bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Data Scaling Techniques for Streaming Machine Learning
Authors: Kaushik Dr.Priyanka
Published: April 2024

This research delves into innovative dynamic data scaling techniques designed for streaming machine learning environments. In the realm of real-time data streams, conventional static scaling methods may encounter challenges in adapting to evolving data distributions. To overcome this hurdle, our study explores dynamic scaling approaches capable of adjusting and optimizing scaling parameters dynamically as the characteristics of incoming data shift over time. The objective is to augment the performance and adaptability of machine learning models in streaming scenarios by ensuring that the scaling process remains responsive to changing patterns in the data. Through empirical evaluations and comparative analyses, the study aims to showcase the efficacy of the proposed dynamic data scaling techniques in enhancing predictive accuracy and sustaining model relevance in dynamic and fast-paced streaming environments. This research contributes to the advancement of scalable and adaptive machine learning methodologies, particularly in applications where timely and accurate insights from streaming data are crucial.
Antimicrobial Properties Of Pyrazolone Compounds With Their Qsar Investigations
Authors: Saluja Veena
Published: April 2024

The present paper reports the analysis and the antimicrobial activity viz. antifungal activity of some pyrazolone compounds which were performed against Alternaria solani using disc diffusion method on nutrient agar and nutrient broth media. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies. Result of antimicrobial screening indicated that compounds 4-Amino antipyrine thiosemicarbazone, 1-(2-Chloro-5-sulfophenyl)-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone and 1-(4 -Sulfoamidophenyl)-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone were found to be the most potent/active against A. solani. Correlation studies between different computed properties of the compounds with their biological activity, QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) investigations with a stepwise linear regression analysis were conducted. The studies are carried out using Hyperchem 8.0 version software using AM1, PM3, MNDO and ZINDO methods. Selected QSAR/ 3D-QSAR equations including different physical parameters of these series are reported.
WORK FROM HOME IS BECOMING THE NEW STANDARD OF EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Singh Abhishek
Published: April 2024

When work from home was approved during COVID-19, technologies like digitization, distributed workforces, asynchronous and virtual collaboration, as well as reskilling and upskilling, were already revolutionizing the workplace. The COVID-19 has reduced the many-year gap in digitization since people who work from home accept it more rapidly than they might have in the past. Many jobs now have the permanent option of working from home thanks to COVID-19, even if not all office work can be done from home. Environments that allow employees to work from home promote the creation of operational models that are more digitally enabled, redesigned workspaces that encourage innovation, and enhanced methods of communication. When we opt for the work from home model or a hybrid of it, technology is vital to carrying out your obligations. Due to technology, working from home is now more common than it was in the IT industry before COVID-19. Future employment will change as a result of technology. The epidemic has accelerated Future of Work trends like the development of hybrid models, more attention to EHS (employee health scheme) and increased workplace flexibility. Government offices quickly transformed into digital environments after permitting remote work. Working from home in a hybrid model is an option for about 85% of employees as the new standard and is projected to continue to be so in the future due to the flexibility of working hours. Following the approval of the work-from-home paradigm, tier 2 and tier 3 cities will play a significant role. Workplaces of the future may undergo numerous modifications. We can categorize tasks into those that can be completed at home or in the office depending on the nature of the work.
BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS USING SCOPUS DATABASE
Authors: Jain Ms. Anchal , Goyal Neha
Published: April 2024

A branch of behavioural economics in finance known as "behavioural finance" integrates sociological and psychological principles into its paradigms. Behavioural finance assumptions are often created when rational models fall short of explaining investor behaviour or market aberrations. The number of publications in this area has recently increased, indicating its increasing importance. The main objective of this article is to examine the state of behavioural finance studies at the moment. The article is conceptual and provides future directions. This is based on the bibliometric analysis methodology. A sample of 110 papers from the field of behavioural finance were subjected to bibliometric analysis through a systematic search technique on the Scopus database for the years 2002 until 2022. For the research, the R-based web application Biblioshiny from the Bibliometrix package was utilised. Using the software's automated workflow, significant authors, articles, journals, countries, and themes were located, and social network analysis, citation, and co-citation were also performed. The research discussed here exhibits not just the conceptual structure of the field but also its intellectual and social structure. This study offers crucial information on topics that require more research. Researchers in the future would benefit from a thorough assessment of the literature in order to create a solid conceptual framework. Since it offers a wider range of top-notch journals in organised ways that integrate with the Bibliometrics programme.
Retrospective Matched Cohort Comparison of Prehospital Finger Thoracostomy and Needle Thoracostomy Performed by Ground Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Ciaraglia Angelo , Smith Alison , Axtman Benjamin , Eastridge Brian , Stewart Ronald , Nicholson Susannah , Jenkins Donald
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Tension pneumothorax related to chest trauma is a rapidly lethal condition that requires immediate treatment, often prior to arrival at definitive care. Recent concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of needle thoracostomy (NT) have led to alternatives. Finger thoracostomy (FT) is a potential life-saving treatment performed by prehospital providers as an alternative to NT. We hypothesize that FT has improved rates of prehospital thoracic decompression and is a safe alternative to NT.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult trauma patients presenting to a Level 1 trauma center who sustained chest trauma. A matched cohort of patients who underwent prehospital FT was compared to patients who underwent prehospital NT for thoracic decompression. Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test and Chi-Squared Analyses were performed for comparison of prehospital and in-hospital outcome variables.

