bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membangun Sistem Antrian Online Untuk Bimbingan Tugas Akhir
Authors: Gumgum Darmawan  , Zen Munawar  , Cecep Kurnia Sastradipraja  , Novianti Indah Putri  , Sri Sutjiningtyas
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang aplikasi antrian berbasis web dan WhatsApp Gateway pada program studi statistika Universitas Padjadjaran Bandung, dimana saat ini bimbingan tugas akhir (TA) mahasiswa khususnya proses penjadwalan dan bimbingan masih dilakukan secara manual. Prosedur dan mekanisme yang berjalan saat ini tetap dilaksanakan melalui kesepakatan antara dosen dengan peserta bimbingan; seorang dosen harus menjadwalkan antrian bimbingan bagi mahasiswa dengan tiga program studi dan dua jenjang studi yang berbeda, S1, dan S2. Masalah ini membuat proses bisnis kurang efektif dalam mengatur waktu, tempat, dan prosedur antrian. Berdasarkan latar belakang masalah tersebut, penulis tertarik untuk merancang konsep aplikasi antrian bimbingan tugas akhir dengan metode First Come First Service (FCFS) berbasis WhatsApp Gateway System (WAGS) dan Web. Sistem ini dapat menjawab kebutuhan program studi statistika UNPAD, dimana sistem aplikasi ini dibangun. Mahasiswa dapat menginput data peserta bimbingan, menyimpan data bimbingan, menayangkan jadwal bimbingan melalui aplikasi WhatsApp, memproses jadwal antrian, dan menampilkan jadwal antrian. Hasil implementasi aplikasi diharapkan dapat menghasilkan jadwal antrian bimbingan berdasarkan kecepatan respon pesan yang saling terkait dengan urutan jadwal bimbingan melalui penyiaran jadwal pada pesan whatsapp berdasarkan kelompok dan jenjang program studi.
Manfaat Manajemen Teknologi Informasi Di UMKM
Authors: Iswanto  , Zen Munawar  , Novianti Indah Putri  , Hernawati  , Rita Komalasari
Published: June 2023

Saat ini Teknologi Informasi merupakan salah satu komponen terpenting yang harus ada dalam lingkungan bisnis, dengan teknologi informasi menawarkan peluang bagi perusahaan yang berhasil memanfaatkan keuntungan yang ditawarkannya. Hal ini menghadirkan tantangan ketika harus mengelolanya dan mengidentifikasi manfaat dan kontribusinya terhadap hasil perusahaan, karena hal ini perlu dilakukan dalam organisasi pada usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah. Penelitian ini membahas manfaat teknologi informasi pada manajemen yang lebih baik di usaha mikro kecil dan menengah.  Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian yang bertujuan untuk mencari jawaban atas pertanyaan bagaimana manfaat penggunaan teknologi informasi dapat mempengaruhi pengelolaan Usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah  atau tidak, atau dengan kata lain apakah penggunaan teknologi informasi mengarah pada pengelolaan yang lebih baik di industri kecil dan menengah atau tidak. Penelitian ini menyajikan hasil penelitian yang mengidentifikasi manfaat dalam menggunakan teknologi informasi, tantangan dalam mengelolanya. Penelitian ini berfokus pada usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah yang paling banyak berinvestasi di bidang teknologi informasi Populasi statistik meliputi usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah dan anggota sampel dipilih secara acak. Data dan informasi yang diperlukan dikumpulkan dengan membagikan kuesioner di antara para peserta dan analisis statistik telah dilakukan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa manfaat teknologi informasi mempengaruhi aksesibilitas alat pemasaran baru untuk industri kecil dan menengah. Kontribusi dari penelitian adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang dimensi penggunaan teknologi informasi, seperti hubungan antara usaha mikro, kecil dan menengah dan teknologi informasi
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Inventaris Kantor Di SMA Santa Maria 3 Cimahi
Authors: Wulan Julia Ratna
Published: June 2023

Abstrak : Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui bagaimana sistem pengolahan data inventaris kantor di SMA Santa Maria 3 Cimahi, serta penerapan sistem komputerisasi sebagai sarana penunjang pengembangan sistem tersebut. Sistem pengembangan ini dipergunakan untuk menggantikan sistem lama yang masih konvensional, dimana sistem yang berjalan saat ini masih belum optimal serta sering terjadi kesalahan dalam pemrosesan data sehingga informasi yang diterima tidak akurat. Sistem informasi yang dipergunakan dalam pengolahan data inventaris kantor ini dibuat menggunakan bahasa pemrograman Visual Basic 6.0 dengan melalui sistem perancangan antara lain Konteks Diagram, Data Flow Diagram, Kamus Data serta Entity Relation Diagram (ERD). Dengan adanya sistem komputerisasi untuk pengolahan data inventaris kantor, hasil yang didapat menjadi lebih akurat, tepat waktu, efektif dan efisien. Semua kesalahan yang terjadi pada sistem konvensional dapat diminimalisasi dan segala aktivitas pengolahan data inventaris dapat dilaksanakan secara optimal.

