bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genistein administration increases the level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the endometriosis mice model: An experimental study
Authors: Sutrisno Sutrisno , Miryani Ira , Made Dwijayasa Pande , Rini Suprobo Nina , Arsana Wiyasa I Wayan
Published: November 2022

Background: Endometriosis and infertility are caused by reactive oxygen species or free radicals, which promote endometrial cell growth and adhesion in the peritoneal cavity. Genistein has been proven to protect cells against reactive oxygen species by scavenging free radicals and decreasing the expression of genes-associated stress responses.
Objective: This study was conducted to determine whether genistein also acts as an antioxidant by elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the peritoneal fluid of the endometriosis mice model.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study involved 32 healthy female mice (Mus musculus), aged between 2-3 months and weighing 20-30 gr. They were divided into negative control group (healthy mice without genistein), endometriosis group (endometriosis mice without genistein), treatment group that was given different doses of genistein, that is, 0.13; 0.26; 0.52; 0.78; 1.04; and 1.3 mg/day (n = 4/each). SOD level in the peritoneal fluid was measured using the quantitative colorimetric determination method, and a colorimetric assay measured the GPx levels.
Results: Results showed that the endometriosis model has lower SOD and GPx levels than the control group. The administration of genistein significantly normalized these changes. Genistein significantly increased SOD levels in the 0.13 mg and 0.26 mg treatment groups. Genistein also increased GPx levels significantly in all treatment groups.
Conclusion: Genistein increases SOD and GPx levels in the peritoneal fluid of an endometriosis mice model, and the change is dose-dependent.
Key words: Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Endometriosis, Genistein.
Physical and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Microcrystalline Cellulose Derivatives from Corn Cob and Daniella Oliveri Wastes
Authors: BAKER Mariam Temitope , OGUNTOYE Olubunmi Stephen
Published: November 2022

Cellulose was extracted from wood dust waste samples of Daniella oliveri and corn cobs by acetic acid and alkaline pretreatment methods, while microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derivative was produced by acid hydrolysis in 2 M HCl. The samples were tested for pH, moisture content, swelling capacities and ash contents. The data obtained were compared with those of commercial MCCs found in the literature. The functional groups in the microcrystalline cellulose derivatives was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method with characteristic absorption bands of;–OH stretching at 3416 cm-1; C-H stretching at 2918 cm-1; -OH bending at 1377 cm-1; 1159 cm-1; and C-O-C pyranose ring skeletal vibrations at 1026-1033 cm-1. The crystallinity absorption bands appeared at 1436 and 850 cm-1. The characteristic morphological features were established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the crystallinity of the microcrystalline cellulose was further confirmed using the X-ray powder diffraction (X-RD) technique, which showed three main reflections at 2θ=14.70°, 22.09°, and 34.24°.These results supported that microcrystalline cellulose derivative as cellulose I type and the acid pretreatment did not affect the structure of the MCC. The crystallinity indices were 69.3 and 73.2%, respectively. Daniella Oliveri and corn cob microcrystalline cellulose are, therefore, potential materials for further processing.
Utilização da semente da abóbora cabotiá na elaboração de snack salgado
Authors: Maroli Andreia Cristina , Vazzoler Indianara , Miliorança Juliane , Lara Luis Paulo , Barden Raquel , Miorelli Suzane , Endres Creciana Maria
Published: November 2022

O destino dos resíduos resultantes das indústrias de alimentos gera preocupação, pois são gerados em grande quantidade e descartados sem nenhum valor comercial. As sementes da abóbora cabotiá descartadas no processo de minimamente processados pelas indústrias são subprodutos de alto valor nutritivo, rico em fibras, além de possuírem compostos bioativos que contribuem para o bom funcionamento do organismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar uma alternativa de aplicação da semente de abóbora cabotiá gerada no processo de minimamente processados. A aplicação da semente originou um snack salgado, obtido pelo processo de drageamento. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas (lipídeos, umidade, proteína, sódio, cinza, carboidrato, fibra, vitaminas, atividade de água, microbiológicas (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli e bolores e leveduras) e análise sensorial (aceitação escala hedônica) do produto. Os resultados apresentaram-se satisfatórios para as análises microbiológicas, atendendo aos padrões estabelecidos pela IN n.º 60, de 23 de dezembro de 2019. A avaliação físico-química mostrou que o produto desenvolvido pode ser considerado de baixo teor de sódio (311mg/100g) e de alto conteúdo de fibras (26g/100g), características positivas para os consumidores. A análise sensorial obteve boa aceitação, sendo que o índice de aceitabilidade (IA) foi de 82,35%, indicando assim que o snack salgado apresenta potencial para o consumidor pelos resultados microbiológicos, físico-químicos e sensoriais apresentados.
Programação linear para minimização de custos: estudo de caso em um refeitório de uma organização militar da Marinha do Brasil
Authors: Rodrigues Hidelbrando Ferreira , Moreira Miguel Ângelo Lellis , Santos Marcos dos , Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Quintal Renato Santiago , Pereira Junior Enderson Luiz
Published: November 2022