Results: 34 patients were compared, of which 15 underwent prehospital FT and 19 underwent prehospital needle thoracostomy NT. Groups were well matched in terms of demographics and injury characteristics. No difference in transport times were observed. All 15 patients in the FT group sustained cardiac arrest prior to arrival with 20% achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), while 6/19 NT patients arrived in cardiac arrest, with 66.7% achieving ROSC (p = 0.04). The rate of successful intrathoracic decompression was higher in the FT group (93.3% vs 47.4%, p<0.001). The NT group had a higher rate of chest tube placement (p=0.005). In-hospital mortality was not different between the two groups (p=0.213).

Conclusions: FT is a viable alternative to NT for emergent thoracic decompression. The higher success rate of intrathoracic decompression supports the use of FT as an alternative to NT for prehospital tension pneumothorax, although future studies are needed establish superiority and further evaluate mortality and in-hospital outcomes.
A PERCEPÇÃO DOS EMPRESÁRIOS SOBRE O COMPLIANCE COMO FERRAMENTA DE VALORIZAÇÃO DO SEU NEGÓCIO: UM ESTUDO EM EMPRESAS NO MUNICÍPIO DE CÁCERES/MT
Authors: Jesus Khatiane Oliveira , Lima José Ricarte de , Oliveira Raul Angel Carlos , Melo Nivaldo Teodoro de , Pereira Vanusa Batista
Published: April 2024

As práticas de compliance podem contribuir na promoção da transparência e da ética no ambinte dos negócios. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo buscou analisar a percepção dos empresários sobre o compliance como ferramenta de valorização do seu negócio. A pesquisa foi realizada com empresários de diversos ramos de atividades, localizados no município de Cáceres/MT.  O estudo apresentou uma abordagem qualitativa, com característica descritiva e de natureza básica. Em relação a coleta dos dados, utilizou-se de um questionário elaborado conforme a escala de Likert, com 20 perguntas objetivas num roteiro estruturado através do Google Forms. Os resultados mostraram que todas as empresas possuem missão e visão claramente definidas que orientam as suas operações. Os dados mostram que 29,4% das empresas pesquisadas contribuem de maneira mais incisiva para um ambiente comprometido com os princípios de governança e ética.  Ainda conforme os dados, 17,6% dos empresários reconhecem a importância do seu papel de líder dentro da empresa. Em relação aos  desafios para implementação do compliance, 52,9% consideram o engajamento da empresa em atividades de responsabilidade social uma das principais dificuldades, enquanto que 41,2% dizem ser o de adotar práticas sustentáveis para minimizar o impacto ambiental.
TEOREMA DE PITÁGORAS NA INTERFACE DOS MATERIAIS CONCRETOS
Authors: Vale Mardonio Pereira do , Sousa Adriano Faustino de , Rocha Daniel Cleberson da Conceição , Silva Luiz Carlos Araujo da , Silva Eduardo de Moura dos Santos , Costa Dalilla Ravene Marques da , Sousa Raimundo Nonato , Oliveira Luis Gustavo Farias de , Oliveira Neto Guilherme Luiz de
Published: April 2024

A metodologia de utilização de material concreto se apresenta como uma das abordagens mais eficazes para a construção do processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Matemática. Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar as contribuições dessa metodologia no Ensino de Matemática, por meio de um estudo bibliográfico sobre a aplicação do Teorema de Pitágoras utilizando materiais concretos. O estudo buscou explorar as vantagens proporcionadas por essa abordagem. As referências bibliográficas foram obtidas por meio de uma busca avançada na Plataforma Oásis, Periódicos CAPES e Biblioteca de Teses e Dissecações, que utilizou três descritores (Teorema de Pitágoras, Material Concreto e Aplicação de Materiais Concretos no Ensino do Teorema de Pitágoras). Essa busca resultou em catorze periódicos selecionados, que serviram como base metodológica e bibliográfica para o desenvolvimento deste estudo. A análise dos artigos revelou a importância e a relevância do uso de materiais concretos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem da Matemática, com foco nas vantagens proporcionadas ao demonstrar o Teorema de Pitágoras.
Ficus hookeri tree leaves as herbal feed additives to enhance ruminal fermentation and reduced protozoal population in growing crossbred cattle
Authors: SANTRA A , JAMADAR P , TAKU T , TRIPURA S , MANDAL D K , DAS S K
Published: April 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meal as herbal feed additive on rumen protozoal population, enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in growing crossbred calves. Ten growing male crossbred (Jersey × Tharparker) calves with similar initial body weight of 91.8+1.37 kg, were randomly divided into two equal groups (T1 and T2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 140 days on a mixed ration containing rice straw and concentrate mixture in 50:50 ratio. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (T2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with Ficus hookeri leaf meal. Daily dry matter intake between two experimental groups was similar. Rumen pH, NH3-N concentration and total rumen protozoal population decreased while ruminal TVFA and propionic acid production increased due to dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meal as herbal feed additive. Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and b-glucosidase enzymes were significantly higher in the rumen liquor of calves fed Ficus hookeri leaf meal. It could be concluded that dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meals as herbal feed additive have a potential for reducing rumen protozoal population and ammonia nitrogen concentration with improving ruminal TVFA and propionate production in growing crossbred calves.
Gestión de inventario para mejorar la rentabilidad del sector farmacéutico en la ciudad de Manta
Authors: Angulo-Murillo Navira Gissela , Zambrano-Zambrano Melina Monserrate , Sánchez-Arteaga Alex Alfonso
Published: April 2024

