bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of green sustainable innovation as a mediator of the relationship between green market orientation and competitive advantage: Insights from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhomaid Abrar , Lefi Leila
Published: December 2024

This study explored the relationships between green market orientation and competitive advantage, with a particular focus on the mediating role of green sustainable innovation. The research utilized a structured questionnaire to gather data from managers involved in environmental protection and professionals working in the manufacturing sectors of computers, electronics, optical products, and electrical equipment. The survey targeted respondents from key regions in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province, resulting in a total of 273 responses. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), a robust statistical technique that allows for the examination of complex relationships between variables. The findings confirmed a mediational model where green sustainable innovation—comprising both green product and green process innovation—served as a critical intermediary linking green market orientation to competitive advantage. Furthermore, the study validated direct effects of green market orientation on both green sustainable innovation and competitive advantage. These results emphasize the dual pathways through which green market orientation influences business performance. The research concludes by offering actionable insights for Saudi managers, highlighting strategies to maximize profitability and competitiveness through the adoption and implementation of green sustainable innovation practices.
AI-driven resilience in revolutionizing supply chain management: A systematic literature review
Authors: Alsakhen Ibrahim , Buics László , Süle Edit
Published: December 2024

In today’s fast-moving, disrupted business environment, supply chain risk management is crucial. More critically, Industry 4.0 has conferred competitive advantages on supply chains through the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and logistics, but it also implies several challenges and opportunities regarding the management of these risks. This paper looks at some ways emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), help address pressing concerns about the management of risk and sustainability in logistics and supply chains. The study, using a systemic literature review (SLR) backed by a mapping study based on the Scopus database, reveals the main themes and gaps of prior studies. The findings indicate that AI can substantially enhance resilience through early risk identification, optimizing operations, enriching decision-making, and ensuring transparency throughout the value chain. The key message from the study is to bring out what technology contributes to rendering supply chains resilient against today’s uncertainties.
Review of Ellingson, Stephen. 2024. Planting with purpose: How farmers create a resilient food landscape.
Authors: Classens Michael
Published: December 2024

N/A
Differentiation of the Composition of Combined Soil-Tillage Machines depending on the Conditions of Use
Authors: Salo Vasul , Pastukhov Valerii , Leshchenko Serhii , Shchur Taras , Dzhidzhora Oleg , Szwedziak Katarzyna , Parafiniuk Stanisław
Published: December 2024

The authors propose an approach to complete a task that is important for agricultural production, while ensuring a specified quality index of soil cultivation with minimal energy and labor costs and maximum reduction of negative environmental impact on soil and the surrounding environment. This is done using combined machines with an optimal set of working bodies. Achieving this goal involves differentiating the composition of combined soil-tillage machines depending on their operating conditions based on a methodology that can be based on an algorithm for determining the overall quality index, mathematical models of the functioning of individual working bodies, and appropriate original software.
Food-effect study on the pharmacokinetics of indapamide prolonged-release tablets
Authors: Codreanu Maria , Iacob Diana , Onofrei Maria Ioana , Vlase Ana-Maria , Muntean Dana Maria , Vlase Laurian
Published: December 2024

Objective

A comparative study was performed to evaluate the food impact on the pharmacokinetics of indapamide 1.5 mg prolonged release tablets (SR).

Methods

The data evaluated were collected from 2 randomized, single dose, 2-way crossover bioequivalence studies with administration of indapamide to healthy Caucasian volunteers under fasting and fed conditions, respectively. Forty-four eligible subjects aged 19–39 years were enrolled in both studies: 22 subjects received indapamide under fasting (study 1) and the other 22 under fed (study 2) conditions. Blood samples were collected following the same schedule before and up to 96.0 hours after drug administration. Blood concentration of indapamide were quantified by a validated LC-MS/MS method. A non-compartmental analysis was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. Mathematical deconvolution was applied to assess indapamide absorption. Statistical significance for differences in key pharmacokinetic parameters was evaluated using an ANOVA test, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results

In total, 44 subjects were included in analysis. The outcomes demonstrated that ingestion of food independently reduced the mean of tmax by 4.64 h and increased the value of Cmax by 19.7 ng/mL, while the AUC remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Notably, differences in drug absorption rate obtained after co-administration of indapamide with food had no significant influence in safety and efficacy of the drug.
Recalling Ideas: Mnemonic and Attentional Inhibition in Creativity
Authors: Jędrusiak Jakub
Published: December 2024