O estudo baseia-se em uma análise prática relacionada à minimização de custos e alocação ótima dos recursos em um refeitório do Grupamento de Fuzileiros Navais de Brasília, onde se produz semanalmente refeições variadas. O objetivo do estudo é otimizar o emprego dos recursos orçamentários destinados à aquisição dos ingredientes necessários ao preparo das refeições, considerando-sea demanda semanal da organização militar. Nesse cenário, foi desenvolvido um modelo de programação matemática, provendo a identificação da quantidade ótima dos produtos a serem adquiridos para a realização das refeições demandadas pelo complexo militar, considerando a demanda mensal de cada ingrediente e a disponibilidade financeira da organização militar. A implementação do modelo foi feita utilizando a ferramenta Solver do MS Excel. Após a implementação do modelo, foram obtidos os resultados, sendo estes semelhantes àqueles adotados pelo refeitório, viabilizando a replicação do modelo estruturado em diferentes contextos com distintos níveis de demandas.
Análise da indústria 4.0 na perspectiva tecnológica de empacotamento e de corte automático de itens: um mapeamento de tendências
Authors: Da Silva Christian Gianelli
Published: November 2022

A indústria sofreu, nos últimos anos, uma forte movimentação para aceleração do desenvolvimento tecnológico. Algumas revoluções aconteceram a partir do século XVIII. Atualmente, temos a Indústria 4.0 como grande propulsora da otimização de processos que aumenta a produtividade das organizações ao reduzir custos. Em problemas de empacotamento e corte de itens industriais, deve-se considerar a minimização da perda ociosa de trabalho, evitando o desperdício de material. Para isso, tem-se utilizado tecnologias disruptivas e análises de tendências para uma gestão inovadora e qualidade das operações. Como principais resultados, foi traçada uma análise bibliométrica (qualitativa e quantitativa) acerca dos temas relacionados ao problema. Tudo isso, através de uma busca delimitadora de palavras-chave, mostrando como está o panorama de publicações na área relacionada nos últimos nove anos.
The Upper Limit: An Essay on Mental Integrity and Mental Enhancement
Authors: Manuel Gil Martins Henrique
Published: November 2022

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology is currently used for therapeutic ends but can also be used for enhancing human mental capacities. This essay focuses on non-therapeutic enhancements to human mental capacities using BCI. Being a digital tool, BCI increasingly embeds artificial intelligence. The primary focus is on Digital Direct Mental Enhancements (DDME) situations where the brain is physically connected to a computer and in particular the cognitive functions are targeted. If there is to be an impact on mental capacities, a BCI is always a breach of physical, and potentially also of mental integrity. If we entertain the idea that to have mental integrity is to attain the highest possible level of cognitive capacity, when compared with other humans, then mental enhancement per se could be a way to ensure such integrity rather than only as something that poses a threat to it. The upper limit (of our mental capacities) is at the core of any serious enhancement discussion. A better theory of “mental integrity” is needed to deeply tackle the challenges and potential opportunities posed by novel BCI and their capacity to offer humans not only restorative solutions but also true enhancements of mental capacities.
From being a Eunuch (Hijra) to a Third Gender in India: a Socio-Legal Study on Gender Disability of Eunuchs
Authors: Chatterjee Dr. Pyali
Published: November 2022

This paper will focus on the inequalities faced by the third gender (hijras) in India due to their disability, which is not even considered under The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. Their Disability is the core reason that people from third gender have faced discrimination in society since the British period. This paper also traces the transition phase of the third-gender in Indian history from being a hijra to a criminal and then to a thirdgender. A primary aim of this paper is to discuss the disability of the third gender which is the main cause of the plight being faced by them even presently. The researcher also highlights the fact that the disability faced by hijras is different from the physical and/or mental disability described in the Disability Act of India, and therefore, their medical conditions must be included in the Disability Act. The article concludes with a series of concrete steps that the Indian government should take to help ensure that the hijras are brought back into the mainstream of the society and to help obviate their longterm suffering and humiliation.
MOVIMENTO DAS RELAÇÕES INTERGOVERNAMENTAIS NA EDUCAÇÃO DO TOCANTINS
Authors: Lagares Rosilene
Published: November 2022

O artigo aborda o tema regime colaboração na educação. Analisa como vem se constituído as relações intergovernamentais estado-municípios nas políticas públicas e na gestão da educação do Tocantins. As análises assentam-se em perspectiva crítica, apoiadas em fontes bibliográficas e documentais. Os resultados remetem à reflexão a respeito da ausência, no Tocantins, assim como em outros estados, de normas e orientações próprias quanto à forma e ao conteúdo das relações intergovernamentais e instâncias próprias configurando o regime de colaboração. Apreende-se a constante movimentação na (re)organização de arranjos legais e administrativos, ações integradas e formas de colaboração que focalizam especificidades, indicando a parca e dúbia significação do regime. Ainda, que é uma temática que implica problematizar a estrutura societária brasileira desigual e, por consequência, as dificuldades municipais.
O FOMENTO À FLEXIBILIZAÇÃO NA CONTRARREFORMA DO ENSINO MÉDIO NO CONTEXTO NEOLIBERAL
Authors: Barleta Ilma de Andrade , Petry Oto João
Published: November 2022

