bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impostor Phenomenon Among Female Faculty Members of Korean Four-Year Universities: Developing A Grounded Theory
Authors: Byoun Su Youn
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to explore various aspects of the imposter phenomenon (IP) in female faculty m embers at Korean four-year universities, its causes and consequences, and the participants’ coping strategies. Interviews with 16 participants were analyzed using Charmaz’s (2006) constructive grounded theory. The interview data were reduced through a stepwise coding method, and a total of 172 basic concepts were integrated into six categories. IP as ambivalent emotions with achievement mechanism s on one side and defence mechanisms on the other emerged as a core category of this research. Five relevant categories were identified: origins and contingencies of IP in female faculty members, socio-cultural context, consequences in four areas of the participants’ lives, and coping strategies for it. Gender issues such as sexism and gender role stereotypes were deeply implicated in the IP experienced by the female faculty members. Policy implications for addressing the IP among new minority groups in universities are discussed.
Analysis of Latent Group Transfer of Creative Personality and Influences of Student and Family Factors in Middle School Students
Authors: Ha Yu Kyung , Cho Han Ik
Published: November 2024

This study aim s to analyze the transfer of creative tendencies in latent group s and the influencing factors related to students and their families. The study subjects were 2,590 middle school students, including 1,405 male students and 1,185 females from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS). Exploratory factor analysis of creative tendencies showed that competence, originality, creative confidence, and unconventionality were appropriate for creative tendencies. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit. Creative tendencies latent groups were classified into three group s: low creative group , middle creative group, and high creative group. The low creative group showed a high probability of transferring to the low creative group (8 8.10%), the middle creative group showed a high probability of transferring to the low creative group (67 .8 %), and the high creative group showed a high probability of transferring to the low creative group (62.4%) . Subjective achievement, academic satisfaction, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and happiness were essential to transferring to the creative latent group. This study is significant because it identified creative latent group transfer to the lower group and examined influences of student and family-related factors.
Issues and Tasks for Educational Administration Audit with the Establishment of Special Self-Governing City and Province
Authors: Yoon Ki Hyun
Published: November 2024

With the establishment of four special autonomous regions and provinces across the country, it is necessary to establish a relationship between local governments and local educational administrations in special autonomous regions and provinces that guarantees a high degree of autonomy. This study aims to explore the direction of desirable educational autonomy by examining the relationship between local governments and local educational administrations, focusing on educational administrators and examining what issues are in the relevant laws and regulations as well as what challenges need to be resolved in order to operate educational administrators that can fully secure educational autonomy and professionalism in special autonomous regions and provinces. As a result of this study, it was found that both the current Act on the Establishment of Special Autonomous Regions and related ordinances have constraints on local education autonomy and educational administrative audit, which may not sufficiently guarantee the political neutrality of educational autonomy and educational administrative audit, and may lead to inefficiency of educational administrative audit. Based on this discussion, it is suggested that the relevant laws should be revised to enhance the political neutrality and professionalism of local educational autonomy and educational administrative audit.
Assessing AI’s problem solving in physics: Analyzing reasoning, false positives and negatives through the force concept inventory
Authors: Aldazharova Salima , Issayeva Gulnara , Maxutov Samat , Balta Nuri
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the performance of GPT-4, an advanced AI model developed by OpenAI, on the force concept inventory (FCI) to evaluate its accuracy, reasoning patterns, and the occurrence of false positives and false negatives. GPT-4 was tasked with answering the FCI questions across multiple sessions. Key findings include GPT-4’s proficiency in several FCI items, particularly those related to Newton’s third law, achieving perfect scores on many items. However, it struggled significantly with questions involving the interpretation of figures and spatial reasoning, resulting in a higher occurrence of false negatives where the reasoning was correct, but the answers were incorrect. Additionally, GPT-4 displayed several conceptual errors, such as misunderstanding the effect of friction and retaining the outdated impetus theory of motion. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of refining AI-driven tools to make them more effective in educational settings. Addressing both AI limitations and common misconceptions in physics can lead to improved educational outcomes.
Morfogénesis en girasol (Helianthus annuus L.) afectada por la aplicación exógena de reguladores del crecimiento vegetal
Authors: Hernández Luis F.
Published: November 2024