Kata kunci : Sistem Informasi, Inventaris kantor, Visual basic
Sistem Rekomendasi Untuk Toko Online Kecil Dan Menengah
Authors: Yaya Suharya  , Herdiana Yudi , Indah Putri Novianti , Munawar Zen
Published: June 2023

Sistem pemberi rekomendasi sering digunakan di toko elektronik untuk menyarankan produk serupa atau terkait, produk yang berpotensi menarik bagi pelanggan tertentu, atau serangkaian produk untuk kampanye pemasaran. Sistem rekomendasi telah menjadi bagian yang tidak dapat dipisahkan dari hampir semua sistem berbasis informasi serta e-commerce pada umumnya. Sebagian besar sistem pemberi rekomendasi menggunakan metode penyaringan kolaboratif untuk memberikan informasi personalisasi. Metode penyaringan kolaboratif adalah cara yang sangat efisien dan nyaman untuk mencapai personalisasi karena tidak perlu memperkenalkan informasi semantik tentang produk atau menghubungkan produk dan pengguna secara manual. Namun teknik penyaringan kolaboratif memang membutuhkan matriks padat untuk mengembalikan rekomendasi yang relevan. Penelitian ini mengusulkan cara menggabungkan beberapa jenis informasi untuk meningkatkan densitas matriks input. Solusi yang disajikan berfokus pada toko online kecil dan menengah yang dapat mengambil manfaat dari hasil yang disajikan ketika mereka ingin menerapkan sistem rekomendasi dalam aplikasi mereka.
Analisis Pengendalian Sistem Enterprise Resource Planning Untuk Meningkatkan Kegiatan Pengadaan Barang Dan Jasa PT XYZ (Persero)
Authors: Muhajirin  , Febianah Mita , Tyas Shelly Janu Setyaning , Solikhah Farkhatus
Published: June 2023

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) merupakan sebuah solusi terkait dengan proses manajemen bisnis dikarenakan menyediakan macam-macam modul yang lengkap serta dapat langsung diterapkan. Seiring berkembangnya zaman, Sistem Enterprise Resource Planning kini mulai banyak diminati dan digunakan oleh berbagai perusahaan, karena memiliki banyak kelebihan dan keuntungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa peran sistem Enterprise Resource Planning dalam upaya meningkatkan pengadaan barang dan jasa pada PT XYZ (Persero). Kami memilih pendekatan deskriptif dan menggunakan kualitatif sebagai metode penelitiannya. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui peran sistem Enterprise Resource Planning pada PT XYZ (Persero) untuk meningkatkan sektor pengadaan barang dan jasa sudah cukup baik. Namun harus diperhatikan dan harus segera untuk di perbaiki seperti membuat sistem verifikasi otomatis secara online dan mengintegrasikan sistem audit maupun laporan keuangan sehingga sistem yang lama yang dilakukan secara terpisah tidak perlu digunakan kembali dalam proses bisnis perusahaan.
Sosial Media Analisis Berbasis NLP Untuk Mempercepat Tanggap Bencana Banjir
Authors: Marleny Finki Dona , Mambang
Published: June 2023

Flood disasters that are monitored in real-time on social media can be seen to report directly the condition of the affected areas. Areas that have been warned to be affected by the floods were informed via social media. Surrounding areas that are likely to be affected can be more vigilant by directly speeding up information and getting responses from social media users who are around flood-prone areas. The research aims to provide visualization models that can accelerate flood response information from disaster management, track disasters with increasing vigilance, and accelerate flood disaster recovery with analysis on social media. The approach used with Natural Language Processing (NLP), a data source derived from posts on Instagram is taken for analytical materials. Data sources from Instagram with flood hashtags in Kalimantan are used by using the Natural Language Processing (NLP) process stage to get core information visualizations to speed up flood response information. Visualization of social media data information used based on extracting information from Instagram posts, responses, and hashtags to speed up information provides troubleshooting and the importance of speeding up flood response information. The results of data visualization can accelerate disaster response information to increase awareness of the condition of the surrounding area that can be affected by floods, it can be seen that the amount of data on the hashtag provides data visualization information in accelerating flood disaster management from disaster tracking to disaster recovery.
Pengelompokkan Data Kemiskinan Provinsi Jawa Barat Menggunakan Algoritma K-Means dengan Silhouette Coefficient
Authors: R Nabila Nur Fransiska , Anggraeni Dwi Suci , Enri Ultach
Published: June 2023

Serious poverty is still one of the problems in Indonesia, especially in West Java Province. The level of underdevelopment and unemployment is still the basis for poverty. Poverty in each region is certainly different. The government needs to know which areas fall into the categories of high poverty levels and low poverty levels so that they can make solutions to set priorities for assisting. Therefore, a data mining technique is needed that can classify the poverty level of areas in West Java, namely the clustering technique with the K-Means algorithm. The purpose of this research is to classify poverty data in West Java Province so that it can be used as information to determine the right policy to distribute aid to the community from the West Java government. The results obtained based on the test, the clusters obtained were 2 clusters with cluster 0 of the high poverty level in as many as 14 regions and cluster 1 of the low poverty level in as many as 13 regions. Based on the test, the K-Means Algorithm obtains a Silhouette Coefficient of 0.576 and is included in the medium structure category. With the results of grouping poverty data, the government can channel aid more precisely.
Desain UI UX Aplikasi Penjualan dengan Menyelaraskan Kebutuhan Bisnis menggunakan Pendekatan Design Thinking
Authors: Angelina Kristin , Sutomo Erwin , Nurcahyawati Vivine
Published: June 2023