O estudo tem como objetivo central analisar as interfaces entre o princípio da fl exibilização, advindo do neoliberalismo econômico,e a contrarreforma do ensino médio no Brasil regulamentada pela Lei n.º 13.415/2017. Partimos do pressuposto de que os ajustes neoliberais implementados no Brasil, especialmente a partir dos anos de 1990, redefi nem as ações do Estado para o atendimento das demandas educacionais, ao mesmo tempo em que concebem a educação como fator de produção capitalista. Nesse sentido, no tocante ao Ensino Médio, está em curso um movimento de contrarreforma, materializado na política educacional, que incorpora o princípio da fl exibilização como elemento estratégico para a manutenção das relações de dominação na sociedade capitalista, com ênfase na formação para o empreendedorismo e no estímulo à mercadorização da educação. O presente estudo está pautado, nos seguintes autores: Gentili (1998), Behring (2008), Harvey (1996), Dardot e Laval (2018) Laval (2019) e Chauí (2021). Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo explicativa, com a realização de análise de documentos (nacionais e internacionais) presentes no contexto de infl uência da referida Lei, tendo a fl exibilização como categoria analítica.A partir do estudo realizado pode-se dizer que a contrarreforma do Ensino Médio no Brasil, materializada na Lei n.º13.415/2017, expressa os interesses das relações sociais e de produção capitalistas e está alinhada ao processo de mercadorização do Ensino Médio, bem como ao ideário formativo para o empreendedorismo em curso na educação pública brasileira, de inspiração neoliberal.
Mechanisms of intercultural competence formation in teaching foreign languages
Authors: Akhmetova Gulnara , Ryspayeva Dinara , Zhukenova Alma , Zhumagulova Natalya
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this research is to obtain teachers' opinions on the development of communication skills of preschool children through information technologies. This research is in the case study model, which is one of the qualitative research designs. The participant group of the research consists of 40 preschool teachers who are teaching in various preschool education institutions in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the 2021–2022 academic year. Research data were collected with the semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. As a result of the research, majority of the preschool teachers stated that they frequently benefit from information technologies in the development of preschool children's communication skills. They also stated permanence in learning, increasing interest and attention, being educational and entertaining, the ease it provides in learning, the opportunity to raise technology literate children and saving time as the advantages of using information technologies in the development of preschool children's communication skills. They stated the problems experienced in choosing appropriate content, the technological infrastructure problems of the school, the technology addiction and the technological pedagogical inadequacy of the teachers as the disadvantages of using information technologies in the development of communication skills of preschool children. Based on the results of the research, in order to eliminate the deficiencies in teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge, it is necessary to organise regular in-service training programmes.

Keywords: Preschool teachers, information technologies, communication skills, preschool children;
Prywatyzacja stresu
Authors: Fisher Mark
Published: November 2022

W artykule Mark Fisher rozwija przedstawioną w Realizmie kapitalistycznym z 2008 roku intuicję dotyczącą związku, jaki zachodzi między neoliberalizmem (niszczeniem związków zawodowych, prywatyzacją usług publicznych, „uelastycznieniem” rynku pracy), jego ideologicznym usprawiedliwieniem (Thatcherowskie „nie ma alternatywy”) a zdrowiem psychicznym, zwłaszcza jego medykalizacją i prywatyzacją. Zdaniem Fishera lewicowym remedium na opisywane w zasadniczej części artykułu problemy nie jest kopiowanie przeszłych form organizacji politycznej, lecz powrót do projektu „lewicowego modernizmu”, który tak naprawdę nigdy nie został zrealizowany.
Wyjące, pijane potwory – o wizerunku osób uzależnionych po transformacji
Authors: Warmuz Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Wizerunek osoby uzależnionej jest dosyć trywialny: postrzega się ją jako osobę niewykształconą i o słabej woli, przegraną, najprawdopodobniej pochodzącą z rodziny robotniczej, często patologicznej. Klasa rządząca z rozmysłem posługuje się tym wyobrażeniem, co doskonale widać w aktualnych opiniach na temat programu „500+” lub innych programów socjalnych. Jednakże demistyfikacja wizerunku osoby uzależnionej od alkoholu to tylko wierzchołek góry lodowej – w artykule staram się przedstawić, w jaki sposób liberalne elity oraz usłużne im środki przekazu kształtują wyobrażenia na temat alkoholików, jak wpływają na ich życie oraz społeczny odbiór choroby alkoholowej.
Diálogos oportunos sobre as línguas de sinais indígenas
Authors: Ferrari Ana Carolina Machado
Published: November 2022