Se estudió el efecto de la aplicación exógena de los reguladores de crecimiento vegetal (RCV) N6-Benciladenina (BA), Acido a-Naftalenacético (NAA) y Acido gibérlico (GA3) sobre la morfogénesis en el girasol (Helianthus annuus L). Los RCV fueron aplicados durante el desarrollo incipiente del capítulo, es decir, cuando los primordios florales aún no habían terminado de diferenciarse. Cada planta tratada recibió 45 pg de NAA día⁻¹ durante 10 días, o 45 pg de BA día⁻¹ durante 10 días, o 45 pg de GA3 día⁻¹ durante 5 días. NAA no produjo cambios significativos tanto en el desarrollo del tallo como en la morfología del capítulo. GA3 produjo un aumento en la longitud de los entrenudos y aceleró el desarrollo floral en un 25,0 %. BA fue el que mostró el mayor efecto sobre el desarrollo de las plantas, aumentando la superficie foliar en un 38,0 %, el peso seco del tallo en un 93,0 % y produciendo cambios en la morfología del capítulo y en el desarrollo floral. Las plantas tratadas con BA presentaron un 17,0 % de aumento en el número de primordios florales, el cual se pudo asociar con la significativa expansión de la superficie del receptáculo en una etapa previa.
Importancia de las plantas hospederas en la dinámica poblacional de Nezara viridula (L.), plaga de soja
Authors: Antonino P. , La Porta N. C. , Avalos D. S.
Published: November 2024

En el presente trabajo se listan las especies vegetales que Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) utiliza como hospederas, antes de invadir los cultivos de soja, estableciéndose la secuencia y el papel de dichas plantas. El estudio se realizó en el Campo Experimental de la Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. Los muestreos se realizaron durante 4 años (1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93 y 1993/94), de septiembre a marzo. Las especies vegetales sobre las cuales las chinches se hallaron con más frecuencia, en orden de preferencia, pertenecen a las familias Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Asteraceae y Poaceae. En Fabaceae se encontraron oviposturas y ninfas en desarrollo; en Brassicaceae, Asteraceae y Poaceae se observaron individuos alimentándose y en cópula.
Biología de Acrosternum bellum Rolston, 1983 (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)
Authors: Avalos D. S. , La Porta N. C.
Published: November 2024

Se realizaron estudios sobre la biología de Acrosternum bellum Rolston, 1983, bajo condiciones de laboratorio. Temperatura = 24,6 ± 0,7 °C, humedad relativa = 60,4 ± 4 %; fotoperíodo = 16 h de luz. Los insectos fueron alimentados con frutos frescos de Phaseolus vulgaris (L.). El tiempo medio desde la oviposición hasta el estado adulto fue de 38,5 días. La mortalidad acumulada alcanzó el 74,5 %, siendo mayor durante el segundo estadio ninfal. La tasa sexual de los adultos criados en laboratorio fue de 1,3 hembras : 1 macho. El número medio de huevos por hembra fue de 100,8 ± 62,6, cada hembra colocó 6,9 masas de huevos con un promedio de 13,9 huevos por masa. La longevidad de los adultos promedió los 73,3 días. No se observaron diferencias significativas (P > 0,01) entre los sexos. Comparada con otras especies del mismo género tales como A. armigera (Stål), A. hilare (Say), A. apicicorne (Spinola) y A. marginatum (Palisot de Beauvois), estudiadas bajo condiciones similares, A. bellum presentó un ciclo de desarrollo más corto y una mayor mortalidad ninfal. La longevidad de los adultos y el potencial biótico fue mayor que en A. marginatum y menor que en A. apicicorne.
Infernal Heavens: Narratives of Africa. From Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness to Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Paradise
Authors: Botescu-Sireteanu Ileana
Published: November 2024

Situated at the intersection of literary studies and cultural studies, the present article looks at how fictional representations of Africa have evolved over the past century, from Conrad’s canonical Heart of Darkness, which has unjustly become the landmark of colonial biased narratives of Africa despite the author’s declared disengagement with his protagonists’ perspectives, to Abdulrazak Gurnah’s recent reverse rewriting of Marlow’s journey, this time from the heart of darkness outward. Dwelling on the spatial metaphors of Heaven and Hell, this study argues that the two works under scrutiny put forward two essentially dichotomic representations of the same place, the African continent, which are largely dependent on the cultural environment and on cultural constraints. Whereas Conrad’s infernal depiction of Africa relies mostly on Eurocentric stereotypes and on a personal experience whose horror mostly stemmed from a cultural shock produced by experiencing difference as evil, Gurnah’s more complex and authentic depiction is a result of telling the story from within, as an insider, and reflecting on difference as productive diversity. In this respect, this study brings into discussion Ranjan Ghosh’s recent dialogue with J. Hillis Miller on Literature and Globalization (2016) to argue that a transnational, transcultural and transdisciplinary approach to the narrative text would actually result in bridging the gap of classical binary difference and would emphasize the immanence of the literary text. Thus, Gurnah’s Paradise reconstructs pre-WWI Africa from within, as a sum of lost Paradises which are by no means of Western extraction, while Conrad’s canonical Inferno echoes the fears of an empire.
Finding a Space to Call Home in Tayari Jones’s Leaving Atlanta
Authors: Boneva-Kamenova Bozhidara
Published: November 2024

