bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxpayer confidentiality versus access to information, freedom of expression, and the public interest in the tax affairs of a state president
Authors: Tredoux Liezel Gaynor
Published: January 2024

It is trite that taxpayer information is confidential in South Africa, subject to a few narrow exceptions. In the judgments in Arena Holdings Pty Ltd t/a Financial Mail & Another v South African Revenue Service & Others (hereafter, the Arena cases), both the Gauteng Division, Pretoria and Constitutional Court considered the conflict between the taxpayer’s constitutional right to privacy and the media’s constitutional rights of access to information and freedom of expression after the press requested access to the tax records of a former president. In doing so, the courts were faced with many diverse contentions. This article analyses selected issues arising from these arguments in both courts, namely taxpayer confidentiality and the exceptions thereto, access to information and the extension of the public interest override, and the nature of the application and powers of the court in these unique circumstances. The analysis goes beyond the scope of the ratio decidendi of the respective courts and provides obiter comments on practical questions raised in the affidavits and heads of argument filed before both courts. It finds that there is no precise precedent in South African tax law jurisprudence that is directly applicable to this exact scenario and considers the proposed extension of existing legislation.
Four female Khoesan language translators across three centuries of Cape history: A morphogenetic analysis
Authors: Botha Maricel
Published: January 2024

Female translators are highly atypical in South African colonial history. Yet four important female translators appear on the scene who, interestingly, all translated or interpreted into or from Khoesan languages. Therefore, apart from their marginalised position as women, these translators are also linked to marginalised languages. These translators are Krotoa, a Khoe interpreter employed by colonial administrator Jan van Riebeeck, Zara Schmelen, a Nama mission assistant and Bible translator, and Lucy Lloyd and Dorothea Bleek, so-called Bushman researchers and relatives of the famous philologist Wilhelm Bleek. This article is interested in the ways in which the work of these early female translators expressed social conditioning and in the characteristics of their agency within a restrictive social space. The hindering and enabling factors involved in these women’s practice of translation and interpreting is analysed and particular attention is paid to the ideological characteristics of their work. In the analysis of the social characteristics of translation, Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic approach is employed. Archer’s approach involves an investigation of structure, culture and agency and the ways in which these contribute to cycles of social change (morphogenesis) or maintenance (morphostasis). With regard to agency, the analysis is guided by Archer’s terms primary agency (which results from social rank), corporate agency (which results from social organisation) and social actorship (which results from the unification of personal identity with social roles). The research finds that chance and male sanctioning were present in these women’s involvement in translation, but that a strong exercise of agency was present which was personally motivated. Agency involved no organisation, however, and neither sought nor achieved social change. Yet, three of the four translators were able to achieve social actorship, whereby their role as translators was successfully united with their personal identity.
Community Translation and Modern Philosophy
Authors: Naudé Jacobus A , Miller-Naudé Cynthia L
Published: January 2024

The Rosetta Stele, an inscribed stone slab, was discovered in July 1799 near the town of Rashid, ancient Rosetta, which is situated in the western part of the Nile delta of Egypt, by soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invading army. After the French surrender of Egypt in 1801, the stele passed into British hands and is now in the British Museum in London. The commemorative stele contains three versions of the same text (in Egyptian hieroglyphic, Egyptian Demotic and ancient Greek script, representing two varieties of the ancient Egyptian language and the ancient Greek language). It recounts a decree issued on 27 March 196 BCE by Egyptian priests during the Ptolemaic dynasty on behalf of Ptolemy V Epiphanes to commemorate his crowning. It took more than 20 years and various attempts by scholars to decipher the Demotic and hieroglyphic Egyptian texts. This was done by utilising the mechanisms of modern philology, which had been established as a field early in the 1800s. Standing on the shoulders of his predecessors, Jean-François Champollion was the first Egyptologist to crack the code of hieroglyphic writing by realising that some of the signs were alphabetic, some syllabic, and some determinative. The discovery and decipherment of the Rosetta Stele put multilingualism and the practice of translation and interpreting during the Ptolemaic reign over Egypt into focus. In this essay we describe the rediscovery, as well as the emergence and growth of new knowledge, that was unlocked by the decipherment of the Rosetta Stele, including its implications for African orthographies.
The Effect of Leadership Style and Competence on Performance With Job Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable
Authors: KAWISANA Putu Gede Wisnu Permana , NARINDRA A.A Ngurah Mayun , DHARMANEGARA Ida Bagus Agung
Published: January 2024