Este dossiê, intitulado “Emergências das línguas de sinais indígenas”, tem por objetivo apresentar a emergência das línguas de sinais em territórios indígenas no Brasil e no México, com interlocuções também na Espanha e no Paraguai. O dossiê é composto por seis pesquisas que abordam a etnoterminologia em sinais de diversas etnias indígenas brasileiras, as línguas de sinais e o contexto linguístico dos indígenas surdos Omágua-Kambeba, Paiter-Suruí, Ka’apor, Terena, Sateré-Mawé, Guarani e Kaiowá, Kaingang, Akwe-Xerente, Pataxó, Xukuru de Ororubá, bem como da língua de sinais Maya Yucateca, do México. As pesquisas ainda discutem a interculturalidade entre a língua brasileira de sinais (Libras) e as línguas de sinais indígenas, inclusive sua incidência na escolarização dos indígenas surdos. É possível perceber que, embora as línguas de sinais indígenas existam, ainda há uma invisibilidade nos documentos e políticas linguísticas e educacionais, tanto no Brasil quanto no exterior.
Evaluation of business process management systems (BPMS): analysis of Bizagi and Bonita softwares
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Araújo Wagner , Gomes Tamara ,   Universidade Federal da Paraíba
Published: November 2022

Introduction: This article presents the results of a research work that evaluated the operation of the BPMS Bizagi and Bonita, used to manage the process of hiring access services to digital books databases, conducted by the Central Library of the Federal University of Paraíba. Objective: The article had as goal to analyze and compare two softwares used for mapping the informational flow in business processes -the Business Process Management Systems (BPMS) Bizagi and Bonita. Methodology: The softwares were used for mapping and analyzing the process flow of contracting services for access to digital book databases, conducted by the Central Library of the Federal University of Paraíba. They were evaluated based on the recommendations of the Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP, considering seven criteria: license type, simulation tool, user support, usability, languages, training and documentation. The methodology adopted in this article is classified as descriptive, with a mixed quanti/qualitative approach. Results: As a result, it was possible to evaluate and verify, through the techniques of AHP, the functioning of Bizagi and Bonita as tools for mapping the information flow in the presented business process, observing their performances. Conclusion:At the end of the research, it was concluded that Bizagi was the most appropriate BPMS for the selected criteria.
La colaboración internacional en materia de patentes y su efecto sobre la creación de empresas
Authors: Alonso-Martínez Daniel , González-Álvarez Nuria , Nieto Mariano
Published: November 2022

Lograr una alta tasa de emprendimiento en una región se ha convertido en el objetivo prioritario de gobiernos y empresas. Este trabajo arroja luz sobre la influencia de la colaboración internacional en materia de patentes (CIP) en la actividad emprendedora a nivel de país teniendo en cuenta el momento en que se produce esta relación. Con el fin de profundizar en esta relación se utiliza un panel de datos de 30 países para el periodo 2005-2017. Los resultados muestran la influencia de la CIP en la promoción del espíritu empresarial en el mismo año, pero especialmente en el año siguiente.
Peran Terapi Akupunktur Terhadap Rejuvenasi Wajah
Authors: Teja Yolanda , Wahdini Sri , Jusuf Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Latar Belakang: Penuaan merupakan kondisi yang tidak dapat dihindari yang terjadi sejak lahir dan terus berlangsung sepanjang hidup. Meningkatnya kebutuhan masyarakat dalam menjaga penampilan, bervariasinya kebutuhan dan kondisi tiap individu, serta beragamnya efek samping yang dapat ditimbulkan dari intervensi yang telah ada, menuntut upaya terus menerus dalam mengembangkan teknik peremajaan kulit. Berikut akan dipaparkan mengenai peran terapi akupunktur pada rejuvenasi wajah.
Tujuan: Mengetahui peran terapi akupuntur pada rejuvenasi wajah.
Pembahasan: Akupunktur menunjukkan efek positif pada rejuvenasi wajah dengan efek samping yang cukup dapat ditoleransi. Akupunktur berperan mencegah penuaan melalui mekanisme antiinflamasi, pencegahan degradasi kolagen dan peningkatan produksi kolagen.
Kesimpulan: Akupunktur terbukti efektif dalam rejuvenasi wajah dengan modalitas yang paling banyak digunakan adalah akupunktur manual dan akupunktur tanam benang. Akupunktur dapat menjadi salah satu intervensi pilihan pada rejuvenasi wajah.
Determinants Of Mental Health Disorders During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ari Kresna Dewi Ni Luh Gede , Yusuf Ah , Tristiana Roro Dian
Published: November 2022

Introduction:Many people experienced mental health disorders due to the Covid-19 pandemic and if not treated immediately, it will cause serious problems. The aim of this article was to determine the determinants of mental health disorders during a pandemic.
Method :A systematic approach in this review used the PRISMA approach and journal sources from several databases including Scopus, Science Direct, SAGE, NCBI, ProQuest in the 3 last years from 2020 to 2022. Boolean operators within search process used AND and OR. The inclusion criteria were the general public, aged more than 17 years. Exclusion criteria were people with chronic disease and schizophrenia. Literature review, editorial, critical synthesis, and the like were also exclusion criteria for this review.
Results: Overall, this review consisted of 13 articles and all of article designs were cross sectional. Respondents in all articles were the general public, the age of 17-60 years. The determinant of mental health disorders were female gender, older age, history of chronic diseases, exposure to media reporting COVID-19, education, job loss and marital status, especially those who were married.
Conclusion: Overall, the community experienced mental health problems during the pandemic.