Tayari Jones, one of the more memorable contemporary African American voices, debuted at the beginning of the 20th century with her novel Leaving Atlanta (2002). She did not gain notable recognition until the publication of An American Marriage (2018) a decade later. Nevertheless, a number of scholars praised her first effort and included it in famous African American critical anthologies as an example of the voice of a new generation. In her debut while she tackles a painful episode in American history, the Atlanta Child Murders, Jones achieves a multivocal child-led narrative that supplies a new perspective on the events, which does not take as a starting point statistics and easy solutions. Tasha, Rodney, and Octavia are left to navigate their oft dangerous and difficult social and private environment as the threat looms over their lives as an ‘unspeakable’ and invisible presence. Each of them becomes a victim to the spaces that predetermine their existence. The present article evaluates the characters’ ability to find a space that they would consider a home in order to reach conclusions about general belonging patterns, coping mechanisms, and available alleys for escape.
A Distant Reading of Two ‘Distant Writings’ by Istrati and Cartarescu: Penchant for a Chronotopic Construct in Mediterranean (Sunrise) and The Levant
Authors:   Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey, Ozveren Eyup
Published: November 2024

As distinct from a ‘close reading’ that has long become a core value in literary studies, ‘distant reading’ has been proposed by Franco Moretti (2000) to overcome the obstacles faced by comparative literature, and to counterweigh disadvantages of distant reading. In this respect, I count on my past work in Mediterranean and Black Sea Studies. I attempt an interpretive ‘distant reading’ of the two fiction works that were written from a meaningful distance, that is, approaching the Mediterranean and/or the Levant from the Black Sea point of view. Moreover, in keeping with his literary style, Cartarescu (2014: 102, 136) referred to Istrati in his fiction. This intertextuality invites a reconsideration of how he echoed his predecessor, just as the Levant in title did the Mediterranean. The representation of the Mediterranean in the ‘impressionist-ic’ Mediterranean (Sunrise) (1934) of Istrati informed by modern social and poetic realism differs from Cartarescu’s postmodern reworking of this geography as a film set with a distinct background, by recourse to the repertoire of conventions and clichés constitutive of the Levant literature. I relate this basic difference to the writers’ space/time specifications, as well as the literary space, or alternatively literary geography, within which they positioned themselves. The present study is devoted to the evaluation of the intertextual connection between the two books. I then describe the space-making cartographic projects of the two authors before I take up their differences over time leading to my conclusion.
Fantasy chronotopes and their complexity in The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Authors: Rata Irina
Published: November 2024

Fantasy fiction is renowned for its fantastic worlds and intricate multiverses. The Ocean at the End of the Lane exhibits probably one of the most complex such structures identifiable in Gaiman’s works. Set as a memorate, with a frame and an inset, it has an intricate temporal and spatial scaffolding; the passage between the two being triggered by distinct recall cues and bringing forth past traumatic events. The hesitation between reality, memory, trauma and fantasy makes the reader wonder whether the events described are truly memories, if they are the main character’s way of coping with trauma or if they belong to an alternate timeline. The complexity of the novel’s chronotopic structure is mirrored by the multiple layers of the main character’s memories; their instability corresponds to the intricacy of the human psyche. This study aims to analyse and lay out the multilayered structure of the novel’s multiverse, to catalogue the alternate timelines, as well as the temporal and spatial constructs brought forth by trauma.
Can One Fight Geopolitical Tides with Imperfect Weapons? Reckoning with the Recent Past in Ana Blandiana’s More-than-the Simple Past.
Authors:   University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA, Guran Letitia
Published: November 2024

The present study focuses on Ana Blandiana’s diary Mai-mult ca-Trecutul / More-than-the Simple Past: 31 August 1988-12 December 1989 published in 2023, which chronicles the last year and a half of communist regime in Romania during which the author was banned from publishing. For its contemporary readers, the text raises a lot of questions as it provides invaluable context for mapping the dynamic and still controversial geography and temporality of an era that is neither far enough to be considered “the Past,”/settled history, nor close enough to be referred to as “recent past” by younger generations. As my essay demonstrates, this still contentious past defined by a collective trauma will probably continue to remain suspended in the insoluble ambiguity of a neither-there nor here, and a never-entirely-then nor now for those who lived it. Blandiana’s title preserves the sense of this past’s inherent undecidability, which evokes Derrida’s différance, a trope which haunts not only historical interpretations, but discourse itself, whose most persuasive accounts hide a fundamental absence: a black hole at its very center.
Integrated Dynamic Behavioral Fingerprinting for Real-Time Ransomware Detection: A Pattern-Based Classification
Authors: Beaumarchais Jasper , Weber Patrick , Callaghan Nicholas , Bauer Gregory
Published: November 2024