Executive functions (updating, shifting, and inhibition) play an important role in creativity. Until now, only attentional inhibition (the Stroop effect) but not mnemonic inhibition (Thinking-Induced Forgetting, TIF) have been studied. Additionally, the temporal dynamics of the influence of the executive functions on creativity remains unknown. Using structural equation modelling and multilevel models, the relationships between both types of inhibition with creative thinking, as well as their temporal dynamics, were tested on a sample of 300 individuals. Mnemonic and attentional inhibition were shown to be independently associated with originality of thinking. Mnemonic inhibition was found to be more important in the later phases of generating ideas, while attentional inhibition was equally important throughout the idea-generation process, consistent with the predictions of the controlled attention theory of creativity. An interaction between both types of inhibition was also observed, indicating that attentional inhibition may be a prerequisite for mnemonic inhibition.
Opinions and Suggestions on Nematode Faunal Analysis
Authors: Ferris Howard , Benavides Ingrid Varela
Published: December 2024

We briefly review the history and development of recognizing nematode assemblages as indicators of environmental conditions. We highlight the effects of spatio-temporal successional changes in nematode assemblages on the auto-regeneration of ecosystem functions after disturbance. We expand on the need for herbivory components in the analysis of soil nematode assemblages in recognition of the important impact of plant parasitism on the resources and productivity of the soil system. Finally, we point out some important areas of research that would enhance the process and value of nematode faunal analysis. We include an evaluation of the current potential for molecular assessment of nematode abundance and function and for the application of artificial intelligence in automated nematode identification.
The APT Means in Ukrainian to Convey Regular Repetition
Authors: Mykhailo Ginzburg
Published: December 2024

Background.

The Ukrainian language has a comprehensive system of specific means to convey regular repetition, which includes adverbs, adverbial adjectives and adjectival nouns with the initial shcho- meaning “each”, as well as phrases with similar meanings, the first word of which is shcho-, the second is a numeral (a noun having a quantitative meaning) or an adjective, and the third is the corresponding noun. This system has been fragmentarily described in many publications, where numerous discrepancies are observed, moreover, relevant dictionaries and texts contain differing spellings of certain phrases, which causes spelling errors. Therefore, this system of means requires a comprehensive linguistic study, which necessitates the proposed article.

Purpose:

1) to find out the part-of-speech origin of the initial shcho- in the meaning of “each”, as well as the word-formation model for adverbs of regular repetition;

2) to identify the corpus of noun stems from which such adverbs can be derived;

3) to set out rules to spell phrases with the meaning of regular repetition;

4) to propose ways of amending the provisions on grammar-related publications and those on the current Ukrainian orthography.

Methods:

Analyses of dictionaries and grammar-related publications.

Results.

The results demonstrate that adverbs of regular repetition are compound words (juxtaposites) formed by the coalescence of two words of full meaning, i.e. the relative pronoun shcho and a noun with the corresponding meaning in the genitive or accusative case. The corpus of noun stems from which such adverbs can be derived is determined. It has been found that the emergence of a numeral (a noun having a quantitative meaning), the particle ne or an adjective between two coalesced stems breaks up the coalesced single-word adverb and transforms it into a three-component multi-word phrase. It is proved that the coalescence of the pronoun shcho with a quantitative numeral is even theoretically impossible, while in case of ordinal numerals such coalescence occurs only when this two-word phrase becomes a syntactic noun.

Discussion.

We propose:

– to revise the provisions of grammar-related publications and the representation of models in word-formative dictionaries, having clearly defined that the initial shcho- in the meaning of “each” is a relative pronoun, not a particle, and having presented the formation of adverbs of regular repetition as a coalescence of twoword phrases;

– to amend specific provisions on the current Ukrainian Orthography in order to cover the existing gaps and eliminate discrepancies.
The Framing of Climate Change Discourse on Facebook by Greenpeace Aotearoa
Authors: Kapranov Oleksandr
Published: December 2024

Whilst climate change discourse has been widely researched (Zurru, 2024), still not much is known about how Greenpeace and, in particular, its New Zealand branch Greenpeace Aotearoa (further – GA) frame their discourses on the issue of climate change. The present article introduces a qualitative study whose research aim is to gain insight into the framing of climate change discourse by GA on its official Facebook page. The results of the qualitative framing analysis have revealed that GA frames its climate change discourse on Facebook via the frames A Battle, A Threat to the Ocean, Climate Extremists, Emissions, Extreme Weather Events, Fast Track, Fossil Fuel, Industrial Animal Farming, and Renewables. The results are further discussed in the article.
Immigrant Women Fiction: Self-Identification and Translanguaging as Everyday Practices
Authors: Protassova Ekaterina , Yelenevskaya Maria
Published: December 2024