Keywords : determinants; factors; mental health disorders; covid-19
Optimization of sustainable batik business practice in Koperasi Anugerah Batik, Ciwaringin Village, Indonesia
Authors: Arfan Nadia , Kusumawati Nurrani , Rahmadi Nugraha Adhi
Published: November 2022

Sustainability has become a significant concern worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception. In Indonesia, the sustainable business practice has slowly arisen to conquer the global challenge. This paper highlights the need for a sustainable business model for the batik industry in Anugerah Batik Cooperative, Ciwaringin Village, Indonesia, by considering two factors, namely the utilization of natural dyeing in the batik process and the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a mix-method and business model canvas approach, the researchers interviewed nine owners of the sustainable batik industries and sent 109 questionnaires to the batik customers. The mix-method allowed the researchers to capture the existing business practice and gain insights from the batik customers' perception of sustainable batik products. A new perspective regarding the business model was developed by highlighting several building blocks, including value propositions, customer segments, customer relationships, essential resources, key activities, and revenue streams.
Investment intention among millennials in Islamic stock market with perceived risk as a moderating variable
Authors: Naelati Tubastuvi  , Erny Rachmawati  , Yustina Rahmawati Ika , Ramadani Arienda Gitty
Published: November 2022

This study aims to examine the factors that influence investment intention, namely investment motivation, investment knowledge and information technology in the millennial generation in banyumas with perceived risk as a moderation variable. The samples used in this study were 220 samples. The sampling method is non-probability sampling and the sampling technique is the convenience sampling method. Structural model analysis is carried out using PLS through several stages of analysis, namely outer model analysis, inner model analysis and hypothesis testing. The results of this study show that (i) Investment Motivation has a significant effect on Investment Intention, (ii) Investment Knowledge has a significant effect on Investment Intention, (iii) Information Technology has a significant effect on Investment Intention, (iv) Perceived Risk has a significant effect on Investment Intention, (v) Perceived Risk has been proven to be able to moderate the relationship between Investment Motivation and Investment Intention, (vi) Perceived Risk is proven to be able to moderate the relationship between Information Technology Investment Intention and (vii) Perceived Risk is not proven to be able to moderate the relationship between Investment Knowledge and Investment Intention.
What enhances service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya? The role of total quality management practices
Authors: Wandie Rebecca Wangare , Muathe Stephen Makau
Published: November 2022

The public health sector is affected by various challenges, such as operational inefficiencies and poor service delivery. These challenges affect public hospitals' delivery of quality services that meet client expectations. As a result of these issues, public hospitals have adopted the total quality management approach to deal with these challenges. The general objective of this research was to determine the effect of total quality management application on the quality-of-service delivery across public hospitals in Kenya. The study was anchored on a resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and system approach theories. The research applied a descriptive approach to the target population of 1718 respondents. The sampling approach for the study was a stratified random technique that selected a sample of 250 participants. The findings indicated that employee involvement, technology adoption, continual advancement, and client focus affect service delivery across various public hospitals in Kenya. The research concluded that applying total quality management practices is essential and influences service delivery across various public hospitals. Therefore, the national and county governments are supposed to ensure management’s commitment to the implementation of TQM practices across the county’s healthcare facilities.
The effect of experience quality on customer loyalty mediated by emotion
Authors: Chintia Chintia , Ananda Sabil Hussein  , Nanang Suryadi
Published: November 2022

The food and beverage industry is one of the industries driving the economy in Indonesia, which will always grow and stay alive. This research will look at aspects influencing consumer behavior regarding dining places. This research uses experience quality as an independent variable that affects customer loyalty, with emotion and perceived authenticity as mediating variables. This research is categorized as explanatory research. Respondents in this research were consumers who had visited Ethnic Restaurants in Malang City, and the determination of the number of samples in this research used a purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 200 respondents. The data collection method used a questionnaire and the data were analyzed by PLS-SEM. The findings of this research indicate that experience quality and emotion have a significant effect on customer loyalty. Emotion also plays a role in mediating the relationship between experience quality and customer loyalty. Meanwhile, perceived authenticity has no significant effect on customer loyalty and cannot mediate the relationship between experience quality and customer loyalty.
Constraints to manufacturing companies in implementation of green manufacturing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Abubakar A. Khamis  , Issa Ibrahim , Emmanuel J. Munishi
Published: November 2022