Alignment between business needs and Information Technology (IT) strategy is one of the main factors for the success of a business. One of them is about the interface design of the application used by the user. The current condition in the company is that marketing and sales activities only use social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook. These cause problems in two business activities, namely a less broad market coverage, frequent barriers to communication, less efficient delivery, and an obstacle to the recording by employees. This research aims to design a sales application user interface that suits business needs using a Design Thinking approach by collecting user characteristics using the User Persona tool. The test uses Usability Testing by giving 4 User Scenarios to each respondent to run and complete on the prototype. The test results show that respondents can complete all User Scenarios in the first iteration by 100%. Based on the test results, the design is good, in line with business needs, and accepted by potential users.
Analisis Dan Peningkatan Performa Aplikasi Berbasis Website Menggunakan Stress Tools Gtmetrix
Authors: Asri Putri Dwi Gita Andini  , Dian Wahyuningsih  , Mahmud Yunus
Published: June 2023

Pada proses pembuatan WebApp terdapat beberapa tahapan salah satunya adalah implementasi, yaitu ketika WebApp telah siap digunakan oleh pengguna. Di tahap ini aplikasi akan mulai digunakan dan jika terdapat kendala akan terlihat pada tahap ini, seperti performa aplikasi menurun ketika diakses oleh sejumlah pengguna, waktu tunggu memuat halaman (loading page) akan semakin lama. Hal ini biasa terjadi karena pengembang WebApp tersebut belum melakukan analisis terhadap performa aplikasi menggunakan berbagai macam stress tools. Pengguna ataupun pengembang dapat melakukan tes terhadap WebApp melalui berbagai stress tools, salah satunya adalah Gtmetrix. Pada pengujian alpha beta dengan pengetesan GTmetrix, WebApp SIMLSP mendapatkan grade D dengan persentase 68% performance dan 72% structure pada halaman login, grade F dengan persentase 24% performance dan 72% structure pada halaman daftar akun asesor, serta analisis eror pada halaman penjadwalan ujian asesi. Optimasi yang dilakukan adalah penghapusan application code yang tidak diperlukan, penambahan atribut disabled pada tag link styleesheet, pemindahan local access pada CSS/JavaScript, pemanfaatan parameter pada fungsi JavaScript, dan paginasi. Setelah melakukan optimasi tersebut dilakukan pengujian alpha beta dengan pengetesan kembali didapatkan peningkatan grade B dengan persentase performance 84% dan structure 87% pada halaman login, grade B dengan persentase performance 91% dan structure 83% pada halaman daftar akun asesor, dan grade A dengan persentase performance 94% dan structure 81% pada halaman penjadwalan asesi. Dengan hasil tersebut maka optimasi yang dilakukan telah berhasil.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CSR PERFORMANCE AND DEBT LEVEL OF VISEGRAD PUBLICLY-LISTED ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC CHANGES CAUSED BY COVID-19
Authors: Gajdosikova Dominika , Valaskova Katarina
Published: June 2023

In the era of the COVID-19 epidemic, where industry is doing its best to get through this very difficult moment, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is playing a critical role. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate if there is any association between company debt level and CSR performance measured by ESG score. To proclaim the importance of this strategy, the cartogram maps, Pearson’s correlation and Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance were used. It was proven, that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need of CSR initiatives. In this situation, CSR offers a mechanism to preserve investor confidence, employee loyalty, and customer trust.
Gentrificação no Bairro Getsemaní - Cartagena de Índias/Colômbia
Authors: de Cássia Gregório de Andrade Rita , Maria Góes Eda
Published: June 2023

Les processus de gentrification ont été identifiés dans les villes du Nord et, par la suite, du Sud. Nous analysons la gentrification à Cartagena de Indias (Colombie), une ville marquée par le déplacement des populations afro-descendantes des espaces centraux. Nous vérifions l'usage de la gentrification dans le contexte des relocalisations des habitants du quartier de Getsemaní. Pour ce faire, nous avons réalisé des lectures bibliographiques, des enquêtes documentaires, des observations, des enregistrements photographiques et des entretiens avec des citoyens. Nous avons trouvé des aspects de la gentrification dans ce quartier, mais dans son sens élargi et en tenant compte des spécificités latino-américaines.
Experimental evaluation of a solar water heater integrated with a corrugated absorber plate and insulated flat reflectors
Authors: Mokhlif Nassir D. , Eleiwi Muhammad Asmail , Yassen Tadahmun A.
Published: June 2023

