOX POPULATION OF BELARUS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
Authors: YEMIALYANCHYK V.
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of the analysis of statistical data published in the Memorable Books of Belarusian provinces for 1858 – 1864. It has been established that the statistical data on mortality in the Memorable Books of Vitebsk province for 1862 – 64 are not reliable and are characterised by significant undercounting of child mortality. The peak of mortality in all cases occurs in early childhood. The share of child deaths in the total number of deaths is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In both urban and rural areas, boys under 5 years of age have higher mortality rates than girls. In adulthood, differences in male and female mortality patterns in urban and rural areas begin to emerge. In rural areas, there is a slight increase in the number of deaths of women of reproductive age compared to men. In urban areas, the opposite situation is observed, the mortality rate of men of working age significantly exceeds the female mortality rate.
UNCONVENTIONAL RELIGIOSITY AMONG THE ORTHODOX POPULATION OF THE BSSR IN THE 1930s (BASED ON THE MATERIALS FROM THE STATE ARCHIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS)
Authors: KALININA H.
Published: February 2024

The article attempts to identify and analyze the elements of unconventional religiosity among the Orthodox population of the BSSR formed in the 1930s under the influence of secular policy of the Soviet state which had as its main goal the successive displacement of religion and church from all spheres of society. The research is organised according to the classification of types of unconventional religiosity by structure developed by the specialist in new religious movements V. Martіnovich and is based on the documents of the state republic and region archives of Belarus. Pointing out some terminological difficulties related to the vagueness of the use of the term "churchman" in the Soviet documentation, the author comes to the conclusion about spreading of such types of unconventional religiosity among the Orthodox believers of the BSSR as cult environment of the society and elements of intra-church sectarianism and also determines the influence of anti-religious state policy on the transition of Orthodox people into the sects proper.
LIFE STRATEGIES OF THE RURAL POPULATION OF NORTHERN BELARUS IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD
Authors: SUMKO E.
Published: February 2024

The strategies of the rural population of Northern Belarus during the difficult period of post-war reconstruction are considered. The sources included both archival documents and oral history materials. Fixation on everyday life made it possible to determine the main life strategies - based on the goal (strategy of survival and adaptation) and the form and method of its implementation. The choice of strategy was determined by social and life resources and the possibility of using them.
MAIN DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL POLICY OF GERMANY IN 2005–2021
Authors: SAVATSEYEVA D.
Published: February 2024

The exploration of social policy is important for understanding the role of the state in solving social problems and promoting public welfare. The article considers the main directions in the implementation of German social policy in 2005–2021: reforming the labor market and the unemployment insurance system, adapting to modern challenges in the pension system and education, increasing access to medical services and long-term care services. Based on documents and literature, the author considers the possibility of carrying out modernization measures in priority areas of the social sphere. It is concluded that, despite the efforts of the ruling coalitions, there is a tendency towards the emergence of a number of social problems on a local and global scale that require structural reforms.
Pendampingan branding identitas usaha upaya peningkatan daya saing UMKM catering “Dapoer Attila”
Authors: Adelia Adelia Rahma Shabira , Widiasmara Anny
Published: February 2024

Dapoer Attila Catering is one of the MSMEs in Setren Village Bayeman Hamlet Balerejo Madiun Regency. The development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) requires business owners to have a marketing strategy for marketing their products to increase competitiveness and develop their business potential. One of the strategies, in this case, is branding. Branding exists in a product or service, such as a name, sign, symbol, logo, or combination intended to identify a product or service. Branding aims to introduce a product to the broader community, build public trust in a product, and shape public perceptions of the product being sold. Based on the above problems, a community service program was carried out to help brand the identity of the Dapoer Attila Catering business using the Canva application. Based on the service results, the service program has gone well because MSME partners can gain knowledge and skills.
Effects of Externality on Trade Dynamics and Sustainable Development in the European Economy
Authors: Adigwe Edward Onuwa
Published: February 2024