Despite the crucial role that businesses have played in the adoption of green supply chains, it appears that manufacturing enterprises have not effectively utilized their responsibility to ensure green manufacturing. This study uses Bakhresa Foods Product Limited as a case study to better understand the constraints facing manufacturing firms engaged in green manufacturing and offers suggestions for overcoming them. A qualitative design was adopted and data was gathered via in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), indirect observation, and secondary data analysis based on a purposive sample size of 60 respondents. Using the MAXQDA 10 program, data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study's findings showed that constraints to reducing were associated with a lack of innovation, professionals, an understanding of economics and finance and presence of extensive inventories, and inadequate production planning. Remanufacturing was further constrained by poor technology, unfavorable consumer attitudes, and a weak market strategy. Other constraints with reuse came from poor customer attitudes and awareness, lack of uniform standards for materials and goods, and inadequate government support. Constraints to recycling include a lack of support from senior top management executives, significant upfront expenses, and low-quality recycled goods. Therefore, to improve the situation, we suggest that industries make use of modernized equipment, and clean technology, improve monitoring and evaluation systems, implement the lean production philosophy, and give education about the value of recycling programs.
Modelling the effect of bank performance on financial stability
Authors: Antwi Frank , Mercy Kwakye
Published: November 2022

This study examines the link between bank performance and bank stability in the context of African countries. Using the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator and panel data from 16 selected African countries covering the period 2002–2019, this study considers whether the banking sector's performance influences the banking system's financial stability. The findings reveal a significant positive long-run relationship between ROA and financial stability. This was the case when the AMG estimator was employed and when the CCEMG was employed to check for robustness. Inflation was initially negative and insignificant but a highly significant determinant when a more robust method (CCEMG) was used. Economic growth has a negative relationship using both estimators but is insignificant, while trade openness and non-interest income had insignificant coefficients in both estimators. The granger causality results show a one-way causality established to bank stability in the case of bank performance and trade openness. In addition, there was a non-causal relationship between bank stability, non-interest income and inflation as against a double-track causation between bank stability and economic growth. African countries should strive to improve bank performance to enhance the stability of the sector.
Improving cooperation between Indonesia and ASEAN countries in the field of defense through ADMM to advance peace and stability in The South China Sea Region
Authors: Sarjito Aris , Risma Saragih Herlina June , Rusdiana Dede
Published: November 2022

The South China Sea, rich in mineral resources, has become a source of conflict dragging regional countries and ASEAN. The Council for Foreign Relations (CFR) noted that 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be maximized into unlimited energy. The ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), which is assigned as a consultative instrument and cooperation in the defense sector, must address the SCS issue. Therefore, this study aims to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea Region by increasing cooperation between Indonesia and ASEAN countries in the defense sector through ADMM. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) the geographical and geostrategic position of the SCS creates a security dilemma for almost all powers in East Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, (ii) ensuring freedom of navigation is essential, sea lines of communication (SLOCs) through the SCS have regional and geostrategic importance, and finally (iii) the use of approaches through the ADMM found a solid improvement in regional stability.
The effect of the county legal framework on the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Gichuki Elizabeth W. , Gichuhi David , Mwaura Peter
Published: November 2022

Mental health is an important developmental aspect of any society. This study sought to assess the effect of the county legal framework on the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County. The study was guided by the General Systems Theory. A descriptive survey design was used which involved a mixed-methods approach. The target population was the 80 respondents who are directly associated with the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County. Due to the small population, a census procedure was utilized. Primary data was collected through the use of a questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed through the SPSS software (v25). Descriptive statistics were analyzed through the use of frequencies and percentages while inferential statistics were analyzed through the Pearson Correlation and linear regression analysis and the findings were presented in form of tables. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented through narratives. The study found that the county legal framework had a positive relationship with the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya (r=0.428; p=0.000). The county legal framework positively and significantly affected the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya. Also, improving the county's legal framework would have a positive impact on the implementation of mental health programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya. This study recommends that a study should be conducted on the implementation of mental health programmes focusing on the service-users of mental health services and programmes in county governments in Kenya. It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase awareness of mental health services in the county as well as help policymakers formulate effective policies and strategies on mental health programmes, services and public service delivery in Nakuru County.
Cost control and realization of national government constituencies development fund projects in Kikuyu constituency, Kiambu county, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Susan , Gesimba Paul Omato , Gichuhi David
Published: November 2022