Exploring themes such as cultural identity, language diversity, and transnational perspectives, this article examines the linguistic practices of Russophone émigré women in literary works and raises questions about how these women express themselves, the cultural influences on their language use, and the intersection of language with gender and migration. The research aims to understand the role of language in conveying experiences and perspectives gathered abroad and demonstrates how Russophone women describe their linguistic environment and their integration into a new reality.
Measurement and Evaluation of Insulating Properties of a Modified Dielectric Surface using Plasma Discharge
Authors: Pernica Roman , Klima Miloš , Fiala Pavel
Published: December 2024

Plasma discharges under atmospheric pressure can be used to modify the electrical properties of metallic and dielectric surfaces. The aim of such a modification is to achieve an improvement in the characteristic parameters of the surface, for example in the area of the electrical strength of the surface, in order to achieve a higher ultimate level of electrical breakdown Eb when tested with pulsed or alternating electrical voltages. So far, research has focused on a set of functional experiments carried out using plasma on samples of two types of dielectric materials (thermoset, thermoplastic) with an impact on the final effect of the level of electrical breakdown voltage, electrical intensity and Eb. surface conductivity. The treatment technology requires repeatability and consideration of the industrial deployment conditions of plasma technology. The surface structure was modified in a defined and repeatable way by plasma discharge under atmospheric pressure without the presence of precursors. Methods to evaluate these modifications assessed the change in parameters related to sample type, repeatability and prediction of treatment stability. Subsequently, the surface strength of both the modified samples and the samples not affected by the plasma discharge was measured.
Transport Exclusion and Access so Social and Educational Services —Challenges and Proposed Actions
Authors: Białobrzeska Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

abstract

The phenomenon of social exclusion is an interdisciplinary issue whose multidimensional perspective extends beyond poverty, unemployment, and access to various goods and services. It encompasses issues such as the breakdown of social bonds, feelings of isolation, and dependence on others. Social exclusion affects numerous social groups; however, some are particularly vulnerable, becoming primary recipients of its adverse effects. These especially vulnerable groups include the elderly, people with disabilities, and children and youth. The aim of this article is to highlight the issue of transport exclusion, exploring potential solutions through the perspectives of both those who experience it in their daily lives and local government officials and social activists striving to address this pressing social challenge.

The findings presented in the article indicate that solving the problem of transport exclusion goes beyond merely restoring regular transportation links; it requires a systemic approach that considers various types of interventions, including educational initiatives. Social inclusion for individuals who have experienced such exclusion for many years should involve actions aimed at creating a predictable and regular transportation system for all transport-excluded localities, developing transport infrastructure, and simultaneously implementing educational measures targeted at residents of areas with low transport accessibility. Over the years, these individuals have developed survival strategies that hinder social development and participation.

Such a transformation, however, requires the social revitalization of residents of transport-excluded areas, grounded in education and social activation within local communities. This process should be facilitated by local leaders and social organizations, which can play a key role in fostering social integration and supporting the active engagement of individuals experiencing exclusion. Education offers the opportunity to develop new strategies for the functioning of individuals who have long experienced social exclusion. By promoting education, activation, and social involvement, these strategies can contribute to improving the quality of life for residents of rural and peripheral areas.
Political Leadership Through the Lens of Social Media
Authors: Bajrami Demush
Published: December 2024

There is currently a global debate about the so-called media transformation, or metamorphosis, which is mainly concerned with technological benefits in the realm of information. This argument focuses on the relationship between "social media" and new media realities, specifically the impact that these platforms have on the development of political leadership in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans in general.

This paper examines the differences between social media and traditional media, exploring their respective roles in shaping the public sphere and political leadership dynamics in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans.

Information as a media product, produced with new technology, has caused a massive explosion in the 'membranes' of public interest and this has also diverted attention to a wider plan, where the diagram of reliability does not always match with that of reporting, due to the tendency for the media product to be seen more as a consumer good and less as a communication value.

The study is based on comprehensive research, thorough analysis, and synthesis of data published in books and scientific articles on the Internet, with a critical analysis of the current situation. Furthermore, this scientific research procedure involves breaking down complex concepts, judgments, and conclusions into simpler components and elements. In the end, the study highlights that the professional challenges in conquering the media market remain constant, while the audience is the one who selects the offers that are closer to their social, political, and aesthetic tastes and affinities.
Idoru: Idola Favorit Musik Populer dalam Penciptaan Seni Patung
Authors: Putrisyani Andari Rizky , Purwantoro Agus , Nurcahyanti Desy
Published: December 2024