La presente investigación se enfoca en el sector farmacéutico, donde la gestión interna del inventario es un factor importante para optimizar los costos y el desarrollo de actividades productivas. El presente estudio investigativo plantea como objetivo primordial analizar la gestión de inventario del sector farmacéutico de la ciudad de Manta, a fin de determinar su incidencia en la rentabilidad. La metodología que sustenta el estudio se basa en un enfoque cualitativo y cuantitativo porque se aplicó encuestas y entrevistas al personal que tiene participación constante en el proceso del inventario. Los resultados demuestran la ausencia de procesos estandarizados y por ende de normas y procedimientos que aporten a la correcta custodia de estas existencias.

Palabras clave: Inventario, gestión, farmacéutica, eficiencia.
ANALISIS PROMOSI IKLANTERHADAP LOYALITAS KONSUMEN PADA PT NATURA PROMO BEAUTY JAKARTA
Authors: Raja Peter , Susanti Susanti  , Woro Dwi Hartanti
Published: April 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini, untuk mengetahui besarnya pengaruh iklan yang dilaksanakan PT Natura Prima Beauty melalui promosi terhadap peningkatan loyalitas pelanggan di Kota Jakarta. Jenis penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan metode kuesioner, observasi, wawancara,  dan dokumentasi. Populasi penelitan ini berasal dari pelanggan PT Natura Prima Beauty yang berdomisili di Jakarta, melakukan akses terhadap iklan dimedia sosial. Sampel  penelitian sejumlah 100 orang dengan teknik accidental sampling. Data kuesioner dianalisis menggunakan program SPSS versi 25 untuk mengetahui nilai korelasi,  regresi linear sederhana, dan  determinasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan korelasi antara variabel promosi terhadap loyalitas pelanggan yaitu, 0,676% yang menunjukkan adanya korelasi dalam taraf kuat antara promosi iklan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai R sebesar 0,456. Artinya variabel promosi iklan memprediksi 45,6 % terhadap variabel loyalitas konsumen. sedangkan sisanya sebesar 54,4% dijelaskan oleh variabel lain yang tidak diteliti. Berdasarkan uji persamaan regresi linier sederhana Y 4.907 + 0.672X yang menunjukan bahwa tanpa ada promosi iklan , maka customer loyalty sebesar 4.907 dan jika X naik satu poin atau satuan maka loyalitas konsumen naik sebesar 0,672. Ini menjelaskan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang positif atau searah antara variable iklan terhadap loyalitas konsumen.
Arranjos produtivos locais e sua proposta de desenvolvimento: Análise do APL lácteo da microrregião de São Luís de Montes Belos, Goiás
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Medeiros da , Silva João Gabriel Taveira , Rafael Maisa Fernanda Villas Boas
Published: April 2024