Project cost control aims at controlling changes to the project budgeted cost in the contract document. Available data shows that the area of project management is riddled with project failure and cost overruns. This study sought to establish the influence of cost control on the realization of NG-CDF projects in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for this study. National Government Constituencies Development Fund projects in Kikuyu Constituency were the unit of observation, while members of the project management committees were the unit of analysis. A sample of 259 respondents was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were used to analyze data with the help of SPSS. The majority (62.9%) of the respondents indicated that the project they were involved in was incomplete. Slightly half (58.5%) of the respondents indicated that the project was not on a budget. Results showed that 37.5% of the respondents cited inadequate money, 35.5% cited disbursement challenges, and 31.5% indicated price fluctuations as challenges experienced in the cost control of the projects. There was a significant relationship (p=0.021) between cost control on the realization of NG-CDF projects in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study concluded that cost control influences the realization of NG-CDF projects in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya.  There is a need for CDF committees to conduct research for products and services needed in the planning stages of NGCDF projects. This will enable better cost control which ultimately leads to higher project realization.
Brand personality and student consumerism towards higher education in Indonesia
Authors: Hadi Raharjo Johnny , Warmana G. Oka , Kristianto Damar
Published: November 2022

Modern society today relies on the ideology of consumption, not just a marker of the social status of a person or group but a mechanism used by consumers to gain social status or prestige by buying or consuming goods considered high by customers. The increasing reach of consumerism ideology has expanded the traditional definition of a "commodity" into an intangible service, especially in universities' operations. Surveys show that students tend to act as consumers in university education. Consumerism correlates with brand personality. There is a fine line that universities must build and maintain that will enable academics within universities to express integrity and intellectual qualities in both their teaching and research. This expression should include students as participants and recipients not only when they are involved in the class but as participants and recipients in the community in which the University is located.
Introduction to the Inverted City Phenomenon. Urban Future of Šiluva Shrine
Authors: Rudokas Kastytis
Published: November 2022

The urban future looks unclear. Even if some suggest that the future of urbanism would be drawn according to the needs and impositions of artificial intelligence or ecological requirements it is still not enough light shed on integral human development. Therefore the paper examines the relation between sacrum elements of the metaphysical dimension of living and potential technological innovations that would occur shortly. Keeping in mind that technology alone is not sufficient to transfigure human life completely into novel forms of being, metaphysical arguments are in use to bring fourth new urban patterns into a discussion. The relation or rather superposition of sacrum and future technologies is introduced as a basis of inverted city phenomenon whereby implicit manner would be explained and described in an explicit language. The inverted city, based on the sacrum and future tech dimensions, would introduce a new lifestyle model that relies on the juxtaposition of wanderer life qualities along with best practices of sedentary life. The inverted city is a completely new phenomenon though it is inherited from the deep past in terms of the total heritage approach.
A Modification of the Monte Carlo Filtering Approach for Correcting Negative SEA Loss Factors
Authors: Nieradka Paweł , Dobrucki Andrzej
Published: November 2022

Monte Carlo Filtering (MCF) is one of the methods of Experimental Statistical Energy Analysis (E-SEA), which allows the correction of a negative LF (Loss Factor). In this article, a modification of the MCF method, called DESA (Diagonal Extension of the Search Area), is proposed. The technique applies a non-uniform extension of the search area when generating a population of normalized energy matrices. The degree of expansion of the search area is controlled by the Diagonal Penalty Factor (DPF). The authors demonstrated the method's effectiveness on a system that could not be identified in several frequency bands by the classical MCF method. After applying DESA, it was possible to fill in the problematic bands that were missing CLF and DLF values. The paper also proposes a way to minimize the errors introduced by using overly high DPF values.
Pine Decline or Pine Declines? Analysis and Interpretation Bog Pines from Wem Moss, Shropshire, UK
Authors: Lageard Jonathan Guido Andre
Published: November 2022

A dendrochronological investigation was undertaken on subfossil Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stumps following their discovered during conservation management activities at Wem Moss, a small (28ha) former raised mire in Shropshire, UK. Two ring-width chronologies were constructed from 14 of the 17 trees investigated spanning 198 and 208 years respectively. Whilst absolute dating was not possible, radiocarbon assays provided an estimated age for this mire-rooting woodland of between 3015 – 2505 years Cal BC, coinciding with the age traditionally associated with the widespread mortality of pine trees throughout much of the UK and Ireland, The Pine Decline (circa 4 ka radiocarbon years BP). Placed in a wider geographical context, the Wem Moss pines are located within the wider lowland area of the Meres and Mosses Region, where previous studies on subfossil pine have demonstrated protracted declines in mire-rooting trees. These have included tree mortality significantly post-dating The Pine Decline, notably at larger peatland sites exceeding 5.5 km2. This macrofossil evidence for the presence of Scots pine into the late Holocene is supported by continuous Pinus pollen representation at peatland sites in the Welsh Marches (English-Welsh border) suggesting the possible survival of native Scots pine trees in this area up to the present-day. This research highlights the incomplete and patchy nature of palaeo-vegetational records and also the potential for genetic research on living Scots pine in possible refugial areas in the UK and Ireland.
Data Locality in High Performance Computing, Big Data, and Converged Systems: An Analysis of the Cutting Edge and A Future System Architecture
Authors: Usman Sardar , Mehmood Rashid , Katib Iyad , Albeshri Aiiad
Published: November 2022