Imajinasi dan pengalaman dari menggemari idola favorit dalam musik populer menjadi sumber ide dalam penciptaan seni patung ini. Berisikan tentang konsep penciptaan karya seni patung dengan mewujudkan berbagai visualisasi dari konsep idola favorit dalam musik populer menggunakan teknik modelling dengan bahan epoxy clay dan beberapa bahan lainnya dengan wujud visual patung figuratif dengan melewati proses penciptaan yang meliputi tahapan visualisasi gagasan, pemilihan teknik, media, alat dan bahan, referensi objek, pembuatan sketsa, finishing dan tahap penyajian karya. Esesnsi dari pemilihan sumber ide ini yaitu adanya keterpikatan atau daya tarik dari penampilan dan performa idola favorit di atas panggung melalui pengalaman dan imajinasi yang dirasakan.
Representasi Nilai-Nilai Bela Negara dalam Iklan Tri Versi “Jaringan Baru Tri untuk Indonesia Maju”
Authors: Aryanto Muhammad Rizky , C.R.E.C Aileena Solicitor , Nisa Diana Aqidatun
Published: December 2024

Di era saat ini semua sudah mengarah pada sebuah teknologi yang semakin berkembang dan semakin canggih. Perubahan era saat ini memberikan dampak yang cukup besar bagi masyarakat khususnya di Indonesia. Hal ini juga berpengaruh pada kebutuhan jaringan internet sebagai kebutuhan dasar untuk pemenuhan gaya hidup saat ini. Salah satunya adalah jaringan internet terbesar di Indonesia yaitu Tri. Dalam menjangkau pasar yang lebih besar, Tri mengeluarkan iklan dalam menyampaikan produknya. Dalam penelitian ini, iklan “Jaringan Baru Tri Untuk Indonesia Maju” merupakan salah satu iklan yang dipakai peneliti sebagai objek penelitian. Tampilan visual dalam iklan tersebut harus memiliki arti dan makna yang akan disampaikan ke masyarakat. Pesan dalam iklan disampaikan untuk merepresentasikan tujuan dari iklan tersebut dan disajikan semenarik mungkin untuk menarik konsumen. Namun, pada era saat ini banyak visual iklan yang mengarah kebarat-baratan dan mulai melupakan adanya unsur identitas negeri kita sendiri. Tanda visual dalam iklan tentu sangat menarik untuk di bedah dan di analisis dengan metode semiotika. penulis akan menganalisis iklan Tri versi “Jaringan Baru Tri Untuk Indonesia Maju”, untuk membedah dan mencari tahu apakah iklan ini mengandung nilai-nilai adanya Bela Negara melalui metode semiotika C.S Peirce.
Starch distribution in sago palm (Metroxylon spp) trunk in East Luwu Regency
Authors: Prasetyo Rian , Bintoro Muhammad Hasjim , Sudradjat
Published: December 2024

Sago is a starch-producing palm plant often found in marshland or peatland utilized by the community as food. East Luwu Regency is one of the areas where sago plants can be found. The purpose of this study was to determine sago starch distribution on the trunk of sago plants. The research methods used were interviews with farmers as key informants (qualitative) and direct observation of sago plants (quantitative). This study used 18 sago plant samples from two types of sago accessions, namely Uwwu accessions and Battang accessions, obtained from 3 sub-districts: Wotu, Kalaena, and Mangkutana. Sago morphological characteristics observed include plant height, trunk diameter, trunk circumference, pith weight, and dry starch weight. The circumference and diameter of the sago trunk varied among the lower, middle, and upper parts. The results showed that in Battang in Kalaena 3, the middle had a smaller diameter and trunk circumference compared to the lower and upper trunk but had the largest dry starch weight of 29.45 g, compared to the lower trunk (25.21 g) and the upper trunk (22.43 g). The environment is a factor that significantly influences the size of trunk circumference, trunk diameter, and starch content in sago plant trunk.
Keywords: accession; Battang; pith; qualitative; starch; Uwwu
Broken Telephone: The long and Winding Road from Encoding to Decoding in Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Rottmann Cindy , Moore Emily , Chan Andrea
Published: December 2024

It is not uncommon for engineering education researchers who value quantitative analyses to conduct large-scale surveys as validation measures for smaller scale qualitative studies. The purpose of this paper is to examine a limitation of this logic. We adopt Stuart Hall’s encoding/decoding model of communication as a conceptual framework to investigate the mismatch between five engineering career paths we identified through a small, qualitative study and 982 Canadian engineering graduates’ self-identification with those paths on a larger scale national survey. By examining the differences between our encoding of survey items and respondents' self-identified decoding of those items, our paper makes two significant contributions to the engineering education literature, one methodological and one structural. First, our findings raise methodological questions about the widespread use of large-scale surveys as validation measures for small-scale qualitative studies, and second, our critical analysis illustrates internal heterogeneity within senior executive career tracks, enabling us to supplement existing explanations for occupational inequity in the profession.
What Do Stakeholders Value? Integrating Value Sensitive Design Techniques into an Impacts-Focused Design Course
Authors: Howcroft Jennifer , Vale Julie
Published: December 2024

