bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Tolerance and Peace Building in Nigeria: Implications for Community and Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Olawale James Gbadeyan
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates how religious tolerance and peace building can impact community and socio-economic development in Nigeria. The paper went historical in tracing the consequences of religious intolerance in Nigeria as well as extract relevant information for the purposes of peace building and harmonious co-existence between Muslims and Christians. The specific objectives shall be to identify the visible causes of religious conflict between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, evaluate the extent to which religious tolerance will enhance community and socio-economic development, and also to estimate the cost implication of peace building for socio-economic development. The study being a descriptive study engages secondary data, and as well makes recommendation that economic and societal wellbeing can only be achieved in an environment where multi-culturality and multi-religiosity are guaranteed.
Особливості дистанційного навчання в умовах фахової передвищої освіти
Authors: Соболєва Валентина
Published: January 2024

Важливість і необхідність впровадження дистанційного навчання зумовлені глобальною ситуацією з коронавірусною інфекцією з початку 2020 року, наслідком якої виступив екстрений перехід освітніх закладів у режим онлайн. Активне застосування технологій дистанційного навчання змінило концепцію всієї системи освіти, її організаційні та змістовні аспекти. Тому сьогодні особливо затребувані дослідження, присвячені досвіду використання та взаємодії між суб'єктами освітнього процесу саме технологій дистанційного навчання у професійній освіті, оптимізації організаційно-змістовних і методичних питань у цій сфері.

У змісті статті висвітлено актуальні аспекти дистанційного навчання у фаховій передвищій освіті. Розкрито поняття "дистанційне навчання"; звернено увагу на концепцію дистанційного навчання у фаховій передвищій освіті; виявлено проблеми реалізації дистанційної освіти в сучасних умовах. Дистанційне навчання належить до інноваційних освітніх технологій, які забезпечують доступність і якість освітнього процесу на відстані; засоби реалізації дистанційного навчання в режимі онлайн. Засобами реалізації дистанційного навчання є навчальні платформи, інтернет-ресурси; дистанційне навчання сприяло появі нових технологічних освітніх трендів: хмарних сервісів, масових відкритих онлайн-курсів, адаптивному навчанню, поведінковій аналітиці тощо; актуальними є питаннями дистанційного навчання у фаховій передвищій освіті. Розкрито значення основних форм комунікаційної взаємодії, що передбачають ефективне впровадження дистанційного навчання. Приділено увагу принципам організації дистанційного навчання в умовах фахової передвищої освіти.

Автором звернено увагу на систему моніторингу, яка використовуються для ефективного управління освітнім процесом та визначення результатів дистанційного навчання.
Стратегічні виміри соціального інвестування: перспективи та виклики
Authors: Юхман Ярина , Колещук Наталія , Щербаков Максим , Чухрай Володимир
Published: January 2024

Наукова робота «Стратегічні виміри соціального інвестування: перспективи та виклики» глибоко занурюється у розуміння соціальних інвестицій як неодмінної частини корпоративної стратегії та соціальної політики в умовах сучасного українського суспільства. В умовах, коли країна стикається з викликами україно-російської війни та необхідністю розвитку територіальних громад, соціальні інвестиції набувають особливої ваги та актуальності. Автори виокремлюють соціальну відповідальність бізнесу, корпоративну благодійність, та фінансування соціальних проектів як основоположні компоненти стратегічного розвитку компаній, які прагнуть сприяти відновленню та прогресу нації.

У статті розкривається новий зміст та значущість соціальних інвестицій в умовах війни, зокрема їх вплив на стабілізацію та розвиток громад, підкреслюється роль місцевих громад та громадських організацій у формуванні та реалізації стратегій соціального інвестування. Акцентується важливість співпраці між бізнесом, владою, та громадянським суспільством для досягнення більш ефективного та цілеспрямованого використання ресурсів, а також для забезпечення стійкості та життєздатності громад в умовах сучасних викликів.

В роботі підкреслюється, що соціальні інвестиції виступають важливим інструментом соціальної солідарності, підтримки національної єдності, відновлення та зміцнення соціального капіталу. Автори роблять висновок про те, що інвестиції в соціальну сферу допомагають формувати громади, здатні протистояти викликам сучасності та активно працювати над створенням кращого майбутнього для України. Вони вказують на необхідність подальшого дослідження та розробки стратегій, які б дозволили максимально реалізувати потенціал соціальних інвестицій в умовах постійних змін та невизначеності.
Спрямованість соціальних інвестицій в контексті індустрії 4.0
Authors: Колещук Орест , Шпак Юрій , Волошко Дмитро
Published: January 2024

У даній статті проводиться комплексний аналіз ролі соціальних інвестицій у контексті викликів, які ставить перед суспільством Індустрія 4.0. Автори розглядають зміни, які відбуваються на ринку праці внаслідок широкомасштабної автоматизації та цифровізації, та наголошують на стратегічному значенні соціальних інвестицій для адаптації робочої сили до нових умов.

У статті аргументовано, що інвестиції в освіту та професійний розвиток індивідів є критично важливими для підтримки економічного зростання та інновацій. Зокрема, акцентується увага на важливості оновлення навчальних програм, інтеграції технологічних та інженерних дисциплін (STEM), а також розвитку м'яких навичок, що включають критичне мислення та креативність.