This research is concerned with the effects of externality on trade dynamics and sustainable development in the European Union Economy. The focus on trade dynamics as a measure of a country’s degree of responsiveness to international trade is critical where relative changes in the socio-economic trend and sustainable growth and development are essential. This paper aims to compare the relative measure of each country’s share of trade vis-à-vis the imports and exports to the gross domestic product (GDP) and to also ascertain the level of each country’s response to externality concerning sustainable growth and development. 2009 to 2019, representing the period after the 2008 global recession and the COVID-19 pandemic were used as the period under consideration. The ratio of trade to GDP was employed in the analysis to ascertain the level of trade in the European Union market. The findings showed that the relative comparison of the level of trade to the GDP in the European countries responded positively as an indicative measure of externality in assessing the sustainable economic development between countries in the European economy. This research is a significant contribution geared towards improving the economic realities of sustainability, leading to enhanced productivity within the context of international trade and externality in the European economy.
Analyzing Automation Technologies and Their Tasks in Patent Texts Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Oleš Tomáš
Published: February 2024

Technological advances have changed the labor market, and automation technology is a major factor affecting jobs. To study its impact, it's important to accurately measure automation technologies. Patent text is a novel approach to understanding technological progress and identifying the tasks that different automation technologies can perform. The paper uses a dictionary-based approach to identify automation technologies from patent text and categorizes them into three groups: Robots, Software, and Artificial Intelligence. We find that the number of patents related to these groups has grown exponentially since 1980, with AI patents growing the fastest since the 1990s. Most patents are in the Physics (G) patent family. The tasks performed by the different groups of automation technologies vary, with robots focusing on assembly tasks, software on information processing, and AI on higher cognitive tasks. Almost all technologies aim to improve efficiency and reduce costs, according to the patent description.
The Euro as a Store of Value
Authors: Paracka Miloslav
Published: February 2024

Money has accompanied humankind throughout the long history of development and has continued to this day. This development took place along the lines of maintaining two basic functions – money as a medium of exchange and money as a store of value. The second mentioned function is in our focus because as a financial asset, money has a significant place in the structure of personal financial assets (PFA) of households. Historical experience proves that the preservation of value of money was often a challenge. Goal of this paper is to look at whether money nowadays fulfill the function of preserving values. We state hypothesis that ECB is successful in protecting the value of Euro. We gradually compare the Euro with other assets, either from the foreign exchange or the commodity market. We also observe how the value of the purchasing power of the Euro is affected by the HICP inflation index. Our results indicate that the Euro manages to keep its value in the monitored period only against the US dollar. All other observations ended with the decrease of value of the Euro. The result of the investigation is the finding that the topic of decrease of the value of Euro is relevant in the Eurozone today as well.
The Relationship Between Unemployment and the Risk of Poverty in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Bžanová Klaudia , Kováč Ondrej
Published: February 2024

Unemployment is a factor that affects the economic security of individuals and society as a whole. The poverty risk rate is one of the main factors related to social inequality and social protection. Unemployment and long-term unemployment can increase the poverty risk rate because individuals have limited or insufficient income and employment opportunities. The relationship between unemployment, long-term unemployment and poverty rates is currently the subject of various research topics. This paper focuses on these interrelationships in Slovakia. The aim is to analyse the data and explore the correlations between these variables. The thesis mainly used statistical data provided by the Slovak Statistical Office and other relevant studies. The methods of analysis, synthesis and correlation were used. These data highlight the relationship between unemployment, long-term unemployment and poverty. The results of the article are intended to provide information for reducing unemployment, limiting long-term unemployment, and reducing the risk of poverty in Slovakia.
Evaluation of Self-Employment Support in a Selected Group of Supported Unemployed with the Same Work Experience
Authors: Kalafutová Anna
Published: February 2024

Allowance for self-employment is one of the tools of the ALMM (active labor market measures) aimed at reducing the unemployment rate. The aim of the research work is to monitor the sustainability of self-employment and employment among the unemployed with work experience in the skilled construction industry, crafts, metallurgy, engineering. The research focuses on the Slovak supported unemployed in the 2012-2016. We monitor sustainability in the short and long term by socio-demographic and other factors. Through the probit model, we monitor the sustainability of the allowance and self-employment from 6 months to 4 years after the end of financial support. The results show that the allowance has a higher sustainability of employment than self-employment. The length of previous registration as unemployed (days) is an important variable in the short and long term after the end of receiving financial support. In the short term, the age of the supported unemployed plays an important role. In the long term, the sustainability of the self-employment is important for the supported, who have decided to start a business based on previous experience. The results of the work can help to effectively select applicants for support with work experience in certain qualified areas based on selected factors.