Value sensitive design is a relatively new design process that emphasizes the inclusion of socio-technical considerations. In this work, value sensitive design techniques were integrated into a second-year design course. Five techniques were incorporated: value identification, stakeholder mapping with a value source analysis, value scenarios, ethnography, and multi-lifespan timelines. A beginning and end of term survey was administered to understand students’ value perceptions. This survey showed a significant (p = 0.00124) increase in students’ self-perceived ability to integrate values in the design process. Through course deliverables, students showed an ability to make connections between values, technologies, and stakeholders, including value alignments and tensions. However, students struggled to find supportive evidence and explain the potential impact of values on the design process. Some techniques like holistic stakeholder identification and value source analysis were effectively integrated into the course while others, like value scenarios and ethnography, were less successful.
Career pathways for Black vs non-Black graduates of Canadian engineering programs
Authors: Wilson-Ihejirika D'Andre
Published: December 2024

Limited work has been done to explore the engineering career pathways across Canada, and the work that has been done to date has focused primarily on gender differences. This work aims to fill a gap in the literature to explore the career pathways of graduates from Canadian engineering undergraduate programs with a racialized lens, with a focus on Black engineering graduates. 150 respondents to a survey provided their LinkedIn profiles which were used to categorize their career paths into six main career path types. Statistical analysis showed that there is a difference in the career pathways taken by Black vs. Non-Black engineering graduates and that Black graduates are statistically more likely to pursue ‘Boundary Spanner’ career paths as well as to choose to pursue careers outside of Canada.
Protest Movements and Political Change: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Mrhizou Hafid  , Dr. Jallal Noureddine  , El Khalifi Omar
Published: December 2024

This article examines the complex relationship between protest movements and political change, utilizing a framework that explores factors contributing to their emergence, characteristics, and outcomes. Key elements include shared grievances and collective identity, resource mobilization, political opportunity structures, and framing and narrative. The article discusses how protest movements can lead to both revolutionary change, as seen in the Arab Spring uprisings, and incremental reforms, as illustrated by the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It also examines the impact of state repression and counter-mobilization strategies, as well as the role of institutions and social networks in shaping the success of protest movements. The article concludes by emphasizing the enduring power of protest movements as a force for political change, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of their dynamics within specific political, social, and institutional contexts.
Literature Review of Strategy Implementation and Skilled Births in Public Health Facilities in Western Kenya
Authors: Chrisanthus Titus Auma Osiemo  , Dr. Beatrice E. Abong'o  , Dr. Fredrick O. Aila
Published: December 2024

Maternal healthcare is very important because it ensures the health and well-being of mother and child. Equally, a healthy pregnancy is essential for healthy fetal growth and development. Additionally, it has the benefit of reducing infant mortality and morbidity. Past studies have dwelt on family planning, focusing on women's reproductive health but not skilled births that incorporate the health of mother and child. Strategy implementation is a multifaceted, changeable, repetitive process in which managers and employees carry out a number of decisions and tasks, influenced by various organisational and environmental factors and designed to realise strategic goals. The purpose of this study is to review literature on strategy implementation and skilled births in public health facilities in Western Kenya. The central research question is: Does strategy implementation influence organisational performance in public health facilities? We used a narrative literature review by searching Google Scholar to find journal articles related to strategy implementation, service delivery charter, vision and mission, staff commitment, human and physical resources and performance from 2013 to 2021. We find a paucity of knowledge about strategy implementation with regard to skilled births in the public health facilities in western Kenya. Even though strategy implementation variables, such as organisational structure, organisational culture, leadership, and communication, support organisational performance, in the banking sector, leadership and communication variables do not support performance. This feedback can be grounded in systems theory, which stresses relations between parts, rather than reducing an entity into its parts or elements. We recommend that further studies be conducted to establish why strategy implementation does not support skilled births in public health facilities in Western Kenya.
Claims Management Practices on Financial Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya
Authors: Ephraith Kerubo Omweri  , Dr. Nyaga Njagi Gilbert  , Dr. Cynthia Ikamari
Published: December 2024