Автори вказують на необхідність гнучкості та адаптивності освітніх систем, які мають забезпечувати неперервне навчання та розвиток навичок, відповідаючи на швидкі зміни в технологіях та потреби ринку. Також обговорюється роль малого та середнього бізнесу у створенні інновацій та робочих місць, оскільки соціальні інвестиції можуть підтримати ці сектори для досягнення сталого економічного розвитку.

У роботі стверджується потреба до координації зусиль урядів, освітніх установ, бізнес-сектору та суспільства у формуванні та реалізації ефективних стратегій соціальних інвестицій. Підкреслюється, що соціальні інвестиції повинні враховувати глобальні тенденції та бути спрямованими на досягнення довгострокових цілей розвитку та адаптації суспільства до нових викликів.

Інвестиції в людський капітал є не лише відповіддю на сьогоденні виклики, а й стратегічним вкладом у майбутнє, що визначає стійкість, інноваційність та конкурентоспроможність суспільства в умовах Індустрії 4.0.
Análisis Comparativo de Mercados Eléctricos Centralizados y Descentralizados y las Consecuencias de la Inserción de Energías Renovables
Authors: Quinteros Flores Jaime Francisco , Masache Paul , Vaca Estefanía
Published: January 2024

En el presente documento, se realiza el análisis sobre los mercados eléctricos, tanto centralizados como descentralizados, así como las ventajas, desafíos y tecnologías asociadas con cada enfoque. Los mercados eléctricos centralizados ofrecen ventajas como la competencia entre generadores, la estabilidad y la coordinación centralizada. Sin embargo, enfrentan desafíos en la coordinación de múltiples actores y la integración de fuentes renovables intermitentes. En contraste, los mercados descentralizados empoderan a los consumidores, diversifican las fuentes de energía y mejoran la seguridad energética. No obstante, enfrentan desafíos en la coordinación local, la estabilidad de la red y la toma de decisiones sin una autoridad central. Los mercados eléctricos centralizados y descentralizados tienen sus propias ventajas y desafíos en la gestión de la energía y la integración de fuentes renovables. Ambos enfoques están siendo moldeados por la evolución tecnológica y las políticas energéticas hacia una matriz energética más sostenible y diversificada.
Impacto del modelo de consecuencias en la estimación del riesgo sísmico físico determinista para el cantón de San José, Costa Rica
Authors: Rodríguez-Herrera Francisco , Esquivel-Salas Luis C. , Schmidt Díaz Víctor , Hidalgo-Leiva Diego Antonio
Published: January 2024

Se presenta el impacto de los modelos de consecuencias en la estimación de riesgo sísmico físico determinista para el cantón Central de San José, Costa Rica. Para ello se recopiló información de ocho iniciativas internacionales de estimación de riesgo sísmico enfocadas en la estimación de pérdidas económicas, cinco en estimación de víctimas y dos en escombros.

Se utiliza el programa OpenQuake de la Fundación Global Earthquake Model (GEM) para realizar los cálculos de riesgo sísmico. En el caso de la estimación de víctimas, se generan curvas de vulnerabilidad a partir de funciones de fragilidad y modelos de consecuencias para un total de 17 tipologías constructivas. Los cálculos se enfocan en el cantón Central de San José, dando continuidad a una serie de investigaciones enfocadas en dicha región que han permitido determinar un modelo de exposición el cual es un insumo básico para las estimaciones de riesgo sísmico. Con respecto a la amenaza, se considera un escenario determinista con un evento generado por la falla de Cipreses con una magnitud de 6.0 Mw y una profundidad de 15 Km.

Se encuentra que para el caso de estudio considerado los modelos de consecuencias enfocados en pérdidas económicas tienen un alto impacto en dichas estimaciones, con diferencias de hasta $144 millones de dólares americanos para una diferencia de 1% en los factores de pérdidas. En caso de las víctimas, se encuentran resultados con alta variabilidad también, sin embargo, en dicho caso se tienen estimaciones mediante modelos de consecuencias empíricos y semi-empíricos, por lo que se atribuye a ello dicha variabilidad.
Determination of Important Agricultural Traits of Some Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Genotypes and Adaptation in the Eastern Mediterranean Transition Zone
Authors: YILMAZ Mustafa
Published: January 2024