Com o propósito de promover o desenvolvimento e a competitividade de determinada atividade produtiva, na última década a política pública de identificação e reconhecimento dos chamados Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APL’s) foi incentivada em praticamente todo território nacional. Uma vez que os APL’s são considerados de suma importância para o desenvolvimento regional, o presente trabalho foi proposto com objetivo de compreender o que vem a ser um APL e realizar um diagnóstico da produtividade leiteira afim de avaliar qual foi o impacto que este arranjo trouxe para a sua região. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com enfoque descritivo-exploratório. A seleção dos dados utilizou-se do corte retrospectivo pautando-se de dados secundários da Pesquisa Pecuária Municipal realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatísticas (IBGE). A análise dos dados de produção leiteira em confronto com o número de vacas ordenhadas possibilitou processar o volume total produzido, a produtividade (litros/vaca/ano) e suas respectivas taxas de crescimento no Brasil, no estado de Goiás e dos 18 municípios integrantes do APL Lácteo da Microrregião de São Luís de Montes Belos entre os anos de 1995 a 2015. Observou-se que o volume da produção de leite na região do APL Lácteo de maneira comparativa entre os anos de 1995 e 2005 e de 2005 e 2015, embora seja crescente, tem se mantido abaixo das médias de crescimento da produção leiteira no Brasil e no estado de Goiás como um todo. A produtividade por vaca ordenhada ao ano na Microrregião do APL Lácteo de São Luís de Montes Belos apresentou um crescimento maior do que a média nacional entre os anos de 1995 a 2005, porém, foi menor que média da produtividade goiana no mesmo período, permanecendo na década seguinte, entre 2005 e 2015, novamente abaixo das médias goianas e também das médias nacionais. Concluiu-se que o advento do APL Lácteo da Microrregião de São Luís de Montes no ano de 2004 não conseguiu assegurar a região um crescimento da produção e da produtividade leiteira acima da média de crescimento do estado de Goiás e do Brasil como um todo.
A Study on the Biodiversity of Oil Palm Agriculture in KLK Estates in Sabah, Malaysia: A Preliminary Report
Authors:   Princeton University, Koh Lian Pin , Gan Lian Tiong ,   Kuala Lumpur Kepong Sdn Bhd
Published: April 2024

Biodiversity has been the buzz word and a subject for smear campaigns against the palm oil industry in the last few years due to the fear that further expansion of oil palm areas will destroy virgin forests and/or forests with high conservation value. There is also the accusation that oil palm plantations are devoid of biodiversity when compared with natural forests. Apart from some notable exceptions, large-scale empirical studies on the biodiversity of oil palm agriculture remain exceedingly few and far between. In August 2006, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK) undertook a collaborative work with Princeton University, New Jersey, USA on a PhD project in Sabah to quantify biodiversity in KLK oil palm estates. This project comprises three phases with the following primary objectives: i) to document the agricultural biodiversity present in oil palm plantations (Phase I), ii) to compare oil palm biodiversity with that of other land uses (Phase II), iii) to identify ways to enhance biodiversity in oil palm plantations (Phase III), and (iv) to determine the economic value of biodiversity for oil palm agriculture (Phase III). This project is being conducted in 15 of KLKs oil palm estates located in Tawau and Lahat Datu in Sabah, East Malaysia. During Phase I of this biodiversity study, a total of 26 butterfly, 35 bird and 7 mammal species were recorded from field surveys. Additionally, 11 species of birds and mammals were recorded through causal observations. Examples of species recorded include the Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), the Blackwinged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) and the Prevosts Squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii). It is hoped that this project will add more information on the richness of biodiversity in oil palm estates, particularly in Sabah and enable a better understanding of the biodiversity in oil palm plantations and for the palm oil sector in this region. In many ways this would also help us in building up our knowledge base. The data collected through these studies will be useful for the development of management systems that would enhance the level of biodiversity in oil palm plantations and to facilitate companies in meeting Criteria 5.1 and 5.2 of the principles and criteria of the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). The ultimate goal of this series of studies is to provide the information for the reconciliation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Keywords: Oil palm, biodiversity, RSPO.
Status of Common Oil Palm Insect Pests in Relation to Technology Adoption
Authors:   Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Hj Kamarudin Norman , Wahid Mohd Basri
Published: April 2024

A survey was conducted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in 2005 on the status of insect pest infestation, distribution and the industry's perception and adoptions of insect pest control technologies. Sabah and Perak had recorded the most occurrence of bagworms (30%), while other states individually had less than 15 per cent bagworm occurrence. Metisa plana and Pteroma pendula were mainly concentrated in Perak, Sabah and Johor, while Mahasena corbetti was more prevalent in Sabah and Perak. A similar trend was also observed in the distribution of nettle caterpillars, however, Melaka and Terengganu have no records of nettle caterpillar infestation during the period 2000-2005. In adopting the beneficial plants for bagworm and nettle caterpillar control, at least three oil palm agencies have fully adopted (100%) the technology while four agencies have still not implemented the technology in 2005. The planting of beneficial plants was widely practiced in Sabah, followed by Perak, Selangor, Sarawak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. In Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka it seems to be planted as a preventive measure. There was a one-fold reduction in bagworm infestation in estates which planted the beneficial plants compared to those which did not. This clearly suggests the contribution and role of beneficial plants in enhancing population of natural enemies for controlling the bagworms in plantations. The rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros was mainly concentrated in Johor, Sabah, Perak and Pahang. Compared to the previous years, there was almost a one-third reduction in the infestation in 2005, likely due to the adoption of technologies on better replanting techniques or the use of chemicals/pheromone trapping for control of the pest. A majority felt that the use of chemical pesticides may have reduced the infestation of the pest, while others thought that single-layer trunk chips laid during the zero-burning method has possibly reduced breeding and infestation. Some estates that responded also felt that biocontrol agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Metarhizium and Oryctes virus will gain more importance in the coming years. Keywords: Survey, insect pests, oil palm, bagworms, nettle caterpillars, rhinoceros beetle, technologies.
A Management System for Sustainable Palm Oil Production
Authors:   P T Musim Mas, Teoh Cheng Hai , Tan Tian Sang
Published: April 2024