When it comes to renewable energy, solar water heaters are among the fastest-growing technologies. Comparatively speaking, integrated collector-storage solar water heater systems cost less than other solar water heater designs. Therefore, both the construction and the operation of a combined collector-storage solar water heater are quite straightforward. The integrated storage solar collector coupled with reflectors has been experimentally investigated. The reflectors were insulated from the back side when working during the day hours and as insulated cover during the night hours. While comparing the combined collector-storage solar water heater with and without insulated reflectors, the results showed that the insulated reflectors increased the thermal efficiency by 23%. Furthermore, on the coldest day, the stored water reached a high of 82 degrees Celsius, though it was only 46 degrees Celsius that same morning.
Revisiting European migration industries amid the Covid-19 pandemic: Changes in the recruiting practices of Bulgarian agencies
Authors: Popivanov Boris , Kovacheva Siyka
Published: June 2023

Workforce mobility in the European Union (EU) has faced enormous challenges regarding the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020. Member-states reacted by imposing border closures and eliciting travel restrictions and sanitary measures, some of which continued well into 2022, with far-reaching consequences in all areas of mobility experience. In a time of constant changes in the regulations of the internal market, the work of labour market intermediaries deserves special attention. Recent studies have shown that, being a relatively new EU member-state, Bulgaria managed to develop an important migration industry comprising a complex network of public and private actors. We focus on an interpretative analysis of ten in-depth interviews conducted in 2017 with practitioners working in such agencies, and ten follow-up interviews five years later. The comparative analysis of these intermediaries' reflections on the mobility policies and practices before and during the pandemic allows us to examine the processes of structural and functional adaptation in the industry in multiple dimensions: assessment of changes in mobility practices, perceptions of employers' and migrants' needs and expectations, and the challenges facing their agencies vis-à-vis the role of other actors in the field. The conclusion underlines trends and transformations which are of interest for the developing recruitment sectors in other Central and East European countries, as well as for the dynamics of the East-West labour mobility throughout the entire EU.
Mutation of DNA and RNA sequences through the application of topological spaces
Authors: El-Atik A. A. , Tashkandy Y. , Jafari S. , Nasef A. A. , Emam W. , Badr M.
Published: June 2023

Topology is branch of modern mathematics that plays an important role in applications of biology. The aim of this paper is to study DNA sequence mutations using multisets, relations, metric functions, topology and association indices. Moreover, we use association indices to study the similarity between DNA sequences. These different ways of identifying a mutation help biologists to make a decision. A decision of mutation that depends on metrics between two sequences of genes and the topological structure produced by their relationship is presented.
Presentación: La necesaria visibilidad del Trienio Liberal en América: doceañismo, contradicciones, problemas y, también, independencias
Authors: Chust Manuel , Bernal Ruiz Graciela
Published: June 2023

No disponible
Prendre part à l’évaluation des politiques de sécurité et de prévention. Essais de participation citoyenne à Bruxelles
Authors: Caprasse Valérie
Published: June 2023

Au départ d’un matériau empirique constitué notamment de focus groupes menés avec des professionnels de l’évaluation des services de prévention communaux et avec des citoyens bruxellois, cet article revient sur certains enjeux de la participation citoyenne à l’évaluation des politiques de sécurité et de prévention en Région bruxelloise. D’une part, la nature même de ces politiques soulève des questions éthiques qui appellent, des vœux des acteurs professionnels, à des garanties procédurales. D’autre part, l’absence de certains profils de la population dans les dispositifs participatifs bruxellois interroge les acteurs professionnels et aboutit à la formulation de pistes, tant par les évaluateurs que par les citoyens rencontrés, pour tendre vers des processus plus inclusifs. Enfin, la production de nouvelles connaissances par la participation des citoyens se trouve également au cœur des enjeux identifiés.
Digital Contact Tracing for COVID-19
Authors: Nasereddin Mahdi , Bartolacci Michael , Peca Joanne C. , Glantz Edward J. , Grimes Galen , Verlato Tyler
Published: June 2023

The spread of the COVID-19 virus across the globe has permanently changed life for billions of people. Manual contact tracing has been utilized to assist in limiting the spread of contagious diseases for many years. The ubiquitous use of smartphones and similar wireless devices has allowed this process to become digital in nature through contact tracing applications installed on these devices. Various countries, and even various regional units within those countries, developed contact tracing applications. Such applications relied on location and short-range communication technologies associated with wireless devices and found varying degrees of success. This work reviews research conducted by universities, governmental organizations, and other entities with respect to the adoption, use, and ultimate success of, digital contact tracing applications across various countries and points to their rather limited success in fighting the spread of the disease. The authors also briefly discuss some implications regarding privacy and security that affected their use in certain countries.
Consequences of Social Listening via Mediated Communication Technologies (MCTs)
Authors: Stewart Margaret C. , Arnold Christa L. , Wisehart David
Published: June 2023