This research was carried out to determine the yield and agronomic characteristics of some soybean genotypes under main crop conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean Transition Zone in the years 2021-2022. In the research, 13 varieties (Adel, AP-3773, Arısoy, Asya, Atakişi, Atlas-3616, J-112, Lider, Planet, Racer, Sonya, Winchester, Yemsoy) 1 genotype (Yeniköy-9) were used. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. It was determined that the average plant height varied between 64.05 cm (J-112) and 114.25 cm (Winchester). The lowest average first pods height (1.74 cm) was obtained from J-112 variety while the highest value (13.69 cm) was obtained from Yemsoy variety. The lowest number of branches per plant values i.e. 1.83 no. plant-1 and 2.13 no. plant-1 were recorded from J-112 and Planet variety respectively. In the experiment, the number of pods per plant varied between 72.20 pods plant-1 (Arısoy) to 105.61 pods plant-1 (AP-3773). However, the average weight of 100 seeds varied between 15.07 g (Asya) to 22.10 g (Lider). The lowest average protein content (33.58%) was obtained from Yemsoy variety while the highest value (41.50%) was obtained from J-112 variety. It was determined that the average seed yield varied between 379.74 kg da-1 (Arısoy) and 580.73 kg da-1 (Lider). According to the data obtained as a result of the experiment, Lider variety was come front with the highest seed yield (580.73 kg da-1) and, J-112 variety had the high protein content with 41.50%, Planet (21.96 g) and Yeniköy-9 (20.87 g) varieties had the highest 100 seed weight. According to production goals, one of this superior varieties may be prefer to grow in the Eastern Mediterranean Transition Zone.
Evaluation of Urban Farming System Sustainability in Central Province of Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: FITRI Rini , PERKASA Achmad Yozar , WIDJAJA Hinijati , SEANDERS Olivia , FAUZI Reza
Published: January 2024

The objective of the research was to evaluate the degree of sustainability of urban farming development in Petamburan, Central Jakarta. This research used a descriptive methodology approach using a qualitative approach (1) research preparation stage (2) collection stage (3) data analysis stage to check the degree of sustainability of urban agriculture using the Multi Dimension Scaling (MDS) approach. The study results indicate that urban agriculture in the special capital region of Jakarta is well known and is strongly supported by the residents of Petamburan Village, Tanah Abang District, Central Jakarta. Urban residents generally already have knowledge and insight about urban agriculture. The community support for urban agricultural activities uses their yards to cultivate vegetables, herbs, and other seasonal fruit crops. The development of urban farming in Petamburan, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta results from the analysis of four dimensioned model MDS is not sustainable. The analysis results of each dimension consist of the ecological dimension 14.55%, the economic dimension 13.85%, the social dimension 13.94%, and the technological dimension 13.43%. In the future, urban farming should pay attention to the supporting factors of the sustainability of agricultural development. The factors include the yard area, types, and variations of cultivated plants, the application of innovation and technology that urban communities can accept and develop, increased counselling and community development, and intensive and tax-free provision for yards with urban farming. The study show that index of urban agriculture sustainability in Petamburan Village, Tanah Abang District, Central Jakarta is very low, including the destructive and unsustainable category depending on the results of multidimensional analysis of both economic, ecological, social, and technological dimensions so that improvements are needed through counselling and motivation for urban agriculture actors.
Pengaruh Kualitas Produk Dan Harga Terhadap Kepuasan Pembelian Merk Unilever
Authors: Sholika Shinta Anatus , Maulidia Nanda Rizki , Banan Muhammad Faisol , Wicaksono M. Arif , Tamyis M. Hidayatul
Published: January 2024

Studi kasus dilakukan di Fakultas Ekonomi Program Studi Manajemen Unusida, dan dipublikasikan di jurnal Pengaruh Kualitas Produk dan Harga terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Unilever. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji bagaimana kualitas dan harga produk Unilever mempengaruhi pilihan konsumen. Seratus dua belas jurusan Manajemen dari tahun fakultas Ekonomi 2019-2020 merupakan populasi penelitian. Berdasarkan rumus slovin sampling, kami menggunakan sampel masing-masing 53 dan 30 siswa. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa Ha diterima dan H0 ditolak, yang menunjukkan bahwa kualitas produk dan harga berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan terhadap merek unilever. Nilai F hitung adalah 23,128 > F tabel 3,09. Secara khusus, kualitas produk mempengaruhi kepuasan pelanggan untuk merek Unilever sejauh menerima parsial 2,982 dan signifikan 0,000 < 0,05, sehingga menyetujui Ha
Nitrification in the Amazon River plume
Authors: Choisnard N , Sperlea T , Liskow I , Voss M
Published: January 2024

The Amazon River delivers high concentrations of nitrate (NO3-, ~16 µM) to its estuary, shaping phytoplankton community assemblages in the estuary and up to 1500 km away from the river mouth. Yet NO3- production rates via nitrification, a central process of the nitrogen (N) cycle, have never been studied in this region. By combining nitrification rates and classical oceanographic field measurements with the help of a machine-learning model, we highlight for the first time the variability of nitrification rates along the Amazon River plume and discuss potential relationships with environmental variables. The highest nitrification rates observed at the river mouth (up to 302 nmol l-1 h-1) co-occurred with high turbidity, nitrite (NO2-) and phosphate (PO43-) concentrations, consistent with studies documenting high rates in turbid estuaries. Within less than 200 km from the river mouth, nitrification rates drop to minimum values in the plume and NO3- is depleted, likely consumed by phytoplankton when the light limitation constraint is lifted. In addition to climate change, the Amazon River catchment is subject to an array of anthropogenic impacts, such as deforestation, mining and damming. Under these pressures, the riverine discharge, turbidity, nutrient load and nitrification rates will likely be altered. This study gives a baseline for a central N-cycle pathway, also broadening our understanding of its control factors in the region, which is crucial for predicting the future of processes relying on the Amazon River discharge.
Pemanfaatan Peta Konsep dengan Model Kooperatif pada Pembelajaran Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Authors: Munawir Munawir , Cahyani Dita Dwi , Faqih Mery Sabilla Faqih Sabilla
Published: January 2024