Big data has revolutionised science and technology leading to the transformation of our societies. High Performance Computing (HPC) provides the necessary computational power for big data analysis using artificial intelligence and methods. Traditionally HPC and big data had focused on different problem domains and had grown into two different ecosystems. Efforts have been underway for the last few years on bringing the best of both paradigms into HPC and big converged architectures. Designing HPC and big data converged systems is a hard task requiring careful placement of data, analytics, and other computational tasks such that the desired performance is achieved with the least amount of resources. Energy efficiency has become the biggest hurdle in the realisation of HPC, big data, and converged systems capable of delivering exascale and beyond performance. Data locality is a key parameter of HPDA system design as moving even a byte costs heavily both in time and energy with an increase in the size of the system. Performance in terms of time and energy are the most important factors for users, particularly energy, due to it being the major hurdle in high performance system design and the increasing focus on green energy systems due to environmental sustainability. Data locality is a broad term that encapsulates different aspects including bringing computations to data, minimizing data movement by efficient exploitation of cache hierarchies, reducing intra- and inter-node communications, locality-aware process and thread mapping, and in-situ and in-transit data analysis. This paper provides an extensive review of the cutting-edge on data locality in HPC, big data, and converged systems. We review the literature on data locality in HPC, big data, and converged environments and discuss challenges, opportunities, and future directions. Subsequently, using the knowledge gained from this extensive review, we propose a system architecture for future HPC and big data converged systems. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such review on data locality in converged HPC and big data systems.
On the Complete Description of Entangled SystemsPart II: The (Meta)Physical Status and Semantic Aspects
Authors: Svozil Karl
Published: November 2022

We review some semantical aspects of probability bounds from Boole’s “conditions on possible experience” violated by quantum mechanics. We also speculate about emerging space-time categories as an epiphenomenon of quantization and the resulting breakdown of relativity theory by non-unitary and non-linear processes.
Antigenicity and Immunogenicity of Three Synthetic Peptides Derived from Predicted B Cell Epitopes of Nervous Necrosis Virus (Nnv) in Asian Seabass (Lates Calcarifer)
Authors: Jungi Sumit Vinod , Machimbirike Vimbai Irene , Linh Nguyen Vu , Sangsuriya Pakkakul , Salin Krishna R , Senapin Saengchan , Dong Ha Thanh
Published: November 2022

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) has spread throughout the world, affecting more than 120 freshwater and marine fish species. While vaccination effectively prevents disease outbreaks, the difficulty of producing sufficient viruses using cell lines continues to be a significant disadvantage for producing inactivated vaccines. This study, therefore, explored the application of synthetic peptides as potential vaccine candidates for the prevention of NNV in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Using the epitope prediction tool and molecular docking, three predicted immunogenic B cell epitopes (30-32 aa) derived from NNV coat protein were selected and synthesised, corresponding to amino acid positions 5 to 34 (P1), 133 to 162 (P2) and 181 to 212 (P3). All the predicted peptides interact with Asian sea bass’s MHC class II by docking. The antigenicity of these peptides was determined through ELISA and all peptides were able to react with NNV-specific antibodies. Subsequently, the immunogenicity of these synthetic peptides was investigated by immunisation of Asian seabass with individual peptides (30 μg/fish) and a peptide cocktail (P1+P2+P3, 10 μg each/fish) by intraperitoneal injection, followed by a booster dose at day 28 post-primary immunisation. There was a subset of immunised fish that were able to induce upregulation of CD4 in the head kidney and spleen. Importantly, antibodies derived from fish immunised with synthetic peptides reacted with whole NNV virions. Taken together, these findings indicate that synthetic linear peptides based on predicted B cell epitopes exhibited both antigenic and immunogenic properties, suggesting that they could be potential vaccine candidates for the prevention of NNV in fish.
Impact of Japan’s State of Emergency on Trends in Diabetes Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective and Descriptive Study
Authors: Minoura Akira , Murakami Kouzou , Matoba Masaaki , Ito Yoshinori , Kamijo Yumi , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study examined the impact of Japan’s state of emergency on trends in diabetes care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design: A descriptive and retrospective study. Setting: Showa University Hospital, Japan. Participants: Patients with diabetes who received medical treatment from 2018 to 2020. Determinants of interest: Number of patients with diabetes visiting the hospital per week. To examine the impact of the Japan’s state of emergency, the number hospital visiting by patients with diabetes was summarized from 28 weeks of data, from calendar week 8 to week 35, for each year. Results: Compared with the mean of 2018 and 2019, no significant difference was found between the three periods (before, during, and after the state of emergency). However, the numbers of patients from both inside and outside Tokyo increased at 7 weeks after the state of emergency was lifted. Conclusions: A significant increase in the numbers of patients with diabetes was seen compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019, suggesting that the state of emergency may have hindered diabetes care. Therefore, patients with diabetes should be followed up continuous of diabetes care while keeping a close eye on measures.