In November, 2005, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) adopted the Principles and Criteria (RSPO P&C) for Sustainable Palm Oil Production to provide the foundation for the sustainable production of palm oil that takes into consideration long-term economic viability, environmental protection and conservation and recognition of the rights of workers and local communities. While the RSPO P&C are designed to guide individual plantations towards sustainable production of palm oil and provide the basis for product certification, they could also be used to develop a system for driving the entire enterprise towards achieving corporate excellence in sustainable production of palm oil. This paper describes a management model to achieve this objective. Keywords: Sustainable palm oil, management system, RSPO Principles and Criteria
Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Sugarcane Production in Different Agro-ecological Zones of Bangladesh
Authors:   Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute, Paul G C , Bokhtiar S M , Rashid M A , Mannan M A
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) on sugarcane yield and economic return at Ishurdi (High Ganges River Floodplain), Thakurgaon (Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain), Sreepur (Madhupur Tract) and Jaipurhat (Tista Meander Floodplain). The combined use of organic and inorganic fertiliser gave significantly higher sugarcane yield and economic benefit in all locations under study. Results revealed that average yield increase was 13.0 per cent higher for combined application of press mud/ cowdung at 12.5 tonnes per hectare along with inorganic fertilisers over use of only inorganic fertilisers in case of both MYG and HYG. In situ incorporation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) as green manure increased sugarcane yield and contributed about 42-46 kg N per hectare in soil. Keywords: Integrated nutrient, management, sugarcane, sustainable, production.
Zero Waste Discharge from Palm Oil Mills
Authors:   SGT Konsult Sdn Bhd, Ooi Ho Seng , Subramaniam Kumar , S Thiagarajan
Published: April 2024

Good agricultural practices, as outlined in MS 1784:2006; Good Agricultural Practice-Part 2: Oil Palm, are being adopted by the Malaysian palm oil industry. The sustainable development of both the palm oil industry and the environment can be enhanced by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) composting projects. The CDM composting plant in Lahad Datu is registered with the national CDM Board and it utilises the co-products from the palm oil mill, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm oil mill effluent (POME), boiler ash and decanter solids, to produce bio-organic fertiliser for use in its own plantation or for sale. At the same time the composting plant is earning revenue by selling the carbon credits to a European Union (EU) country to mitigate its commitment under the Kyoto Protocol. By using the new two phase (solid/water phase and oil phase) decanter system, the palm oil mill that is located in Sandakan will reduce the amount of slurry produced to less than 0.2 tonne per tonne FFB. This enables the entire palm oil mill wastes to be used for the composting process. Owners of palm oil mills in Malaysia may want to consider doing something positive about conserving the environment and reducing global warming. They could invest in the new two-phase decanter system to upgrade the performance of the mill as well as to embark on a similar CDM composting project. The ultimate goal for every mill should be to work towards sustainable palm oil production in which the entire wastes produced by the mill are being utilised in the composting plant and zero waste is being discharged. Keywords: Zero waste discharge, composting plant, palm oil mill
The Expansion of Range and Population of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba javanica) in Peninsular Malaysia and in Sumatra and Adjacent Islands – A Review and Update on the Current Situation
Authors:   JED Agricultural Consultancy Services, Duckett J E
Published: April 2024

Expansion in numbers and habitats of barn owl (Tyto alba javanica) has occurred in Peninsular Malaysia and in Sumatra and adjacent islands as a natural feature as a consequence of expansion of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations with year round fruiting and build up of large populations of rats. The barn owl found itself filling an ecological niche as a predator of the rats. Initial barn owl populations in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra were low due to paucity of suitable nest sites but greatly expanded when plantation managements put up nest-boxes and owl populations grew to a level where total rat control without use of poison-baits was achieved and has been now sustained for one-and-a-half decades. In Sumatra, the barn owl was initially a vagrant originating from Java which built up a small resident but rare population and from which the Peninsular Malaysian barn owls derived again as vagrant migrants from Sumatra. Stages in development of the nest box design and density and the refinements that came about from commercial application arising from the initial research work in both countries are discussed. Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra have both seen the status of barn owls change from "Rare" to "Common " over a period of 20 years due to work with nest boxes in oil palm areas providing a commercial value to the estates. Where thisfull biological control is achieved, it has completely removed the dangers to non-target species that existed with all forms of baiting and in particular from "second generation " baits. Keywords: Barn owl, predation, rats, nest boxes, poison baits, non-target species, population increase
More than just an add-on: Enhancing discipline-specific employability skills and awareness via the virtual learning environment
Authors: Karadzhov Dimitar , Sharp Laura , Hatton George , Stubbs Fiona , Langan Martin Julie
Published: April 2024