Abstrak. Peningkatan keaktifan belajar peserta didik sangat diperlukan, karena itu pentingnya kegiatan tersebut dalam menghidupkan kembali proses pembelajaran sejarah kebudayaan islam yang berlandaskan konstruktivisme atau membangun ilmu yang mengutamakan kerjasamaÂ  siswa untuk apa yang dicapai bisa menjadi tujuan pemebalajaran peseta didik tersebut di dalam kelas. Adanya satu alternatif untuk membangun ativitas peserta didik tersebut dengan cara menggunakan model pembelajaran yang kooperatif dan dengan adanya model pembelajaran seperti ini peserta didik mampu meningkatkan kekatifannya kepada guru atau peseta didik lainnya. Seperti yang telah diterapkan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan beberapaÂ  metode dan instrumen yaitu: observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kektifan belajar sejarah kebudayaan islam siswa secara kooperatif.Kata kunci: Pembelajaran, Kooperatif, Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam.
Upaya Guru dalam Membentuk Karakter Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Simbolon Marlina Eliyanti , Komariah Yayah
Published: January 2024

Abstrak. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya pembentukan karakter siswa. Melihat banyaknya perundungan maupun penyimpangan yang dilakukan oleh siswa sekolah dasar. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mendeskripsikan upaya guru dalam membentuk karakter siswa sekolah dasar. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu metode kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian studi kasus. Teknik pengambilan data dilakukan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi. Untuk menguji keabsahan data digunakan uji kredibilitas dengan menggunakan metode triangulasi data. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa upaya pembentukan karakter siswa di gugus III Kecamatan Ciawigebang, Kabupaten Kuningan diterapkan melalui pembiasaan baik yang diterapkan guru, keteladanan guru, dan integritas dalam proses pembelajaran untuk mencerminkan terwujudnya karakter religius, jujur, disiplin, tanggung jawab, dan peduli sosial. Adapun hambatan yang ditemukan yaitu kepribadian siswa yang berbeda, minimnya perhatian orang tua terhadap perkembangan siswa, serta pengaruh lingkungan tempat tinggal siswa.Kata Kunci: Karakter siswa, Upaya guru, Perkembangan siswa, Sekolah dasar.
Efektivitas Asesmen Autentik Terhadap Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Pola Bilangan Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Sudirman Sudirman
Published: January 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektif tidaknya Model Pembelajaran Asesmen Autentik Terhadap Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Pola Bilangan Siswa Sekolah DasarPraya Tahun Pembelajaran 2022/2023. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan kuasi eksperimen dengan populasi seluruh siswa kelas VI yang terdiri dari 22 siswa. Sampel penelitian diambil kelas VI yang berjumlah 22 siswa, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen tes yaitu pretes dan postes terdiri dari 4 soal uraian untuk mengukur pemahaman konsep pola bilangan siswa kelas VI. Tes pemahaman konsep pola bilangan ini dilakukan setelah kedua kelompok mendapat pembelajaran. Rata-rata pre-test kelas eksperimen adalah 48,45 dengan standard deviation 11,578. Setelah diberikan treatment diperoleh rata-rata post-test kelas eksperimen sebesar 83,65 dengan standard deviation = 10,358 dan mengalami persentasi kenaikan sebesar 97%. Teknik yang digunakan untuk menguji hipotesis adalah dengan uji Paired Sample T-Test atau uji berpasangan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menunjukkan nilai sig < taraf sig yaitu 0,0000 < 0,05 pada taraf signifikan 6% dan df 19. Dengan demikian terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran Asesmen Autentik terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep pola bilangan siswa kelas VI Sekolah Dasar.
Efektivitas Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh Secara Daring Menggunakan Media Sosial Terhadap Penguasaan Konsep Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Tarmidzi Tarmidzi , Tresnawati Nailah , Nurhayati Santi
Published: January 2024

Abstrak. Pembelajaran yang dilaksanakan secara daring merupakan implementasi pendidikan jarak jauh. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis memilih aplikasi daring (dalam jaringan) menggunakan media sosial WhatsApp sebagai bentuk kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilaksanakan secara jarak jauh. Hal tersebut disebabkan oleh permasalahan yang dialami saat mewabahnya virus corona atau covid-19 sehingga tidak memungkinkan untuk dilaksanakan kegiatan belajar mengajar (KBM) secara langsung atau tatap muka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan penguasaan konsep siswa antara sebelum dan setelah pembelajaran menggunakan media sosial WhatsApp. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif yakni implementasi pembelajaran daring pada subjek terbatas dengan subjek penelitian sebanyak 5 orang siswa sekolah dasar. Berdasarkan analisis terhadap rekapitulasi hasil angket respons dan tes penguasaan konsep siswa, penulis dapat menarik kesimpulan bahwa pembelajaran jarak jauh secara daring menggunakan media sosial WhatsApp cukup efektif dalam meningkatkan penguasaan konsep siswa.Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran jarak jauh, Pembelajaran Daring, Media Sosial, Penguasaan Konsep, Sekolah Dasar
Suffering and smiling: What determines happiness among Nigerians?
Authors: Tuki Daniel
Published: January 2024