The increasing sophistication and prevalence of ransomware attacks pose a substantial risk to digital infrastructures, with the potential to disrupt critical operations and compromise sensitive information across various sectors. Traditional detection methods, often based on static analysis or signature-based techniques, struggle to adapt to the rapidly evolving nature of ransomware variants, necessitating a more dynamic and adaptable approach. This study presents a novel methodology known as Dynamic Behavioral Fingerprinting, developed to identify ransomware activities in real-time through the examination of distinctive behavioral patterns exhibited during application execution. The proposed approach addresses key limitations of existing detection methods through the analysis of runtime behaviors, enabling effective identification of unknown or polymorphic ransomware strains that would otherwise evade static detection. Experimental evaluations highlight the method's high accuracy, precision, and resilience against evasion tactics, showing its utility in maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses. Furthermore, results indicate that the system operates with minimal resource consumption, allowing for scalable deployment in real-time environments without significant impact on host performance. These findings suggest that Dynamic Behavioral Fingerprinting provides an effective and efficient solution to the challenges posed by modern ransomware threats, enhancing the capability of security frameworks to respond promptly and decisively to potential incidents.
Does Advanced High School Coursework Enhance Community College Women’s Pathways to Computing Degrees? Evidence from Florida
Authors: Perez-Felkner Lara Cristina , Li Yang , Erichsen Kristen , Hu Shouping , Chen Jinjushang , Nhien Chantra , Fluker Ciera
Published: November 2024

Women remain problematically underrepresented in computing fields. Guided by the STEM momentum framework, we leverage Florida administrative data to investigate the relationship between community college students’ gender, advanced high school STEM course work, and their pathways to postsecondary degrees. We find advanced high school coursework functions differently by gender and STEM field. Notably, completing computing courses and advanced mathematics courses especially promote community college women’s selection of STEM majors and completion of computing degrees. Implications for advanced high school course offerings are discussed with respect to research and policy, especially with respect to enhancing opportunities for community college students.
Exploring Large Language Models Survey papers using Random Forest Classification with Over Sampling the Minority classes
Authors: Bui Thi Lan Anh
Published: November 2024

The rapid advancement in Large Language Models (LLMs) has made it challenging for researchers to keep up with new models and innovations. While many scholars have published survey papers to synthesize this work, the growing number of surveys has added complexity, making it harder to stay updated on recent developments. In this report, I present an analysis of a dataset comprising 144 survey papers published between 2023 and January 2024. To address the dataset's class imbalance, I applied oversampling techniques, specifically the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and Random Over Sampling. These methods, combined with a Random Forest Classifier, were used to predict the 'taxonomy class' of new papers, resulting in an improvement in the model's precision score from 0.35 to 0.42. Future work will focus on enhancing classification accuracy and exploring other machine learning algorithms to expand the applicability of this approach.
Bridging null hypothesis testing and estimation: A practical guide to statistical conclusion drawing from research in psychology
Authors: Kiers Henk
Published: November 2024

A well-known problem of null hypothesis significance testing is that it cannot be used to find support for the null hypothesis. A common solution for this is to replace the exact 0 value by an interval associated with values that are close to zero. This approach is denoted as equivalence testing and is a special case of procedures that test intervals of values against each other. Smiley et al. (2023) recently published a unified framework of statistical inference and suggested a straightforward method of testing all sorts of interval-based hypotheses in a unified way. The present paper discusses three alternative general approaches, based on Bayesian analysis, which have the advantage that the ensuing probabilities can be interpreted as probabilities of the population parameters, rather than probabilities of the data (as is the case with frequentist methods). These methods (in some form) have been previously suggested, but here we bring them together and show how they can be used for Smiley et al.’s full unified framework of statistical inference, now complementing it with three Bayesian counterparts. In particular, it is shown how each of the methods work in the analysis of a leading example data set involving a test on proportions. Subsequently, their relative pros and cons are discussed, and it is explained how the methods can be used for many statistical analysis questions in practice, using R and/or JASP. This is illustrated on an empirical data set for comparing means of two groups.
What are memories made of? A survey of neuroscientists on the structural basis of long-term memory
Authors: Zeleznikow-Johnston Ariel , Kendziorra Emil F. , McKenzie Andrew Thomas
Published: November 2024