Throughout human civilization's history, it has been known that the dynamics and movements of an organization, to some extent, depend on humans as the implementers in carrying out organizational activities. When examined in general, the success of an organization or a company in achieving its goals depends on the components within the organization itself, such as leadership, employees, programs, objectives, facilities, and infrastructure available. Performance is crucial in a company because it is closely related to the activities carried out by employees. Mangkunegara (2010) defines employee performance as the quality and quantity of work an employee achieves in carrying out their tasks by their responsibilities. Competence is a fundamental characteristic of an individual that influences how they think and act, make generalizations about all situations they encounter, and endure within a person for a considerable period (Ruky, 2006). Leadership style has a strong positive influence on Performance. In an institution, organizational behavior factors also directly or indirectly affect Performance. This study focuses on all SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) near Badung Regency, using random sampling for testing variables with Smart PLS 4.0. From the research results, leadership style does not significantly influence employee performance; competence has a significant positive relationship with employee performance. Job satisfaction does not have a significant influence on employee performance. Leadership style does not have an indirect influence on employee performance. Competence does not indirectly influence employee performance through job satisfaction.
Analysis of the Use of Digital Marketing as a Media for Marketing Business Results in Border Areas Between Countries (Study of Banana Business Actors in Malacca Regency)
Authors: GIE Emilia , SARONG Yohanis S. , GIRI Erna , FOEH Ricky Ekaputra , NATONIS Sari A.
Published: January 2024

The digital era and the Industrial Revolution 4.0 have had an impact on people's lives, especially in the marketing of banana commodities in Malaka Regency, one of the districts that shares a land border with the State of Timor Leste. The method used in this research is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach with a total of 60 informants who were determined purposively then the collected primary and secondary data were analyzed using data analysis techniques from Creswell (2016). The research results found the use of digital marketing as a media for marketing business results in border areas between countries by banana business actors in Malacca Regency, so the author uses digital marketing indicators by Nasdini (2012:32) which are constrained by aspects (a) internet network accessibility, (b) interactivity with the absence of two-way communication between producers and consumers and (c) entertainment which is still minimal, while the inhibiting factors for the use of digital marketing as a media for marketing business results in border areas between countries by banana business actors in Malacca Regency are; (a) internet infrastructure, (b) don't have a smartphone, (c) no workforce to deliver products to consumers outside the village, (d) don't know the market place.
Evidence of Weak Circumstellar Medium Interaction in the Type II SN 2023axu
Authors: Shrestha Manisha , Pearson Jeniveve , Wyatt Samuel , Sand David J. , Hosseinzadeh Griffin , Bostroem K. Azalee , Andrews Jennifer E. , Dong 董 Yize 一泽 , Hoang Emily , Janzen Daryl , Jencson Jacob E. , Lundquist Michael , Mehta Darshana , Retamal Nicolás Meza , Valenti Stefano , Rastinejad Jillian C. , Daly Phil , Porter Dallan , Hinz Joannah , Self Skyler , Weiner Benjamin , Williams G. Grant , Hiramatsu Daichi , Howell D. Andrew , McCully Curtis , Gonzalez Estefania Padilla , Pellegrino Craig , Terreran Giacomo , Newsome Megan , Farah Joseph , Itagaki Koichi , Jha Saurabh W. , Kwok Lindsey , Smith Nathan , Schwab Michaela , Rho Jeonghee , Yang Yi
Published: January 2024

We present high-cadence photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2023axu, a classical Type II supernova with an absolute V-band peak magnitude of –17.2 ± 0.1 mag. SN 2023axu was discovered by the Distance Less Than 40 Mpc (DLT40) survey within 1 day of the last nondetection in the nearby galaxy NGC 2283 at 13.7 Mpc. We modeled the early light curve using a recently updated shock cooling model that includes the effects of line blanketing and found the explosion epoch to be MJD 59971.48 ± 0.03 and the probable progenitor to be a red supergiant. The shock cooling model underpredicts the overall UV data, which point to a possible interaction with circumstellar material. This interpretation is further supported by spectral behavior. We see a ledge feature around 4600 Å in the very early spectra (+1.1 and +1.5 days after the explosion), which can be a sign of circumstellar interaction. The signs of circumstellar material are further bolstered by the presence of absorption features blueward of Hα and Hβ at day >40, which is also generally attributed to circumstellar interaction. Our analysis shows the need for high-cadence early photometric and spectroscopic data to decipher the mass-loss history of the progenitor.
Whither or Wither the Sulfur Anomaly in Planetary Nebulae?
Authors: Tan Shuyu , Parker Quentin A.
Published: January 2024