While students tend to recognise the value of employability skills and training, they often do not prioritise this due to academic demands, lack of clarity regarding the most sought-after employment competencies, and challenges attaining these whilst studying. The benefits of tailored, discipline-specific employability training have been well documented. However, little guidance exists as to how to integrate employability within the core online curriculum, particularly in disciplines with highly diverse and rapidly evolving career landscapes. To address this gap, this postgraduate taught learning development project systematically identified discipline-specific employability competencies, and integrated them into the core online curriculum, which aimed to boost students’ employability skills, awareness and career management skills. The rich learning generated from this project is captured in a series of actionable prompts and recommendations for identifying and implementing meaningful and scalable employability practices.
Emergency remote teaching as an influencer: A post-ERT reflection framework
Authors: Cargile Carrie , Gollobin Stephanie
Published: April 2024

After a rapid shift in instructional delivery during times of conflict, natural disasters, health crises, and other unprecedented circumstances, educators are often challenged to expeditiously shift from emergency remote teaching (ERT) back to in-person instruction when the instructional disruption abates. However, there is a dearth of support for practitioners about how to maximize ERT practices for post-ERT instruction. This paper proposes a Post-ERT Reflection Framework to guide practitioners in enriching their in-person courses based on ERT practices. The 4-step framework guides practitioners in examining their ERT practices to determine how they may be eliminated, adopted, or adapted for in-person instruction as part of the return-to-the-classroom process. The proposed framework embraces blended learning (BL) for enhancing post-ERT instruction and supports the development of instructional preparedness competencies. By emphasizing core teaching principles and individual experiences, this framework invites practitioners to reimagine their ERT practices while foregrounding the principles of accessibility, engagement, authenticity, and other influential principles through BL. Here, the authors describe their development of the Post-ERT Reflection Framework, the framework steps, and its implementation when reimagining an English for legal purposes course in a post-ERT context. The framework offers a practical and sustainable process for reimagining in-person instruction after ERT.
Multiparty Private Set Intersection Cardinality and Its Applications
Authors: Gao Jiahui , Trieu Ni , Yanai Avishay
Published: April 2024

We describe a new paradigm for multi-party private set intersection cardinality (PSI-CA) that allows $n$ parties to compute the intersection size of their datasets without revealing any additional information. We explore a variety of instantiations of this paradigm. By operating under the assumption that a particular subset of parties refrains from collusion, our protocols avoid computationally expensive public-key operations and are secure in the presence of a semi-honest adversary. We demonstrate the practicality of our PSI-CA with an implementation. For $n=16$ parties with data-sets of $2^{20}$ items each, our server-aided variant takes 71 seconds. Interestingly, in the server-less setting, the same task takes only 7 seconds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first `special purpose' implementation of a multi-party PSI-CA from symmetric-key techniques (i.e. an implementation that does not rely on a generic underlying MPC).We study two interesting applications -- heatmap computation and associated rule learning (ARL) -- that can be computed securely using a dot-product as a building block. We analyse the performance of securely computing heatmap and ARL using our protocol and compare that to the state-of-the-art.
Traceable mixnets
Authors: Agrawal Prashant , Nakarmi Abhinav , Jhanwar Mahabir Prasad , Sharma Subodh , Banerjee Subhashis
Published: April 2024

We introduce the notion of traceable mixnets. In a traditional mixnet, multiple mix-servers jointly permute and decrypt a list of ciphertexts to produce a list of plaintexts, along with a proof of correctness, such that the association between individual ciphertexts and plaintexts remains completely hidden. However, in many applications, the privacy-utility tradeoff requires answering some specific queries about this association, without revealing any information beyond the query result. We consider queries of the following types: a) given a ciphertext in the mixnet input list, whether it encrypts one of a given subset of plaintexts in the output list, and b) given a plaintext in the mixnet output list, whether it is a decryption of one of a given subset of ciphertexts in the input list. Traceable mixnets allow the mix-servers to jointly prove answers to the above queries to a querier such that neither the querier nor a threshold number of mix-servers learn any information beyond the query result. Further, if the querier is not corrupted, the corrupted mix-servers do not even learn the query result. We first comprehensively formalise these security properties of traceable mixnets and then propose a construction of traceable mixnets using novel distributed zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) of set membership and of a statement we call reverse set membership. Although set membership has been studied in the single-prover setting, the main challenge in our distributed setting lies in making sure that none of the mix-servers learn the association between ciphertexts and plaintexts during the proof. We implement our distributed ZKPs and show that they are faster than state-of-the-art by at least one order of magnitude.
SoK: Secure Human-centered Wireless Sensing
Authors: Sun Wei , Chen Tingjun , Gong Neil
Published: April 2024