As mediated communication technologies, or MCTs, are increasingly used to interact, consequences across levels of communication arise. The social listening process using MCTs has positive and negative implications. The process of social listening exists within four levels of communication. The pervasiveness and determinism of MCTs and their impact on communication and social listening are supported by existing and developing research, practical examples, and theoretical frameworks. This critical review of literature discusses potential consequences of social listening via MCTs. These findings (1) demonstrate alignment among levels of communication, relevant theories, and resulting social consequences, such as big data and mediated deception, and (2) support exploratory research investigating mediated deception, which may contribute towards future studies of social listening and MCTs. In closing, a matrix to visualize the communication contexts, theories, and social consequences related to social listening via MCTs is presented.
Visualising the Optimistic, Realistic, and Pessimistic Financial Distress Outlooks for Airport Operations in Malaysia
Authors: Mansor Mahayaudin M. , Ibrahim Nurain , Jamil Siti Afiqah Muhamad , Shafie Nur Amalina , Zahari Siti Meriam
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to visualise three financial distress outlooks using computer simulations. The financial distress exposure for airport operations in Malaysia between 1991 and 2021 is given by Altman Z”-score and modelled by the multivariate generalized linear model (MGLM). Seven determinants contributing to the financial distress from literature are examined. The determinant series are fitted individually by using linear model with time series components and autoregressive integrated moving average models to forecast values for the next 10 financial years. Future short- to long-term memory effects following COVID-19 are apparent in time series plots. In the simulations, the MGLM procedure utilised Gaussian, gamma, and Cauchy probability distributions associated with expectations and challenges of doing business as well as uncertainties in the economy. The underlying trends of realistic, optimistic, and pessimistic financial distress outlooks insinuate that the increasing risk of financial distress of airport operations in Malaysia is expected to continue for the next decade.
Evaluation of vacuum packaging for extending the shelf life of Sardinian fermented sausage
Authors: Siddi Giuliana , Piras Francesca , Meloni Maria Pina , Casti Daniele , Spanu Carlo , Pala Carlo , Mocci Anna Maria , Piga Carlo , Di Salvo Riccardo , De Santis Enrico , Scarano Christian
Published: June 2023

Salsiccia sarda or Sardinian fermented sausage is a traditional dry-fermented sausage included in the list of traditional food products of Sardinia (Italy). At the request of some producing plants, the possibility of extending the shelf life of the vacuum-packed product up to 120 days was evaluated. Manufacturing of 90 samples, representing 3 different batches of Sardinian fermented sausage was carried out in two producing plants (A and B). In the packaged product and subsequently every 30 days for four months (T0, T30, T60, T120), the following analyses were conducted on all samples: physicochemical characteristics, total aerobic mesophilic count, Enterobacteriaceae count, detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, and coagulase-positive Staphylococci. Moreover, surfaces in contact and surfaces not in contact with food were sampled in both producing plants. Sensory profile analysis was also performed for every analysis time. At the end of the extended shelf life, pH values were equal to 5.90±0.11 (producing plant A) and 5.61±0.29 (producing plant B). Water activity mean values at T120 were 0.894±0.02 (producing plant A) and 0.875±0.01 (producing plant B). L. monocytogenes was detected in 73.3% (33/45) of the samples from producing plant A, with mean levels of 1.12±0.76 log10 CFU/g. In producing plant B, L. monocytogenes was never detected. Enterobacteriaceae were detected in 91.1% (41/45) of samples in producing plant A with mean values of 3.15±1.21 log10 CFU/g, and in 35.5% (16/45) samples in producing plant B samples with mean values of 0.72±0.86 log10 CFU/g. Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were never detected. Regarding environmental samples, the sites that were most contaminated by L. monocytogenes were the bagging table (contact surface) and processing room floor drains (non-contact surface) with a prevalence of 50% each (8/16 positive samples for both sampling sites). Sensory analysis results showed that at T30 the overall sensory quality was at its highest; moreover, the visual-tactile aspect, the olfactory characteristics, the gustatory aspects, and the texture showed significant differences in samples throughout the shelf life, with a decreased intensity at 120 days of storage. Overall, the quality and sensory acceptance of the vacuum-packed Sardinian fermented sausage were not affected until 120 days of shelf-life. However, the possible contamination by L. monocytogenes calls attention to the hygienic management of the entire technological process. The environmental sampling was confirmed as a useful verification tool during control.
Preliminary data on the microbial profile of dry and wet aged bovine meat obtained from different breeds in Sardinia
Authors: Meloni Maria Pina , Piras Francesca , Siddi Giuliana , Sanna Rita , Lai Roberta , Simbula Fabrizio , Cabras Daniela , Maurichi Maria , Asara Giovanna , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi , Scarano Christian
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dry and wet aging on microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics of bovine loins obtained from four animals of two different breeds, namely two Friesian cull cows and two Sardo-Bruna bovines. During dry and wet aging aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas, molds and yeasts, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica, pH and water activity (aw) were determined in meat samples collected from the internal part of the loins. Moreover, the microbial profile was determined with sponge samples taken from the surface of the meat cuts. Samples obtained from Friesian cows were analyzed starting from the first day of the aging period and after 7, 14, and 21 days. Samples obtained from the Sardo Bruna bovines were also analyzed after 28 and 35 days. Wet aging allowed better control of Pseudomonas spp. during storage that showed statistically lower levels (P>0.05) in wet-aged meats with respect to dry-aged meats during aging and particularly at the end of the period (P>0.01) in both cattle breeds. At the end of the experiment (21 days), aerobic colony count and Pseudomonas in Fresian cows’ dry-aged meats showed mean levels >8 log, while lactic acid bacteria mean counts >7 log were detected in wet-aged meats of both cattle breeds. In meats submitted to dry aging, pH was significantly higher (P<0.01) with respect to wet-aged meats at all analysis times and in both cattle breeds. Aw showed a stable trend during both dry and wet aging without significant differences. These preliminary results highlight the critical importance of the strict application of good hygiene practices during all stages of production of these particular cuts of meat intended for aging.
Food risk associated with vegetable consumption, exposure to antimicrobial-resistant strains and pesticide residues
Authors: Castello Annamaria , Lo Cascio Giovanni , Ferraro Clelia , Pantano Licia , Costa Antonella , Butera Gaspare , Oliveri Giuseppa , Rizzuto Maria Laura , Alduina Rosa , Cardamone Cinzia
Published: June 2023