We present a thorough investigation of the long-standing sulfur anomaly enigma. Our analysis uses chemical abundances from the most extensive data set available for 126 planetary nebulae (PNs) with improved accuracy and reduced uncertainties from a 10° × 10° Galactic bulge region. By using argon as a superior PN metallicity indicator, the anomaly is significantly reduced and better constrained. For the first time in PNs we show sulfur α-element lockstep with both oxygen and argon. We dispel hypotheses that the anomaly originates from underestimation of higher sulfur ionization stages. Using a machine-learning approach, we show that earlier ionization correction factor schemes contributed significantly to the anomaly. We find a correlation between the sulfur anomaly and the age/mass of PN progenitors, with the anomaly either absent or significantly reduced in PNs with young progenitors. Despite inherent challenges and uncertainties, we link this to PN dust chemistry, noting those with carbon-dust chemistry show a more pronounced anomaly. By integrating these findings, we provide a plausible explanation for the residual, reduced sulfur anomaly and propose its potential as an indicator of relative galaxy age compositions based on PNs.
Depth-to-diameter Ratios of Fresh Craters on the Moon and Implications for Surface Age Estimates
Authors: Hoover Rachael H. , Robbins Stuart J. , Hynek Brian M. , Hayne Paul O.
Published: January 2024

The depth-to-diameter (d/D) ratios of small lunar craters (D < 400 m) can be used to determine important properties of the upper regolith, specifically material strength or thickness. The d/D is also an important component of topographic diffusion models that describe how different erosive processes influence and change the topography of a surface over time, and these models have been applied to estimate surface ages. These models must make assumptions regarding rates of erosion and the initial d/D of a crater. Previous works investigating d/D of small craters, which use various methodologies to calculate depth, typically assume that a fresh appearing crater is a young crater. Work presented here provides d/D measurements of known—rather than assumed—young, meter-scale craters to provide better constraints on small crater depths and to help further our understanding of lunar surface ages and upper regolith properties. Given the interest in impact crater modification at small, human scales on the Moon and the wide range of assumptions built into topographic diffusion models and their predictions, understanding whether the results for initial d/D from past work hold up under different analyses is critical. We observed no distinct trends in d/D for small, young craters and report a wide range of d/D from 0.08 to 0.215, in contrast with past work that derived different averages based on crater size. The variation in d/D may correspond to heterogeneous regolith properties or be a result of a data source artifact.
Camellia zijinica (Theaceae), a new species endemic to Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Lin Min , Ye Qin-Liang , Zhang Zhi-Jian , Liao Wen-Bo , Fan Qiang
Published: January 2024

A new species of the genus Camellia (Theaceae), Camellia zijinica, discovered in the Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China, is characterized and illustrated. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes suggested its affinity with C. drupifera, C. oleifera and C. fluviatilis, however, it morphologically differs from all of the latter by leaf shape and size. Phonologically, it most closely resembles C. microphylla, but can be distinguished from the latter by its young branchlets glabrous (vs. densely pubescent), fewer bracteoles and sepals, diverse leaf shape, midvein raised slightly with sparsely pubescent or glabrous (vs. prominently with densely pubescent) and leaf adaxially matt (vs. vernicose) when dried. By morphological and molecular analyses, Camellia zijinica represented a distinct new species of C. sect. Paracamellia.
Quality of cookies supplemented with various levels of turmeric by-product powder
Authors: Le Thi Thuy , Nguyen Trung Kien , Ton Nu Minh Nguyet , Tran Thi Thu Tra , Le Van Viet Man
Published: January 2024