The insurance sector plays a crucial role in Kenya's economic development by supporting businesses and promoting financial market stability. However, the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya has noted a concerning decline in the industry's overall claims ratio, primarily due to inadequate risk management. This failure in risk management has led to substantial financial losses and the collapse of several insurance companies in Kenya. Specifically, it aims to determine the effects of claims management on these companies' financial performance. The study adopted a descriptive research design, targeting all 56 insurance companies registered in Kenya as of January 31, 2023. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, while secondary data was gathered from existing sources and systematically recorded on data collection sheets for the independent variables. This secondary data was sourced from the Insurance Regulatory Authority for the period between 2013 and 2022. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS. Descriptive statistics included measures of central tendencies such as means, frequency distribution, and standard deviations, while inferential statistics comprised correlation and regression analysis to determine the relationships between research variables. Data findings were presented using tables and graphs. The study found that claims management had a significant positive effect on the financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Claims risk management had a greater impact on financial performance when measured by ROE compared to ROA. In conclusion, the study indicates that claims risk management positively and significantly affects the financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Therefore, it recommends that the management of these companies continuously improve their risk management practices to reduce claim rates, enhance financial performance, and increase shareholders' wealth. Further research is suggested to explore other factors beyond risk management practices that may contribute to the reduced return on equity among insurance firms in Kenya.
The Cognitive Costs of Multitasking: A Critical Examination of Its Impacts on Learning, Brain Structure, and Long-Term Cognitive Function
Authors: A.R.Y. Toronata Tambun  , Gatot Yudoko  , Leo Aldianto
Published: December 2024

This study explores the cognitive costs of multitasking, focusing on its effects on learning, brain structure, and long-term cognitive function. Through an archival research approach, existing literature was synthesized to examine both the immediate and lasting impacts of multitasking. While previous studies have documented its negative effects on cognitive performance, this research makes a unique contribution by providing practical, easily implementable strategies to counter these detriments. The findings show that multitasking significantly reduces attention span and working memory while also causing structural changes in brain regions associated with cognitive control. However, by offering pragmatic solutions, such as monotasking techniques and strategies for maintaining focus, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature. These actionable recommendations are designed to be directly applicable in educational and professional settings, enhancing cognitive efficiency and improving learning outcomes.
Assessing the Effect of Informal Tax Education on Reporting Compliance: The Mediating Role of Legal Tax Knowledge within the Informal Sector of Ghana
Authors: Fatimah Jibril Bawa
Published: December 2024

The informal sector of Ghana plays a critical role in the economic advancement of the country. One of its major challenges is tax compliance, resulting from huge failures in fulfilling tax obligations. In light of this, the study assessed the effect of informal tax education on reporting compliance and the mediating role of legal tax knowledge within the informal sector of Ghana. The study utilized the quantitative method and descriptive research design, specifically at the cross-sectional level. Data was collected from respondents using a 15-item questionnaire designed in congruence with the literature. The questionnaire was used to obtain data from 1,152 informal sector SMEs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study respondents were sampled using two important sampling techniques: simple random sampling and snowball sampling. Analysis of data was carried out using SMART-PLUS with partial least squares (PLS) as the main tool. The study found that informal tax education exerts a significant positive impact on legal tax knowledge. In addition, informal tax education was found to exert a significant positive impact on reporting compliance. Further, legal tax knowledge was found to exert a significant positive impact on reporting compliance, and legal tax knowledge mediates positively to the impact of informal tax education on reporting compliance. In conclusion, this research contributes to the broader discourse on taxation in developing economies by illustrating how targeted educational interventions, initiatives, and strategies have the capacity to bridge the gaps in compliance. Notably, the findings advocate for a holistic approach to tax education that recognizes the unique challenges faced by SMEs within the informal sector of Ghana while promoting sustainable economic growth through enhanced reporting compliance.
Criticism of Alan Gillespie’s Theological Roots of Modernity
Authors: Habibe Gravari
Published: December 2024

The present article is a critical analysis and evaluation of the book Theological Roots of Modernity written by Alan Gillespie. The said work is one of the successful socio-theological texts. The author develops his idea in the book with an optimistic and positive stance towards modernity. His main concern is to prove the role of religion and theology in the formation of modernity. A claim that has no place in the narrative of the Age of Enlightenment, Modernity is understood as an attempt to suppress superstition and religious authority. However, Glimpse believes that not only is opposition to religion not the basis of modernity, but modernity also has a religious origin. He understands modernity as emerging in a theological dialogue, not as a new problem that has nothing to do with modernity. The conflict over the issue of the will of God and man and the sum between the duality of predestination and free will shapes all subsequent philosophical disputes in any period. It has been established that Gillespie tries to analyze modern evil based on the transfer of divine attributes to humans or the secularization of these attributes. Thus, he speaks of the disappearance of secularization and blames the disasters of world wars and other modern evils on the basis of the secularization of divine attributes and their transfer to humans. He also discusses social forces and history.
Resveratrol protects against Rankl-induced mineralized bone damage in a transgenic medaka fish model of osteoporosis
Authors: Tam Ha Thi Minh , Thuong Phuong Thien , Bich Pham Thi , Long Tran Duc , Thuy To Thanh
Published: December 2024