Despite the last decade’s development of optogenetic methods for artificially manipulating engrams, and subsequent claims that there is a consensus that memories are stored in ensembles of synaptic connections, it remains unclear to what degree there truly is unanimity within the neuroscientific community about the neurophysiological basis of long-term memory. We surveyed 312 neuroscientists, comprising one cohort of experts on engram research and another of general neuroscientists, to assess this community’s views on how memories are stored. While 70.5% of participants agreed that long-term memories are primarily maintained by neuronal connectivity patterns and synaptic strengths, there was no clear consensus on which specific neurophysiological features or scales are critical for memory storage. Despite this, the median probability estimate that any long-term memories could potentially be extracted from a static snapshot of brain structure was around 40%, which was also the estimate for whether a successful whole brain emulation could theoretically be created from the structure of a preserved brain. When predicting the future feasibility of whole brain emulation, the median participant estimated this would be achieved for C. elegans around 2045, mice around 2065, and humans around 2125. Notably, neither research background nor expertise level significantly influenced views on whether memories could be extracted from brain structure alone. Our findings suggest that while most neuroscientists believe memories are stored in structural features of the brain, fundamental questions about the precise physical basis of memory storage remain unresolved. These findings have important implications for both theoretical neuroscience and the development of technologies aimed at preserving or extracting memory-related information.
The Passports They Carry: Passport Inequality and Visa Barriers to Global South Scholars’ Mobility
Authors: Cangönül Mert , Yildiz Ezgi
Published: November 2024

Passport inequality is more than a simple logistical inconvenience; it is a fundamental injustice that undermines the principles of equality and fairness upon which academia should be built. Scholars from the Global South often face daunting challenges when obtaining visas for research and conference travel. Lengthy and arduous visa application processes, exorbitant fees, and arbitrary rejection decisions are just a few hurdles they must navigate simply to participate in academic conferences or conduct research abroad. These barriers not only impede individual academic endeavors but also perpetuate systemic inequalities within the global academic community. Drawing from our own personal experiences, we discuss mobility barriers, exposing their structural, institutional, and personal dimensions. We call for a reflexive approach in IR to counteract apathy and the illusory sense of equality in academic practices and offer policy solutions to promote a more inclusive and equitable academic community.
Growing importance of attitudes toward mothers’ role in the unequal use of early childhood education and care
Authors: Välimäki Sanni
Published: November 2024

Over the past decades, attitudes toward mothers’ roles have become more gender-egalitarian. There has been a concurrent increase in early childhood education and care (ECEC) participation rates across Europe. However, inequality in ECEC usage has remained. The main reason for the inequality has been found to be problems with accessing the service but it is argued that attitudes toward mother’s role possible also play a role in it. This article examines the relationship between attitudes and ECEC usage at two points in time: 2008 and 2017. The article uses two data, EU-SILC and EVS, and the method multilevel logistic regression. The analysis considers both country-level and individual-level connections, reflecting on ECEC usage. The findings indicate an association between increasingly egalitarian attitudes and rising ECEC participation rates. As attitudes among less educated individuals change more slowly, their impact on ECEC usage could become more significant, particularly concerning inequality in ECEC usage. This is evident in the cross-level interaction between overall attitudes and mothers’ education in predicting ECEC participation among children under three years old. The disparity in ECEC usage between the less educated and those with higher levels of education is growing.
Utilizing Big Administrative Data in Evaluation Research: Integrating Causal Modeling, Program Theory, and Machine Learning
Authors: de Avila Rogerio
Published: November 2024

The increased availability of administrative data and big data, coupled with advances in causal modeling and data analytics, presents new opportunities to enhance program evaluation in public policy and social sciences. This thesis investigates how these modern theory-driven approaches can be integrated with traditional methodologies to address complex causal questions, enhancing evaluations' effectiveness, timeliness, and comprehensiveness. Guided by substantial theoretical frameworks such as those proposed by Funnell and Rogers (2011) and empirical studies like Pearl (2009), this research addresses gaps in data utilization, ethical standards, and the application of machine learning. Specific challenges include improving the precision and comprehensiveness of data analysis, ensuring ethical data use as advocated by frameworks like the Five Safes, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and training. This thesis aims to demonstrate significant advancements in program evaluation by bridging these gaps, proposing a paradigm shift towards a more integrated and data-informed approach in public policy and social sciences.
Determination of Growth Performance of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) in Relation to Surrounding Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) at Dagana District Through Dendrochronological Analysis
Authors: Nidup Dorji , Khandu Yeshey , Dendup Tashi , Chozang Jigme , Wangmo Ugyen
Published: November 2024