Using the Wave 7 World Values Survey (WVS) dataset, this study examined the determinants of happiness among Nigerians with a focus on exposure to violent conflict, socioeconomic condition, religiosity, and self-rated health. The regression results showed that exposure to violent conflict reduced the likelihood of being happy, but socioeconomic condition and self-rated health were positively correlated with happiness. Religiosity, which was measured using the frequency of prayer, had no effect on happiness. The respondents’ demographic attributes like gender, age, and marital status also had no effect on happiness.
Surface Topography of the Materials used in NSW Micromegas Quadruplets
Authors: Maltezos Stavros , Alexopoulos Theodoros , Gazis Evangelos , Koutelieris George
Published: January 2024

In the framework of the NSW Micromegas Quadruplet production for the LHC-ATLAS Upgrade of phase I at CERN, their gas sealing is a crucial issue. For this reason, we studied the sealing feasibility based on the topography analysis of the materials used for the contact with the elastic rubber cord. In this work we present the obtained measurements by Atomic Force Spectroscopy for the relevant materials, FR4 and Kapton, and the data analysis method we used for determining the roughness of their surfaces. Moreover, we have introduced and applied an extended version of the K-correlation model for the modelling of the power spectrum. Beside the above materials, we present the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and the associated modelling of the rubber cord used as O-ring in the Micromegas Quadruplets.
Breakthrough Results on Prime Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: January 2024

Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $N_{n} = 2 \cdot \ldots \cdot q_{n}$ be the primorial of order $n$. We state that if the inequality $R(N_{n+1}) < R(N_{n})$ holds for all primes $q_{n}$ (greater than some threshold), then the Riemann hypothesis is true and the Cram{\'e}r's conjecture is false. In this note, we prove that the previous inequality always holds for all sufficiently large primes.
The Magic of Prime Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: January 2024

Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $N_{n} = 2 \cdot \ldots \cdot q_{n}$ be the primorial of order $n$. We prove if the inequality $R(N_{n+1}) < R(N_{n})$ holds for all primes $q_{n}$ (greater than some threshold), then the Riemann hypothesis is true and the Cram{\'e}r's conjecture is false. In this note, using our criterion, we show that the Riemann hypothesis is true and the Cram{\'e}r's conjecture is false.
Entrepreneurship Development Among Pwd in India: More Challenges or Fewer Opportunities?
Authors: Tikhute Vishal
Published: January 2024

The objective of this paper is to discuss the opportunities and challenges for PwD in becoming a successful entrepreneur. To describe the current situations and challenges in availing entrepreneurial development opportunities by PwD, the study reviewed secondary data, articles, and reports published in the field of disability. All the studies published on PwD living in India were included. Different keywords were used to explore studies published in the context of the research objective. The study concludes that, despite the availability of opportunities for entrepreneurship development for Indian youth in general, PwD experience multiple challenges in availing of these opportunities. There is a policy gap in the equitable distribution of these opportunities for PwD. There is a need to address socio-cultural barriers limiting the potential of PwD. Policies emphasizing inclusiveness and providing equal entrepreneurial opportunities for PwD have been recommended.
The importance of distinguishing natural forest regrowth from managed tree systems
Authors: Gao Xueyuan , Reich Peter , Vincent Jeffrey , Potts Matthew , Hansen Matthew , Jung Martin , Brancalion Pedro , Fritz Steffen , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Chazdon Robin , Uriarte María , Keenan Trevor , Lesiv Myroslava , Wang Dongdong
Published: January 2024

Nature-based climate solutions, such as forest landscape restoration, offer a promising approach to mitigate the effects of global climate change, conserve biodiversity, and enhance rural livelihoods. Heinrich et al. (Nature, 2023) used satellite observation products to assess rates and drivers of aboveground carbon accumulation in tropical recovering forests, which is knowledge essential for understanding their climate mitigation potential. They used a tropical moist forest cover change dataset developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) to identify tree cover gains on former agricultural lands, and they referred to these gains as “secondary forests” assuming that all the gains were natural forest regrowth. However, tropical tree cover gains on former agricultural lands also include managed tree systems, e.g., timber plantations, oil palm plantations, and agroforestry. Ignoring the contribution of gains due to managed tree systems likely leads to a significant underestimation of the impact of management practices on tropical carbon sequestration; such impacts might either increase or decrease the rate of carbon sequestration by tropical tree-based systems on former agricultural lands, compared with natural forest recovery solely.
Evaluation of direct-fed microbials on in vitro ruminal fermentation, gas production kinetic, and greenhouse gas emissions in different ruminants’ diet
Authors: Silva Thiago H. , Amâncio Bruna R. , Magnani Elaine , Meurer Gabriel W. , Reolon Henrique G. , Timm Thaynã G. , Cappellozza Bruno I. , Branco Renata H. , Paula Eduardo M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Three in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DFM1) and increasing levels of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (DFM2) on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters in three different dietary scenarios.