Human-centered wireless sensing (HCWS) aims to understand the fine-grained environment and activities of a human using the diverse wireless signals around him/her. While the sensed information about a human can be used for many good purposes such as enhancing life quality, an adversary can also abuse it to steal private information about the human (e.g., location and person's identity). However, the literature lacks a systematic understanding of the privacy vulnerabilities of wireless sensing and the defenses against them, resulting in the privacy-compromising HCWS design. In this work, we aim to bridge this gap to achieve the vision of secure human-centered wireless sensing. First, we propose a signal processing pipeline to identify private information leakage and further understand the benefits and tradeoffs of wireless sensing-based inference attacks and defenses. Based on this framework, we present the taxonomy of existing inference attacks and defenses. As a result, we can identify the open challenges and gaps in achieving privacy-preserving human-centered wireless sensing in the era of machine learning and further propose directions for future research in this field.
Investigating Skin Cancer Diagnosis Using a Webcam-based Microcontroller System
Authors: Kim Raymond
Published: April 2024

Skin cancer can spread fast to nearby tissue and other parts of the human body if it's not diagnosed early. Most are curable only if skin cancer is found and treated in the early stages. Therefore, it's essential to seek a casual way of early diagnosis.   This paper assesses a prototype system for skin cancer detection using an Arduino with an ArduCam Mega 5MP, benchmarked against smartphone diagnosis. Bandpass filters capture skin images at red (650 nm), green (532 nm), and blue (450 nm) wavelengths, measuring reflectance values. The approach aims to quantitatively determine skin melanin, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin levels, aiding in various skin lesions' diagnosis. Evaluation involves comparing pixel reflectance values of images taken by smartphones and the prototype using a 3D mesh grid. Applying the modified Lambert-Beer law to reflectance values of moles, pimples, scars, scabs, and traces predicts relative levels of skin components. The system shows an 87% match with the smartphone standard, demonstrating high reliability. Further study might be needed to clarify the confirmation with clinical cases.
The Effect of Maternal Hormones on the Avian Offspring: A Review
Authors: Al-Salhie Khalid C. K.
Published: April 2024

Maternal hormones have a significant impact on the development of avian embryos, controlling vital physiological functions such as immune system development, metabolism control, and productive traits. This review will examine the different types of maternal hormones, synthesis, regulation, and effects on avian physiology and productivity, as well as the implications for embryonic development. Additionally, it appears that how they might affect hatchability and chick quality. Studies have shown that maternal hormones transfer to eggs and subsequently affect the offspring's development, greatly influencing the behavior and phenotype of avian offspring overall. Understanding these mechanisms can help improve our knowledge of developmental biology, parental investment, and evolutionary processes that influence avian traits. Different species of birds may experience different effects when exposed to maternal hormones. For example injecting testosterone into bird eggs can increase the rate at which certain species hatch, such as quail, other species may see a decrease in hatchling weight. This emphasizes the complexity of hormonal influences on bird development and the necessity of more research. In particular, it is still unclear how yolk steroids affect birds' immune systems; early research indicates that they may chickens' ability to produce antibodies. Undertaking further research is necessary to completely understand the implications of avian immunity to fill in these gaps in knowledge across species and developmental stages.
PENGARUH MEDIA MATRIX WAKTU TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SEJARAH LOKAL SISWA KELAS XI MAN IC GOWA
Authors: Kulyasin Kulyasin , Subair Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini berangkat dari permasalahan sejarah lokal yang sering terabaikan dibanding dengan sejarah nasional, sehingga peneliti mencoba memadukan dua tema sejarah dalam satu media pembelajaran yang disebut dengan Matriks waktu. Media ini menampilkan garis lurus kemudian pada sisi kanan terdapat penjelasan peristiwa lokal, pada sisi kiri terdapat sajian peristiwa nasional. Pada saat guru mengajar sejarah nasional, pada saat yang sama juga sedang mengajarkan peristiwa lokal. Penelitian ini dilakukan di MAN Insan Cendekia Gowa Kelas XI dengan rasionalitas penyajian peristiwa lokal (gowa) dan nasional yang ada di daerah tersebut. Untuk menguji pengaruh media Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Kuantitatif dengan model true eksperimen desain. Adapun hasil penelitian ini menujukkan hasil sebagai berikut: hasil pre test siswa sebelum penerapan media matrix waktu sejarah lokal adalah sebagai berikut, Mean 85,75 dari 24 siswa. Setelah dilakukan penerapan hasil belajar rata-rata siswa 97,74. Dari hasil tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan media matrix waktu berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelas XI MAN Insan Cendekia Gowa.
ESTIMASI BESARAN SEDIMENTASI DI SUB DAS PAGUYAMAN YANG BERADA DI KABUPATEN GORONTALO
Authors: Adam Eska Zuhriana , Rijal Ahmad Syamsu , Tisen Tisen , Matalapu Irawan , Hendra Hendra
Published: April 2024