This preliminary study aimed to detect biological and chemical contaminants in vegetables sold in Sicily for human consumption, assess the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains in these foods, and characterize their antimicrobial-resistance genes. A total of 29 fresh and ready-to-eat samples were analyzed. Microbiological analyses were performed for the detection of Salmonella spp. and the enumeration of Enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer method, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Pesticides were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No samples were contaminated by Salmonella spp., E. coli was detected in 1 sample of fresh lettuce at a low bacterial count (2 log cfu/g). 17.24% of vegetables were contaminated by Enterococci and 65.5% by Enterobacteriaceae (bacterial counts between 1.56 log cfu/g and 5.93 log cfu/g and between 1.6 log cfu/g and 5.48 log cfu/g respectively). From 86.2% of vegetables, 53 AMR strains were isolated, and 10/53 isolates were multidrug resistant. Molecular analysis showed that the blaTEM gene was detected in 12/38 β-lactam-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates. Genes conferring tetracycline resistance (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetW) were detected in 7/10 isolates. The qnrS gene was detected in 1/5 quinolone-resistant isolates, the sulI gene was detected in 1/4 sulfonamide-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates and the sulIII gene was never detected. Pesticides were detected in 27.3% of samples, all of which were leafy vegetables. Despite the satisfactory hygienic status of samples, the high percentage of AMR bacteria detected stresses the need for an effective monitoring of these foods as well as adequate strategies to counteract the spread of AMR bacteria along the agricultural chain. Also, the chemical contamination of vegetables should not be underestimated, especially considering that leafy vegetables are commonly consumed raw and that no official guidelines about maximum residue limits of pesticides in ready-to-eat vegetables are available.
Re-determination of the primary shelf-life of food products: what are the guarantees for the consumer?
Authors: Micheli Massimo Renato , Carosielli Leonardo , Guarnieri Chiara , Rosamilia Alfonso
Published: June 2023

Except in rare cases, the determination of the shelf-life of food products is left up to the food business operator. The extension of this period, which for years has been the subject of debate among the various actors in the food chain, has become a topic of fundamental importance also following the recent economic/financial, environmental, and health crises, which have had an inevitable impact on consumption and food waste. While there is no requirement to indicate durability for some categories of food products, for example, those not directly intended for consumers, this debate has raised questions and perplexities about the potential reevaluation of the origin conditions established by the manufacturer, particularly when it comes to maintaining the guarantees for the consumer in terms of health and hygiene. In addition, the increasing consumer demand for accurate information has prompted the European authorities to request a public consultation on the actual understanding and perception of the mandatory terms on labels such as use by or date of minimum durability of a food, provided for by Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, often not correctly understood, which can assume great significance in the application of rules to reduce food waste. In this regard, it is useful to remember that the recent measures adopted by the European Union legislator, together with the case law of recent years, have led the judges of merit to comply with the principles and requirements of food safety laid down since 2002 in Regulation (EC) No. 178, thus paying greater attention to the analysis, assessment, and management of the risk of the entire production chain. The purpose of this work is to provide technical-legal elements to encourage a possible extension of the shelf-life of food products while ensuring the safety of consumers.
Synchrony in whitefish stock dynamics: disentangling the effects of local drivers and climate
Authors: Bourinet Fabien , Anneville Orlane , Drouineau Hilaire , Goulon Chloé , Guillard Jean , Richard Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Synchronic variations in abundance in populations of the same species are common phenomena encountered in various environments, including lakes, and different taxa of freshwater fishes. This phenomenon can be caused by similar environmental conditions across physically separated populations. In the context of the ongoing climate change, it is essential to test this hypothesis, identify the factors driving the synchrony and elucidate the mechanisms, in the attempt to improve fisheries management. This study investigates synchronic variations in European whitefish (Coregonus spp.) populations in five peri-alpine lakes. The hypothesis suggests that shared biotic or abiotic factors contribute to similar trends in whitefish landings. Environmental and seasonal variables impacting the early life stages of the species were analyzed, and the Euclidean distances between the multivariate time series were calculated to identify similarities or dissimilarities in lake environmental parameters. We found that regional winter and spring temperatures were consistent across the lakes, but these factors did not fully account for variations in landings statistics. Wind intensity, water level and zooplankton abundance showed lake-specific patterns that could better explain local conditions and dynamics. Linear models did not reveal a coherent correlation with a common environmental variable across all lakes. However, distinct relationships were found in four of the lakes, with local factors significantly contributing to abundance variations. The spring abundance of Daphnia spp., a primary food source for whitefish larvae, was the main factor correlated with fish landing trends in Lake Geneva and Lake Bourget. Higher availability of Daphnia spp. may decrease intraspecific competition and density-dependent mortality. In Lake Neuchâtel, winter water temperature was negatively correlated with fish abundance proxies, suggesting that warmer winters may compromise reproduction success. Lake Annecy saw an increase in whitefish landings following a substantial reduction in fishing efforts during the late 2000s. A significant negative correlation was found between whitefish landings and fishing efforts. No relationship was found for Lake Aiguebelette, maybe due to a lack of zooplankton data. In conclusion, the observed synchrony in the European whitefish population is likely driven by a combination of interacting environmental and anthropogenic factors rather than a single common variable. Further research and a more detailed dataset are needed to better understand these complex relationships.
 