Natural substances with bone protective potential always greatly attract researchers for the development of safer and more effective drugs for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Resveratrol (RES), a plant polyphenol found in red grapes and berries has been commonly suggested as supplement for bone health. It has shown bone anabolic and anti-resorptive effects in different in vitro cell cultures and in vivo rodent models. Recently, the medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) has emerged as a valuable model organism for bone research. In this study, we present, for the first time, evidence that resveratrol, tested at five doses (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM), mitigated bone loss induced by Rankl in a transgenic medaka model for osteoporosis. Notably, the dose of 150 μM exhibited the highest bone-protective and anti-resorptive effect, reducing bone loss by approximately 20%. However, at the same dose, RES did not significantly affect the signal densities of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and alizarin complexone (ALC), which represent osteoblasts and mineralized matrix, respectively, in col10a1:nlGFP transgenic medaka larvae. In these larvae, osteoblasts were marked by GFP, and bone was stained with ALC. Our findings provide significant evidence from a non-rodent model regarding the therapeutic potential of resveratrol.
El régimen de tenencia de la vivienda de la población inmigrante en España: cambio y continuidad a partir de los censos de 2001, 2011 y 2021
Authors: Orozco-Martínez Carolina , Bayona-i-Carrasco Jordi , Gil-Alonso Fernando
Published: December 2024

In Spain, the strong population growth due to the intensity of international migratory flows adds a new element of pressure to a real estate market already affected by the lack of new supply and by the deviation of the residential stock to other uses. This has led to an excessive increase in the price of housing, both for purchase and rental.  In this context, this study analyses the evolution of access to home ownership of the immigrant population, compared to the natives, using the 2001, 2011 and 2021 censuses and the ECEPOV survey, which complements the latter. The results of the descriptive analysis (according to continental origin, age and year of arrival in Spain), validated by logistic regression, show a growing and widespread difficulty in access to home ownership for young people, immigrants and newcomers. While in the 2001 and 2011 censuses the percentage of home ownership of older immigrants was almost equal to that of the natives, the gap between groups is greater in 2021. The foreign-born group shows greater inequalities: intergenerational differences between cohorts of the same group, temporal inequalities depending on the year of arrival and intragenerational inequalities with respect to the natives. Finally, the methodology of the latest census is not effective in accurately capturing housing tenure, as the under-recording of rentals distorts its results, which contradict previous censuses results and the ECEPOV, which shows the opposite trend.
Adaptive health technology assessment informing guidelines
Authors: Shukla Kriti , Ghosh Srobana
Published: December 2024

In the present era, global decision-makers encounter numerous challenges when it comes to allocating optimal health care to their populations, primarily due to limited resources. While technology has seen remarkable advancements, determining which technologies are useful and possess robust clinical and economic evidence is paramount for informed decision-making. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and clinical guidelines employ health economic models to aid in this process. However, these models demand significant resources and collaborations from diverse groups of experts, bodies, and organizations. Consequently, decision-making bodies are actively exploring the adoption of adaptive HTA (AHTA) as an alternative approach. AHTA involves leveraging published decisions based on health economic modeling from other countries, allowing for more efficient utilization of available data. This article delves into the essential steps and processes employed in conducting AHTA and exemplifies its application in the oncology guidelines of the National Cancer Grid in India.
Silica Adsorption from Boiler Effluent Using Activated Charcoal Derived from Palm Oil Fibre Waste with H3PO4 Activator
Authors: Fernando Ricky , Shintawati Shintawati , Alvita Livia Rhea , Wulandari Yeni Ria , Ramandani Adityas Agung , Arief Febrina
Published: December 2024

Most waste from palm oil processing can be repurposed, such as using palm fibre waste to create activated charcoal. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of activated charcoal, produced by activating palm fibre with H₃PO₄, in removing silica from boiler output water. The production process involved pyrolysis at 200ºC for 2.5 hours. A completely randomized design was employed to test the effects of different H₃PO₄ concentration (with 1 to 2 M) and reaction times (30, 60, and 90 min). Results revealed that the moisture content of the activated charcoal ranged from 1.96% to 2.42%, ash content from 9.82% to 21.63%, and iodine adsorption from 366.43 to 457.87 mg/g. The highest silica adsorption capacity (3.5 g/g) was achieved with 2 M H₃PO₄ for 90 min. This indicates that palm fibre-derived activated charcoal is effective for silica removal, highlighting it is potential for enhancing environmental sustainability in industrial sector.
Clinical application of laser speckle flowgraphy in ophthalmology
Authors:   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation, Doga A.V. , Volodin P.L. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation, Pedanova E.K. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation, Poroshina M.A. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation, Dzhalmukhanbetova D.A. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2024

Relevance. The issue of eye blood flow’s quantitative assessment is a current problem.