Methods

For Exp. 1, the basal diet consisted of 25:75 roughage:concentrate ratio (R:C) and was composed by 5 treatments: control (no additive), 2 levels of DFM1 (1X = 1.9 mg and 5X = 9.0 mg), and 2 levels of DFM2 (1X = 3.8 mg and 5X = 19 mg). The Exp. 2 consisted of a 41:59 R:C diet and was composed by 5 treatments: control (no additive) and 2 levels of DFM1 (1X = 3.8 mg and 5 X = 19 mg) and 2 levels of DFM2 (1X = 5.6 mg and 5X = 28 mg). The Exp. 3 consisted of a 100:0 R:C diet [Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa brizantha)] and was composed by the same treatments described in Exp. 1. The DFM1 contained 3.5 × 109 CFU per g of Enterococccus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas the DFM2 contained Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis at 3.2 × 109 CFU per g. In each Exp., an in vitro gas production (GP) system with 43-bottles (AnkomRF) was used in four consecutive 48 or 72-h fermentation batches to evaluate total GP (TGP), kinetics and fermentation profiles, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Results

For Exp 1, DFM1 increased quadratically TGP at 24 and 48-h, which reflected in a greater in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The concentrations of ammonia-N, CH4, and CO2 (mmol/g of IVOMD) reduced quadratically as DFM1 increased. For Exp. 2, DFM1 inclusion reduced butyrate concentration and acetate to propionate ratio. Regarding GHG emissions, DFM1 and DFM2 quadratically reduced CH4 and CO2 emission per IVOMD (mmol/g of IVOMD). For Exp. 3, DFM1 increased quadratically TGP at 48h with no impact on IVOMD. Otherwise, DFM2 increased linearly TGP at 24 and 48h which reflected in a greater IVOMD. The inclusion of DFM1 increased linearly iso-valerate and branched-chain volatile fatty acids (BCVFA) concentration and DFM2 addition increased BCVFA quadratically.

Discussion

Overall, addition of DFM1 [Enterococccus faecium (5 × 109 CFU per g) + Saccharomyces cerevisiae (5 × 109 CFU per g)] or DFM2 [Bacillus licheniformis + Bacillus subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU per g)] might enhance the fermentation process in the rumen and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in a dose-dependent manner, though the results are contingent on the specific type of diet.
Recent advances in fabrication of dECM-based composite materials for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Xu Peiyao , Cao Jiutao , Duan Youyu , Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Chen Aizheng
Published: January 2024

Chronic wound management is an intractable medical and social problem, affecting the health of millions worldwide. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-based materials possess remarkable biological properties for tissue regeneration, which have been used as commercial products for skin regeneration in clinics. However, the complex external environment and the longer chronic wound-healing process hinder the application of pure dECM materials. dECM-based composite materials are constructed to promote the healing process of different wounds, showing noteworthy functions, such as anti-microbial activity and suitable degradability. Moreover, fabrication technologies for designing wound dressings with various forms have expanded the application of dECM-based composite materials. This review provides a summary of the recent fabrication technologies for building dECM-based composite materials, highlighting advances in dECM-based molded hydrogels, electrospun fibers, and bio-printed scaffolds in managing wounds. The associated challenges and prospects in the clinical application of dECM-based composite materials for wound healing are finally discussed.
Probabilistic seismic collapse risk assessment of non-engineered masonry buildings in Malawi
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , Williams Jack , De Risi Raffaele , Ngoma Ignasio
Published: January 2024

This study presents the most recent development of a nationwide earthquake risk model for non-engineered masonry buildings in Malawi. Due to its location within the East African Rift, Malawi experienced several moderate earthquakes that caused seismic damage and loss. Recently, a new probabilistic seismic hazard model has been developed by considering fault-based seismic sources, in addition to conventional areal sources. The most recent 2018 national census data provide accurate exposure information for Malawian people and their assets at detailed spatial resolutions. To develop seismic fragility functions that are applicable to Malawian housing stocks, building surveys and experimental tests of local construction materials have been conducted. By integrating these new developments of seismic hazard, exposure, and vulnerability modules, a quantitative seismic building collapse risk model for Malawi is developed on a national scale. For the rapid computation of seismic risk curves at individual locations, an efficient statistical approach for approximating the upper tail distribution of a seismic hazard curve is implemented. Using this technique, a seismic risk curve for a single location can be obtained in a few seconds, thereby, this can be easily expanded to the whole country with reasonable computational times. The results from this new quantitative assessment tool for seismic impact will provide a sound basis for risk-based disaster mitigation policies in Malawi.
Dynamics of astrocytes Ca2+ signaling: a low-cost fluorescence customized system for 2D cultures
Authors: Musotto Rosa , Wanderlingh Ulderico , D’Ascola Angela , Spatuzza Michela , Catania Maria Vincenza , De Pittà Maurizio , Pioggia Giovanni
Published: January 2024

In an effort to help reduce the costs of fluorescence microscopy and expand the use of this valuable technique, we developed a low-cost platform capable of visualising and analysing the spatio-temporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signalling in astrocytes. The created platform, consisting of a specially adapted fluorescence microscope and a data analysis procedure performed with Imagej Fiji software and custom scripts, allowed us to detect relative changes of intracellular Ca2+ ions in astrocytes. To demonstrate the usefulness of the workflow, we applied the methodology to several in vitro astrocyte preparations, specifically immortalised human astrocyte cells and wild-type mouse cells. To demonstrate the reliability of the procedure, analyses were conducted by stimulating astrocyte activity with the agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), alone or in the presence of the antagonist 2-methyl-6-phenylethyl-pyridine (MPEP).
Phosphorus availability and speciation in soils amended with upcycled dairy-waste nutrients
Authors: Laan Maggi , Strawn Daniel G. , Kayler Zachary E. , Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Möller Gregory
Published: January 2024