Tree-ring growth is closely related to climate and the environmental changes during the growth period; thus, it can record precise information on climate variations. This study aimed to understand radial growth changes and develop tree-ring chronologies of Citrus reticulata, validated by tree-ring chronologies of Pinus roxburghii within the same micro-site. Tree-ring data were obtained from the sample cores collected from the two different altitudinal sites (1,150 to 1,250 masl) 400 to 500 m apart and compared to the climate data from Drujeygang meteorological station. Using dendroclimatological methods, summary statistics were obtained through cross-dating and standardization, and tree-ring chronology was written. Ring-width chronologies spanning 36 to 41 years were developed for C. reticulata and 57 to 174 years for P. roxburghii. One-way ANOVA test analysis showed spatial patterns of variability within the altitudinal range of 1,150 to 1,250 masl. Correlation analysis indicated that the growth of C. reticulata was highest at the mean annual temperature range of 19.0 to 19.4°C and mean precipitation range of 86.51 to 147.45 mm. C. reticulata showed a positive relationship with mean annual temperature and precipitation, and in contrast, P. roxburghii showed a negative relationship. However, the growth variability of both C. reticulata and P. roxburghii in both regions depicted the remarkable variability due to fluctuating climatic factors. This study evaluated the relationship between tree-ring growth and climate factors and is expected to contribute to the understanding of changes in productivity, which will be affected by climate change in the future.
Adsorption of Lead, Arsenic and Mercury from Industrial Effluent Using Low-Cost Agro-Waste
Authors: Tijjani B. , Yaumi A. L. , Mohammed H. D. , Umar H. , Yakubu E. , Highina B. K.
Published: November 2024

Heavy metal contamination in industrial effluents poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of effective, low-cost adsorbents. This study explored the potential of Millet Husk and Millet Straw, agricultural waste materials, for the removal of Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg) from industrial effluents. Millet Husk and Millet Straw activated carbon (MHS) was prepared through sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the performance of MHS in removing heavy metals from effluent samples, with removal efficiency analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Characterization results revealed that MHS exhibited enhanced surface morphology, high porosity, and functional groups that facilitated heavy metal adsorption. The optimal removal efficiencies were 58.67% for Pb, 69.83% for As, and 100% for Hg. Factors such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH significantly influenced adsorption rates, with maximum adsorption observed at a dosage of 0.1 g. The study concluded that MHS is a promising adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater, with its adsorption capacity dependent on initial metal concentrations and pH levels. Further research is recommended to explore the scalability of MHS in real-world applications, investigate modifications to enhance its adsorption capabilities, and study its regeneration and reuse potential for long-term viability as an eco-friendly adsorbent.
Status of Heavy Metals and Remediation Potential of Indigenous Plants at Contaminated Benin City and Abudu Sites of Edo, Nigeria
Authors: Osarobo Okonokhua Boris , Robert Orhue Ehi
Published: November 2024

Assessment of heavy metals (HMs) concentrations and remediation potential of indigenous plants in urban environments are necessary for safeguarding and restoring soil quality. This study evaluated the status of total HMs and remediation potential of the predominant plant species growing at contaminated sites in both Benin City and Abudu. The species were sampled along with soil around auto-mechanic workshops and from two respective uncontaminated sites and analyzed for total concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) with an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The geo-accumulation index revealed that both sites were extremely polluted with four HMs in the order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu. Benin was severely polluted with Pb, Cd and Cr and moderately to highly polluted with Ni, while Abudu was moderately to severely polluted with Pb and Cd, moderately polluted with Cr and slightly polluted with Ni. Eleucine indica identified at Abudu and Perperomia pellucida in Benin City were both found to contain toxic levels of four HMs (Fe, Zn, Cd and Cr), only E. indica at Abudu was found to exceed the limit of Cu, Pb and Ni set for plants while the level of Mn in both species were far from the permissible limit set by WHO. No plant was proven to be a hyperaccumulator but such potential towards Zn, Pb and Cd was observed for E. indica while the same phenomenon could be ascribed to P. pellucida for Cu and Zn if assisted with soil amendment. Heavy metal pollution levels of the sites demand clean up and predominant indigenous plant species can be used to manage them.
Impact of Brick Factory on Socio-economic and Livelihood of People
Authors: Malakar Indra Mali
Published: November 2024

The means and resources individuals employ to sustain their lives and support their families is called livelihood. This paper aimed to analyze the impact of brick factories on the socio-economic and livelihood of people in Koicha ward no. 22, Bungmati, Lalitpur. The study population was the workers, non-workers, local people, and the local authorities around the brick factories. This study adopted the census method as the sample design and descriptive study as the research design and followed both quantitative and qualitative methods. The respondents were workers in brick factories including 55.6 percent female and 44.4 percent male whereas the mean age of respondents was 47.33 (± 5.03) and the majority of them (88.9%) were 40-45 years old. Most of them were married (83.3%), Buddhist (83.35), and Newars (88.9%). The mean monthly earnings of the respondents was Rs19722.2 and this income was stated as not sufficient by the majority of the respondents (83.3%). They managed their livelihood by different sources rather than their monthly income in different ways. The regression model, which includes years of working in brick factories, earning by land lease to brick factory, and monthly salary as a predictor, is not significant on brick factories impacting positively in the socio-economic and livelihood of people. The R-square and adjusted R-square are 97.2 percent and 88.8 percent explaining the strong proportion of the variance in the dependent variable is due to the independent variables. However, the p-value (0.214) is greater than 0.05 evidenced by the null hypothesis supporting the conclusion that the model is statistically not significant. With the increasing air pollution, less productivity of land, and health problems, respondents viewed brick kilns as the negative aspect whereas due to employment creation, and upliftment of the livelihood some viewed it as the positive aspect. The FGD and KII conducted in the study area resulted in one voice of removing the brick kilns as it has created health problems rather than socio-economic improvement. Further study in this regard has to be conducted to get a closer view of the problems associated with brick kilns.
In Indonesia Commercial Banks NPL Really Matter?
Authors: Niroula Ballav , Singh Sanju Kumar
Published: November 2024