Purpose. To present information regarding the laser speckle flowgraphy clinical application in different ophthalmological diseases and describe the main indicators that are used to assess eye blood flow.

Material and methods. A systematic analysis of scientific publications was carried out. Its included domestic and foreign authors on the resources of PubMed, Medline, eLibrary, as well as dissertations and textbooks devoted to using laser speckle flowgraphy in diagnosing.

Results. Laser speckle flowgraphy is a highly accurate, non-invasive method for quantifying ocular blood flow. However, there are a number of unresolved problems: the lack of a normative database, difficulties in comparing the obtained indicators, the small number of groups of studies.

Conclusion. Further study of the laser speckle flowgraphy method is necessary with a view to introducing it into widespread practice as a screening method for diagnosing eye diseases associated with impaired blood supply.

Key words: laser speckle flowgraphy, choroidal circulation, hypoperfusion, hyperperfusion, ocular circulation
The role of various factors in the development of postoperative corneal edema in patients after cataract phacoemulsification
Authors:   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Orenburg branch, Orenburg, Russian Federation, Chuprov A.D. , Firsov A.S. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Orenburg branch, Orenburg, Russian Federation
Published: December 2024

Purpose. To evaluate influence of various factors on the development of corneal edema in patients after cataract phacoemulsification (PE).

Material and methods. The object of this study were patients with a diagnosis of cataract referred to the Orenburg branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution to provide specialized medical care (n=49). Inclusion criteria: uncomplicated cataract without lens subluxation, no need for suturing an intraocular lens (IOL) and application of various iris retractors. The following features (factors) were evaluated: gender; age; anatomical structure of orbit (normal or deep); working conditions that have a negative impact on the organ of vision; general somatic, endocrine, chronic infectious and autoimmune diseases; values of the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, anterior-posterior axis, intraocular pressure before surgery; the number of endothelial cells before surgery; degree of maturity of the cataract according to Buratto classification; duration of surgery (minutes); total time of exposure to ultrasound (US) in seconds; level of US (%); volume of irrigation solution BSS (ml); type of IOL (hydrophilic, hydrophobic); the presence of air in anterior chamber; presence of corneal edema in the early postoperative period.

Results. Based on the results of surgical treatment of 49 cataract patients, corneal edema was detected in 15 cases (30%). According to this study, significant differences were established between the compared groups of patients in terms of the depth of the anterior chamber, as well as differences in some factors with a level of statistical significance close to acceptable (age (p=0.07); lens thickness (p=0.07); cataract maturity degree (p=0.096)).

Conclusion. Patients with corneal edema in the early postoperative period after PE were significantly different from patients without edema in terms of the following factors: ultrasound exposure time (p=0.01), anterior chamber depth (p=0.02), IOL type (hydrophilic, hydrophobic) (p=0.002). A close to acceptable level of statistical significance of factors such as age (p=0.07), lens thickness (p=0.07), cataract maturity degree (p=0.096) can also indicate their influence on the development of postoperative corneal edema.

Key words: cataract phacoemulsification, postoperative corneal edema
The National Classification System of Russia: Key Problems and Areas of Development
Authors: Golodnova Nina N. , Kononova Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2024

On 8—9 October 2024 the Russian State Library (RSL) hosted the All-Russian meeting on the application and modification of the Library and Bibliographic Classification (LBC) Medium Tables. The event was attended by specialists from national, federal and regional public libraries, as well as representatives of scientific organisations and publishers. It was possible to participate in the meeting remotely using videoconferencing.

The topics of the meeting covered a wide range of issues related to the use of the LBC Medium Tables in practical cataloguing, as well as the current state and prospects for further development of the national classification system.

Within the framework of the event four round tables were organized: “The Concept of the Second Edition of the LBC Medium Tables”, “Application of the LBC Medium Tables: Experience of Organisation and Work Technology”, “Prospects of LBC Tables Development in the Conditions of Digital Transformation of Libraries” and “Personnel: Professional Development, Methodological Support, Corporate Interaction”. The meetings were accompanied by online broadcasting on the official page of the RSL in the social network “VKontakte”.

The event resulted in the adoption of the Recommendations of the All-Russian Meeting on the Application and Modification of the Medium Tables of the Library and Bibliographic Classification. The document includes an appeal to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation to recognize the LBC as a state classification, recommendations on the development of documents defining the prospects of the system development, etc. The collected materials of the meeting will be issued by the publishing house of the Russian State Library “Pashkov Dom”.