The excessive application of dairy manure to soils to supply plant nutrients can result in increased offsite nutrient transport and degraded water quality. However, by concentrating nutrients from dairy-waste onto biochar or as biosolids, a viable alternative fertilizer can be produced that will benefit soil health, promote carbon sequestration, and decrease nutrient leaching into surface waters. In this study, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess soil phosphorus (P) speciation and barley plant growth in soils amended with dairy-waste treated biochar and fermented manure. Phosphorus characterization in the post-harvest soils was determined using selective extractions, 31P-NMR and XANES spectroscopy, and isotopic tracing (P-δ18O). Selective extractions and NMR spectroscopy revealed that most of the P in the amended soils occurred as inorganic species (>85%). XANES spectroscopy further showed that the soil P occurred as either calcium-P minerals (54%–87%) or adsorbed P (0%–46%) species. Analysis by P-δ18O in water and sodium bicarbonate extractions of the treated soils showed that the water-extracted P pool is cycled much faster than the sodium bicarbonate extracted P. Although less than 10% of the total P in the dairy-derived bioproducts was extracted using water, plant productivity in the soils treated with these amendments was the same as that in soils treated with equivalent amounts of conventional nitrogen and P fertilizer. This suggests that dairy-derived bioproducts are good soil amendments to supply nutrients and limit leaching.
Transboundary hydropower projects: allocation of competence and cooperation between the federation and its federating units in Switzerland
Authors: Edum Chukwuebuka
Published: January 2024

(i) The Swiss Constitution places cantons (federating units) in charge of managing all water uses. At the same time, it gives the federation decision-making authority over transboundary water uses, including for hydropower purposes. (ii) It further mandates the Federation to consult and consider the concerns and interests of the affected cantons when deciding on transboundary hydropower projects. (iii) Aside from the possibility of intertwining competence between the Federation and cantons on the transboundary hydropower project, the situation creates ambiguity around the obligation to consult between parties on such projects. (iv) Cooperation in good faith in implementing relevant procedural rules of consultation between parties seems to be the most promising approach to finding solutions acceptable to all.
Bioenergy cropping systems shape ant community composition and functional roles
Authors: Haan Nathan L. , Helms Jackson A. , Landis Douglas A.
Published: January 2024

The adoption of biomass crops grown for energy is a likely source of major landscape change in coming decades during the transition from fossil fuels. There are a wide range of cropping systems that have not been widely deployed yet but could become commonplace, and our knowledge of their ecological attributes and biodiversity impacts is limited. Ants are prominent and functionally important components of grassland and agricultural ecosystems. Given their outsized influences on ecosystem structure and function, we sought to understand how ant communities are likely to be shaped by a range of bioenergy cropping systems. We characterized ant communities in a long-term experimental array in Michigan, USA containing ten dedicated bioenergy crops including annual monocultures, simple monoculture or near-monoculture perennial grasses, and complex polyculture systems. Community composition differed strongly among cropping systems, and ants were more abundant, species-rich, and functionally diverse in complex systems than in simpler systems, particularly annual crops. Our results illustrate the divergent effects that bioenergy crop adoption could have for ant communities and the important functions they carry out in agroecosystems.
Efficacy of beta-blockers on blood pressure control and morbidity and mortality endpoints in hypertensives of African ancestry: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Tsabedze Nqoba , Naicker R. Darshni , Mrabeti Sanaa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Compared with first-line antihypertensives, beta-blockers (BB) have been reported to lower the central aortic blood pressure suboptimally and are associated with increased stroke risk. This observation has not been investigated in hypertensives of African ancestry. We hypothesised that an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) on the efficacy of second- or third-generation beta-blockers (STGBBs) in hypertensives of African descent may provide new insights.

Methods

A single-stage IPD-MA analysed the efficacy of STGBB in lowering the mean arterial blood pressure and reducing the composite outcomes: cardiovascular death, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

Results

A total of 11,860 participants from four randomised control trials were included in the analysis. Second- or third-generation beta-blockers reduced the mean arterial pressure by 1.75 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI):1.16–2.33; P < 0.001] in all participants included in the analysis, and by 1.93 mmHg (95% CI: 0.86–3.00; P < 0.001) in hypertensive Africans. In patients with established cardiovascular disease, where the benefits of BB therapy are well established, STGBBs were associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06–1.65; P = 0.015) of the composite outcome, most likely due to confounding. Similarly, the risk of total myocardial infarction was 1.76 times higher (95% CI: 1.15–2.68; P = 0.008) in hypertensives of African ancestry on STGBBs.