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) on Indonesian commercial banks, using data from the period 2016-2020. The data were gathered from the annual reports of Indonesian commercial banks. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to analyze the data. In this study, NPL is the dependent variable, and GDP, Inflation, Exchange rate, Bank Size, ROA, CAR, and IRL are the independent variables. The results indicate that Bank Size and Interest rates have a positive and significant effect on NPL in Indonesian commercial banks, while GDP, Inflation, Exchange rate, ROA, and CAR do not have a significant impact on NPL. These findings suggest that bank size and interest rates have a significant influence on NPL, and therefore, Indonesian commercial banks should take this into account seriously.
Driving Factors behind the Land Use Land Cover Change in Hilly Region in Gorkha Municipality, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Ramjee Prasad , Kamar Mira
Published: November 2024

Land is considered a principal source of human existence and a major type of property that has undergone changes over many years. This paper attempts to study the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change and identify the driving factors for these changes in hilly region in Gorkha Municipality, Nepal. This study is based on spatial and attribute data acquired through both primary and secondary sources, including field studies, Google images, and topographic maps. The data was prepared using GIS tools for analysis. Key informant interviews and field observations were also conducted to assess the changes and identify the driving forces behind land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 1998 to 2020. The study reveals that LULC change is influenced by a combination of numerous driving factors, including biophysical, economic, technological, demographic, institutional, and cultural/social factors. Major driving factors of LULC change include rapid population growth, immigration, road facilities, infrastructure development, land fragmentation, expanding income dimensions, migration, deforestation, natural factors (landslides, seismic movements, and soil erosion), poor farming practices, and crops destroyed by wild animals). The study shows that the built-up area and forest area have increased while the cultivation area is decreased over the twenty two years. Hence, appropriate measures are needed to protect cultivation land to ensure sustainable conservation for human livelihood.
Influence of Home Environment on Students’ Achievement in English: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mandal Rini
Published: November 2024

A child’s ‘home’ is believed to be their first educational institution. The home environment is composed of both physical and psychological elements. Before going to school, children learn all of their formal, informal, and moral information at home. The child acquires languages to communicate with others in addition to a variety of other abilities. A conducive home environment not only helps students learn the English language but also improves their overall academic achievement. The present study aimed to find out the influence of the home environment on students’ achievement in English. The researcher has adopted a systematic literature review method, under which articles from the last four years (2020-2024) were reviewed and analysed. The findings of the study showed a positive impact of a favourable home environment and its various factors on students’ achievement in English. The researcher also found students’ academic achievement was negatively impacted by many factors i.e., low socio-economic status, parents’ strictness, less participation of parents, etc.
Creación de la Fundación “Waya somos Arte y Cultura” e implementación del proyecto piloto musical “Ay Ombe” de Valledupar –Colombia-
Authors: Arnedo Sarmiento William David
Published: November 2024

Introducción: La Fundación Waya Somos Arte y Cultura desarrolla el proyecto piloto "Ay Ombe" en Valledupar, Colombia, para promover el desarrollo artístico y cultural, fomentar la inclusión social y fortalecer la identidad cultural a través de la formación en música vallenata. Metodología: Se utilizó el Marco Lógico como estrategia metodológica, junto con un análisis DAFO y encuestas a participantes de entre 6 y 17 años para identificar sus necesidades y preferencias en la formación musical. Resultados: El proyecto aborda la falta de acceso a programas de formación musical en Valledupar, ofreciendo oportunidades a poblaciones vulnerables y fomentando la participación comunitaria en torno a la música vallenata. Discusión: Se destaca la música como herramienta para la educación integral y la transformación social. Además, se enfatiza la necesidad de fortalecer alianzas con entidades locales para garantizar la sostenibilidad del proyecto. Conclusiones: El proyecto cumplió sus objetivos, aunque enfrenta desafíos como la dependencia de recursos externos para su continuidad.
Dos décadas de desminado humanitario en Colombia 2004-2024
Authors: Vivas Barrera Tania Giovanna , González Gómez María Isabel
Published: November 2024