Cover image: Whitefish (courtesy of Rémi Masson)
Matrix bispectrality and noncommutative algebras: Beyond the prolate spheroidals
Authors: Grünbaum F. Alberto , Vasquez Brian D. , Zubelli Jorge P.
Published: June 2023

The bispectral problem is motivated by an effort to understand and extend a remarkable phenomenon in Fourier analysis on the real line: the operator of time-and-band limiting is an integral operator admitting a second-order differential operator with a simple spectrum in its commutator. In this article, we discuss a noncommutative version of the bispectral problem, obtained by allowing all objects in the original formulation to be matrix-valued. Deep attention is given to bispectral algebras and their presentations as a tool to get information about bispectral triples.
Quem é o bibliotecário? Qual sua formação? E, quais são suas distintas funções no mercado de trabalho?
Authors: Martins Pereira Patricia
Published: June 2023

En la búsqueda de dar a conocer el profesional que trabaja directamente con el documento, la información y sus diversas funciones en el mercado. Se presenta un texto informal, mencionando desde aspectos generales de formación, hasta los roles que este profesional puede asumir, con el fin de revertir el desconocimiento sobre el mismo, enfatizando, finalmente, lo que se espera de este profesional.
An Appraisal of Nigeria Peace Keeping Process in Darfur –Sudan
Authors: Idu Raphael
Published: June 2023

The art of external intervention as a strategy for conflict resolution and crisis management has been prominent among nations of the world. In Africa, Nigeria has been championing the course of peace in this respect since her independence. Peace keeping is a third party intervention which operates with a set of guiding principles that include the consent of the parties in conflict, impartiality and non use of force except on self defense. Again, foreign policy of any nation serves as a mirror of its domestic reality. It begins with identification and articulation of national interests. Nation’s interest represents and serves the principal consideration in the formulation and execution of national policies especially in international relations. It’s against this background that Nigeria maintained that ‘Africa is the centre peace and security’ in her foreign policy. Consequently, this paper is focused on the appraisal of Nigeria peace keeping efforts in Darfur region of Sudan from 2004-2015.  Content analyses were used and system theory was adopted as a foundation to the research. Some of findings made are: 1. Nigeria’s much engagements in peacekeeping operation are affecting her domestic affair. 2. Nigeria lack understanding of the nature of the conflict among parties, various forces at play and psychology/beliefs of the combatants before involving in the conflict process. 3. Terrain, climatic conditions as well as other challenges in Darfur has advert effect on the peace keepers.  Recommendations proffered are 1. Nigeria should make adequate operational plans, mandate and focus that are well spelt out with achievable objectives before engaging in future peacekeeping operation. 2. Nigeria should understand understanding of the nature of the conflict among parties, various forces at play and psychology/beliefs of the combatants before involving in the conflict process. 3. Nigeria should adequately make necessary provision that will enable the peace keepers perform their duties appropriately and professional.
Political Alienation and Electoral Participation in Nigeria’s Democratization Process: A Survey of Voter Behaviour in the 2019 General
Authors: Igiebor God’stime
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to ascertain the reasons, nature and implication of voter abstention in Nigeria’s democratization process. The study posits that low voter turnout in Nigerian elections could be attributable to alienation and thus, sought to test the relationship between alienation and electoral participation focusing on the 2019 general elections. The study adopted the expo-facto research design. A sample of 1,200 respondents was chosen from the selected local government areas of the six zones using the stratified random sampling technique. The simple percentages and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient statistical technique were used to test and determine the degree of association intrinsic to the stated hypotheses. The findings from the study showed that the failure of elected political officers to fulfil electoral promises, electoral fraud, and violence, are responsible for voter alienation in Nigeria. Therefore, the study suggested that elected political officials should ensure good governance based on meeting the needs of the citizenry; fraudulent practices during elections should be penalized with appropriate sanctions and the governments at all levels should put on modalities to mitigate the incidences of violence during elections.
US-Iran Relations and its Implications on International Peace and Security
Authors: Ochim Fidelis , Hassan Haruna
Published: June 2023