Conclusion

The STGBBs reduced the mean arterial pressure comparably to other antihypertensives, and they were not associated with an increased risk of stroke.
A marker-less human motion analysis system for motion-based biomarker identification and quantification in knee disorders
Authors: Armstrong Kai , Zhang Lei , Wen Yan , Willmott Alexander P. , Lee Paul , Ye Xujiong
Published: January 2024

In recent years the healthcare industry has had increased difficulty seeing all low-risk patients, including but not limited to suspected osteoarthritis (OA) patients. To help address the increased waiting lists and shortages of staff, we propose a novel method of automated biomarker identification and quantification for the monitoring of treatment or disease progression through the analysis of clinical motion data captured from a standard RGB video camera. The proposed method allows for the measurement of biomechanics information and analysis of their clinical significance, in both a cheap and sensitive alternative to the traditional motion capture techniques. These methods and results validate the capabilities of standard RGB cameras in clinical environments to capture clinically relevant motion data. Our method focuses on generating 3D human shape and pose from 2D video data via adversarial training in a deep neural network with a self-attention mechanism to encode both spatial and temporal information. Biomarker identification using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allows the production of representative features from motion data and uses these to generate a clinical report automatically. These new biomarkers can then be used to assess the success of treatment and track the progress of rehabilitation or to monitor the progression of the disease. These methods have been validated with a small clinical study, by administering a local anaesthetic to a small population with knee pain, this allows these new representative biomarkers to be validated as statistically significant (p-value <0.05). These significant biomarkers include the cumulative acceleration of elbow flexion/extension in a sit-to-stand, as well as the smoothness of the knee and elbow flexion/extension in both a squat and sit-to-stand.
Comparison of seven surrogate insulin resistance indexes for prediction of incident coronary heart disease risk: a 10-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Li , Peng Jie , Wang Ning , Wu Zhenguo , Zhang Yerui , Cui Huiliang , Zang Dejin , Lu Fanghong , Ma Xiaoping , Yang Jianmin
Published: January 2024

Background

There were seven novel and easily accessed insulin resistance (IR) surrogates established, including the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), the visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC) and TyG-waist to height ratio (TyG-WHtR). We aimed to explore the association between the seven IR surrogates and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), and to compare their predictive powers among Chinese population.

Methods

This is a 10-year prospective cohort study conducted in China including 6393 participants without cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline. We developed Cox regression analyses to examine the association of IR surrogates with CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence intervals [CI]). Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to compare the predictive values of these indexes for incident CHD by the areas under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

During a median follow-up period of 10.25 years, 246 individuals newly developed CHD. Significant associations of the IR surrogates (excepted for VAI) with incident CHD were found in our study after fully adjustment, and the fifth quintile HRs (95% CIs) for incident CHD were respectively 2.055(1.216-3.473), 1.446(0.948-2.205), 1.753(1.099-2.795), 2.013(1.214-3.339), 3.169(1.926-5.214), 2.275(1.391-3.719) and 2.309(1.419-3.759) for CVAI, VAI, LAP, TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC and TyG-WHtR, compared with quintile 1. Furthermore, CVAI showed maximum predictive capacity for CHD among these seven IR surrogates with the largest AUC: 0.632(0.597,0.667).

Conclusion

The seven IR surrogates (excepted for VAI) were independently associated with higher prevalence of CHD, among which CVAI is the most powerful predictor for CHD incidence in Chinese populations.
Interactive effects of temperature and velocity on the feeding behavior of competing native and invasive stream fishes
Authors: Kindree Meagan M. , Jones Nicholas E. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: January 2024

The integration of invasive species into native communities may result in the destabilization of food webs through predation of native prey and competition with native predators. These negative effects are likely to be exacerbated by climate change, increasing the frequency of heat waves, droughts, and high-flow events. Invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and native White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) were collected from the wild and acclimated to a range of temperatures expected to capture increases in temperature under climate change. In the laboratory, we measured the effects of temperature (19, 22, 25, and 28°C) and velocity gradients (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6 m/s at 22 and 25°C) on the prey consumption and foraging behavior of each species. We found that the prey consumption and number of attacks (lunges at prey) of both species increased with temperature but were consistently higher in Round Goby. Velocity had an interactive effect with temperature for prey consumption and foraging behavior, where generally, velocity tolerance for both species was higher at 22°C than at 25°C. White Sucker tolerance to velocity was higher than Round Goby, suggesting that systems with higher velocities may provide a competitive advantage in high-flow environments. Our results stress the importance of interactive experiments when examining the impact of invasive species on native competitors under shifting climatic conditions.
Dendrochronological studies in North Africa: reality and prospects
Authors: Farahat Emad , Gärtner Holger
Published: January 2024

The southern Mediterranean region, particularly North Africa, is a crucial area for biodiversity conservation. However, the impacts of climate change on plant species in this region are not well understood. Dendroecology, the study of tree rings, is a valuable technique for analyzing the effects of environmental changes on woody plants over time. In this study, we intend to assess the state of the art in dendrochronological research in North Africa and identify knowledge gaps and limitations in the field. The period of analysis spans from 1979 to 2023. We used all the available literature in Dendrobox and Google Scholar during this period. Our study revealed several research gaps in the region, including the need for more studies on the history of forest fires and their relationship to climate conditions in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the impact of climate on the anatomical characteristics of growth rings, and the effects of climate change on tree species diversity and forest health. Applying this technique in the future would allow for detailed insights into the effect of climate on the internal structure and growth of forest trees. The findings of this study will help guide future research and contribute to a better understanding of the climate-growth relationship of woody plants in North Africa.