Paguyaman watershed is the second largest watershed in Gorontalo province with an area of 3,485.65 which is a critical watershed. There is a problem of sedimentation in the watershed causing the river flow rate to slow down. It is hoped that it can be used as an alternative to overcome siltation. The research aims to estimate the amount of sedimentation and determine the spatial distribution of sedimentation in the Paguyaman sub-watershed, the method used is the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. carried out with the help of geographic information systems (GIS) with ArcGIS 10.4 software, SWAT can describe hydrological processes (sedimentation). DEM data resolution (10x10) as the main input for the DAS delineation process. Soil data, land use, soil type, determines the land unit/hydrologic response unit (HRU) of the watershed. Rainfall and climate data (temperature, average humidity, solar intensity, wind speed) obtained from stations spread over the area are integrated into SWAT to calculate sedimentation. The results of the Paguyaman watershed have a very steep slope (> 40), land use is dominated by primary and secondary dryland forest with a total area of 49511.90 with a percentage of 45.39%, Tropudults soil type; Dystropepts area of 22125.96 with a percentage of 20.28%, DAS Paguyaman has 8202 HRU's and sub-basin 475 there are 5 classifications of sedimentation quantities, namely very high sedimentation 285.25 ha, with a percentage of 0.26%, high sedimentation 87.78 ha with a percentage of 0.08%, moderate sedimentation 505.94 ha with a percentage of 0.45%, low sedimentation 3040.37 ha a percentage of 2.79% and very low sedimentation 105171.27 ha with a percentage of 96.41%.
On a class of fractional Γ(.)-Kirchhoff-Schrödinger system type
Authors: El-Houari Hamza , Chadli Lalla Saádia , Moussa Hicham
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on the investigation of a Kirchhoff-Schrödinger type elliptic system involving a fractional \(\gamma(.)\)-Laplacian operator. The primary objective is to establish the existence of weak solutions for this system within the framework of fractional Orlicz-Sobolev Spaces. To achieve this, we employ the critical point approach and direct variational principle, which allow us to demonstrate the existence of such solutions. The utilization of fractional Orlicz-Sobolev spaces is essential for handling the nonlinearity of the problem, making it a powerful tool for the analysis. The results presented herein contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of this type of elliptic system and provide a foundation for further research in related areas.
The role of leadership and facilitation in fostering connectedness and development through participation in the Just Brass music programme
Authors: McFerran Katrina Skewes , Higgins Jessica
Published: April 2024

Many extracurricular music programmes provided for Australian students highlight wellbeing benefits; although the programmes vary significantly, with some being uniquely tailored by facilitators to the specific needs of each group, and others being manualised and delivered across the country. This research project investigated a manualised brass ensemble programme run by The Salvation Army with students from schools in areas of disadvantage. We interviewed a group of young leaders who had been involved in the programme for a number of years and asked them to reflect on their experiences of participation and leadership, both individually and as a collective. Analysis highlighted the importance of programme facilitation and leadership, as demonstrated through the understandings of the young people that their wellbeing was prioritised over their musicianship within the programme. This finding may provide a feasible explanation as to why some very different music programmes, from tailored therapy groups to manualised ensemble-playing on brass instruments, result in similar wellbeing outcomes being described by participants. It also challenges the demands of evidence-based research methodologies that attempt to separate out the influence of leadership from the effect of the music in order to prove the wellbeing benefits of music.
Restriction Policy on Afghan Girls' Education and its Consequences
Authors: Hamidi Abdul Basir
Published: April 2024

The people of Afghanistan experienced profound transformations across various spheres following the political upheaval of August 15, 2021, wherein the Islamic Republic government was replaced by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The new government has introduced various policies that are impacting people's lives differently from before. One of these policies is placing  limitations on the education of women, signaling a significant shift in how educational opportunities are being provided to female students. The study adopted a qualitative case study with a sample of female school students across five provinces of Afghanistan, including Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Farah and Jalalabad. Each of the five provinces represented by 10 students, for 50 respondents. The findings of the research highlights that depriving girls of education has had a number of detrimental effects on them, including emotional and psychological issues, forced marriage, migration, a loss of hope for the future, and other long-term effects. The study highlights the value of providing girls with equal educational opportunities and contributes to the creation of more effective policies and methods to guarantee girls' access to education in Afghanistan and other countries facing similar difficulties.
Genetic testing in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gray Michael P , Fatkin Diane , Ingles Jodie , Robertson Elizabeth N , Figtree Gemma A
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally and is responsible for an estimated one‐third of deaths as well as significant morbidity and health care utilisation.

Technological and bioinformatic advances have facilitated the discovery of pathogenic germline variants for some specific CVDs, including familial hypercholesterolaemia, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmic syndromes. Use of these genetic tests for earlier disease identification is increasing due, in part, to decreasing costs, Medicare rebates, and consumer comfort with genetic testing.

However, CVDs that occur more commonly, including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, do not display monogenic inheritance patterns. Genetically, these diseases have generally been associated with many genetic variants each with a small effect size. This complexity can be expressed mathematically as a polygenic risk score. Genetic testing kits that provide polygenic risk scoring are becoming increasingly available directly to private‐paying consumers outside the traditional clinical setting.

An improved understanding of the evidence of genetics in CVD will offer clinicians new opportunities for individualised risk prediction and preventive therapy.