This piece analyses stages of friendly as well as ferocious relationships between United States of America (US) and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The paper identified unhealthy struggle for dominance and the attendant use of surrogates by the countries to achieve their aims. The paper objective centres on ascertaining the causes of the multi-decade sour relations between the states. With the aid of descriptive approach, data obtained from text books, journals, mass media (of international repute), and internet resources were sourced and analysed. Theoretically, Morgenthau’s political realism, with emphasis on interest defined in terms of (political, economic, military and other corollaries) of power was adopted to unravel the relation between the variables. Findings show that US and Iran were allies before a military coup that unseat the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq and restored full political powers to the Shah in 1953. There was a trilateral relation amongst Iran, US and Israel; the relationship, necessitated by the fear of Soviet expansion into Middle East by all parties and amplified by Iran’s strategic position between Far-East and Indian Ocean and the need to protect multiple US economic interests in Iran, instilled fears and suspicion among Sunni majority of the region. The paper, also, traces the non-Arab cultural, linguistic, and historic Judeo and Persian national identities distinct in an otherwise predominantly Sunni-Arab region. Also that a US-Iran war portent the ability to suspend the fragile peace in the Middle East and further wreck the relations between US and host of Iranian super allies. Thus, the paper recommends among others that, there is need for the two sides to maintain their border of influence to allow peace and stability of the international political system though anarchically laden.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Marketing Adoption in Nigeria: A Panoramic View
Authors: Nkwede Maria-Friday , Ogbulie Angela
Published: June 2023

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green marketing adoption is a twin trend that is fast becoming a global tendency amongst world economies, irrespective of socio-economic outlook. This paper pedagogically links the two concepts in the Nigeria business climes and explores, through a panoramic view the rate of adoption of CSR and green marketing in Nigeria. This study adopted an exploratory research design vis-à-vis a qualitative research approach. Based on the findings, this paper posits that corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian context is highly “localized” to reflect realities in the Nigerian socio-cultural space. However, green marketing adoption is near impossible for the average Nigerian organization; this is due in part to the enormous funds necessary for implementation of green marketing strategies in their businesses. This study therefore recommends the setting up of trust fund for companies (especially, small scale business) by government; this would give the companies the opportunity to fully develop and adopt green marketing strategy
Effects of Budgetary Processes in Enhancing Agricultural Development in Ebonyi State
Authors: Ogbodo Silas , Aliegba Eugene , Ruth Caleb
Published: June 2023

Agricultural development is important and strategic to economic and national development of Nigerian. Agriculture employs greater number of rural population; yet, it has been neglected in Ebonyi State, with little or no financial attention. Poor attention to agriculture has affected its mandates of solving food insecurity, youth unemployment, poverty, rural-urban migration, etc.  Available statistics show that from 2011 to 2021, government budgets to the agricultural sector remained poor in relation to Maputo declaration, that 10% annual budgets be set aside for agricultural production. This problem becomes more worrisome as the meagre allocations were not completely released. The general objective of this study is to determine the effects of budgetary process in enhancing agricultural development in Ebonyi State. The paper was built on modernization theory to clearly show that agricultural development in Ebonyi State could be developed through increased budgetary allocations in line with Maputo declaration. Data were collected by administering 399 questionnaires to respondents, and interview of 6 key-informants, using in-depth interview method. Data from questionnaire were analysed using percentages and frequencies, while data from in-depth interview were analysed using narrative technique. Findings showed that allocation of 10% of annual budget enhances agricultural development in Ebonyi State; and reduction in food insecurity, poverty, unemployment, income inequality, and rural-urban migration are the effects of budgetary process on agricultural development in Ebonyi State. It was recommended, that Ebonyi State House of Assembly should increase agriculture budgetary allocations to 10%, to mitigate negative effects of inadequate budgetary process on agricultural development.
Fishery typology in sectors IV and V of the Ebrie lagoon in the department of Dabou (Ivory Coast)
Authors: Kouadio N’Dri Jean Jacques , Yao Stanislas Silvain , Yoboue Kouamé Parfait
Published: June 2023

Fishing is an essential activity for man because it provides him with food and income. Thus, it is important to ensure that it is practiced in a responsible and sustainable manner. The objective of this study is to collect information about fishing activities in the sectors IV and V of the Ebrie Lagoon in order to contribute to its sustainable management. Campaigns were carried out from August 2020 to July 2021 in nine villages with 152 fishermen. Data was collected using questionary submitted to fishing actors. Physical and online documents were also consulted. Results revealed that fishermen population was composed of 57.24% of Ivorians and 42.76% of non-Ivorians. The fishing activity was dominated by Ivorians (57.24%) of whom 46.05% were Adjoukuou. Professional and occasional fishermen were identified among both Ivorians and non-Ivorians. 40.23% of Ivorian professional fishermen practice only fishing and 44.83% of Ivorian professional fishermen were olso engaged in agriculture. The non-national professional fishermen practice only fishing (84.62% of no national professional group). Generally, fishermen were aged between 30 and 45 years for the Ivorians and more of 45 years for no national. Most of the fishermen had been to school, married and practiced the activity on their own funds. The fishing techniques used were individual (gillnets with smaller mesh than the standard mesh (45 mm), longlines, hawks, traps (net and mesh), bamboo traps, shrimp nets, lines, harpoons and brushwood pens). The low level of education of non-Ivorian fishermen and the sub-standard mesh sizes constituted a real obstacle to the sustainable management of fish resources. It is therefore important to monitor fishing activity in these sectors of the Ebrie lagoon in order to avoid any damage related to overexploitation.