Introducción: El artículo presenta un balance del avance de Colombia en el cumplimiento de los objetivos de desminado, como parte de los compromisos internacionales establecidos en la Convención de Ottawa, vigente desde 2001. Los esfuerzos de desminado en Colombia comenzaron oficialmente en 2004, lo que permite una revisión de los últimos 20 años del proceso. Metodología: Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo utilizando los datos abiertos disponibles en el geoportal de la Acción Integral contra Minas Antipersonal (AICMA) para evaluar el progreso hasta diciembre de 2023. Resultados: El análisis indica un ritmo anual de despeje aproximado de 1.900.000 m². A este ritmo, se necesitarían al menos 20 años más para cubrir los 52.000.000 m² estimados de áreas contaminadas en Colombia. Discusión: Es relevante señalar que, de los 20 años analizados, solo en 19 se registró actividad de despeje. Esta proyección no contempla posibles incrementos en las zonas minadas. Conclusiones: Los esfuerzos de desminado en Colombia avanzan de forma sostenida, pero se requiere compromiso continuo y recursos adicionales para alcanzar los objetivos a largo plazo, dado el ritmo actual de despeje y el posible aumento de áreas contaminadas.
Alternative forms of housing for longevity based on case studies of multigenerational houses in Poland
Authors: Labus Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

The subject of the article is a case study analysis of three experimental projects of multigenerational houses that emerged after 2019 in Polish cities. The author hypothesizes that multigenerational houses represent an alternative form of housing to nursing homes, creating an environment that supports the health and independence of residents of different ages for as long as possible. The purpose of the research conducted is to answer the question of what components of the support system for the elderly are important in the choice and intentional transition to alternative living arrangements and how this relates to multigenerational homes in the cases studied. The research in this article consists of four phases. The first phase examined the institutional and informal approach to organizing care for the elderly in Poland and outlined the components of the support system for the elderly that are necessary for the choice and conscious transition to alternative forms of housing in the aging process. In the second phase, the experience with the governmental program "Multigenerational House" in Germany was analyzed and a multigenerational house was defined. In the third phase, the case study method was used to examine the experience of multigenerational houses built and functioning in Polish cities in recent years: Multigenerational House in Łódź (2019), Multigenerational Housing in Warsaw (2019-2021), Multigenerational House in Wrocław (2020). In the fourth phase, based on the literature review and the analysis of functioning multigenerational houses, a comparative analysis was made and conclusions for further research were drawn.
Regional development and communication networks: Case study of Western Ukraine
Authors: Puhach Serhii , Slashchuk Andrii , Poruchynska Iryna , Kaidyk Oleh
Published: November 2024

Motives: Communications are the basis of the existence of contemporary civilization. Today, innovation processes are carried out the most intensively, perhaps, in communications. The level of the formation of communication networks largely determines both the preconditions and the contemporary development of areas.
Aim: The aim of our research is to analyze the interdependencies between the level of socio-economic development of areas and the formation of their communications on the example of local territorial units of Western Ukraine.
Results: The correlation analysis demonstrates significant links between communication networks and the development of areas. It is not always possible to say unequivocally what cause and effect are in a particular case. According to the results of our study, socio-economic development in Western Ukraine has a more significant impact on the functioning of communication networks than communication networks on socio-economic development. Like other natural and socio-economic resources, communication networks are only prerequisites for the area's development. The emergence, perception by the population, and wide spread of new communications depend on some factors, among which an important place belongs to the area's socio-economic development level.
DISTANCE EDUCATION AS A COMPONENT OF MODERN LEARNING
Authors: Protsenko Iryna
Published: November 2024

The article deals with the essence and features of distance learning as an effective tool for management education. The attention is focused on the methods, forms and modes of distance learning. The purpose of the study is to analyse the main elements of distance learning as an effective tool for management education. The basic principles, advantages and problems of distance learning are clarified. A number of promising directions for the development of distance education in Ukraine are identified. The essence of the category "distance learning" is considered and the main periods of its evolution are revealed. The alternative views of scientists on the essence of distance education and its components are revealed. The modern approaches to understanding the implementation of distance learning as a means of solving a number of urgent teaching tasks, namely, improving the efficiency of students’ learning activities, better organisation of the educational process, using the capabilities of information and communication technologies in the organisation of the educational process, are analysed. The understanding of the introduction of modern distance learning technologies, modern methods of organising the educational process is defined. The importance of distance learning competencies in the globalised world, which is a prerequisite for gaining competitive knowledge, is substantiated. The conditions for the widespread introduction of distance learning in Ukraine and ways to popularise distance education in all academic areas are highlighted.