Starch production from turmeric (Curcuma longa) generates residue, which contains different nutrients, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. In this study, the by-product of turmeric starch production was dried at 50 ℃ to a moisture content of 11–12%, milled, passed through a 70-mesh sieve, and then added to cookie formulation to increase antioxidant content and activities of the fortified cookies. The ratio of turmeric by-product powder (TBP) in the cookie formulation was varied from 0 to 12%. The greater the TBP ratio in the cookie recipe was, the greater the contents of ash and dietary fiber and the antioxidant activities of the fortified cookies. At 12% TBP level, the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the fortified cookies were increased by 6.4, 5.5, 4.7, and 6.8 times, respectively, as compared to those of the cookies without TBP supplementation. The increase in TBP ratio also enhanced the product hardness and reduced its diameter, thickness, and overall acceptability. The cookies with 9% TBP ratio were rich in antioxidants and the sensory quality was acceptable. Turmeric by-product powder was a good ingredient for antioxidant fortification in cookie products.
An $ {\varepsilon} $-approximate solution of BVPs based on improved multiscale orthonormal basis
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Jia Yuntao , Lin Yingzhen
Published: January 2024

In the present paper, we construct a set of multiscale orthonormal basis based on Legendre polynomials. Using this orthonormal basis, a new algorithm is designed for solving the second-order boundary value problems. This algorithm is to find numerical solution by seeking $ {\varepsilon} $-approximate solution. Moreover, we prove that the order of convergence depends on the boundedness of $ u^{(m)}(x) $. In addition, third numerical examples are provided to validate the efciency and accuracy of the proposed method. Numerical results reveal that the present method yields extremely accurate approximation to the exact solution. Meanwhile, compared with the other algorithms, the results obtained demonstrate that our algorithm is remarkably effective and convenient.
The effect of RAP content on fatigue damage property of hot reclaimed asphalt mixtures
Authors: Ding Longting , Li Yuan , Han Zhanchuang , Zhang Mengyuan , Wang Xuancang , He Lu
Published: January 2024

The fatigue property of the recycled mixture affects the structural design of recycled pavement. In order to explore the effect of different reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content on the fatigue properties of recycled mixtures, the fatigue properties of recycled mixtures were analyzed through an indoor fatigue test and finite element numerical simulation. Based on the phenomenological method and the dissipated energy theory, the fatigue properties of recycled mixtures with different RAP contents were analyzed and the fatigue damage of the mixtures were also studies under various strain levels. Based on the finite element numerical model of fatigue damage, the stress distribution and internal damage field distribution of trabecular specimens under different temperatures, strain levels and RAP contents were analyzed. The results showed that the anti-fatigue level of the mixture decreased as the RAP content was increased. The relative change rate of dissipated energy for different types of mixtures showed a two-stage change rule with the change of load times, that is, the value is large and decreasing, and the value is small and stable. The correlation between the plateau value (PV) and the fatigue life was established under the double logarithm coordinates, which could better analyze the influence law of the RAP content on the fatigue performance of the recycled mixture. Under different temperatures, strain levels, and RAP contents, the stress at the bottom of trabecular specimen and the overall damage field were mainly generated at the upper part under compressive stress and the bottom under tensile stress, and the damage field distribution area accounted for a small part of the whole specimen. According to the test results and fatigue damage distribution, it is recommended that the content of recycled aggregate in recycled asphalt mixtures be less than 30% to ensure good performance. The research results have important practical significance for the improvement of fatigue performance and engineering application of recycled mixtures.
A study of integrated pest management models with instantaneous and non-instantaneous impulse effects
Authors: Wu Liping , Xiang Zhongyi
Published: January 2024

The occurrence of pests and diseases during agricultural production affects the quality and quantity of agricultural products. It is important to evaluate the impact of various factors on pests to achieve optimal results of integrated pest management (IPM) during its implementation. In this paper, we considered the transient and non-transient effects of chemical control on pests and the effects on natural enemies at different times, and developed a corresponding pest control model. Detailed studies and comparisons were conducted for spraying pesticides either more or less frequently as compared to strategies for releasing natural enemies. The threshold conditions for global asymptotic stabilization of the pest extinction period solution was obtained. Using two-parameter and sensitivity analysis techniques, the parameters affecting the variation of the threshold were discussed. By comparing these two pest control strategies, we found the existence of optimal application and release frequencies. Finally, in order to control pests below the economic threshold level, the state-dependent pest model was numerically investigated. The results show that the presence or absence of chemical control of pests can depend on the values taken for the parameters in the model. Based on this information, pest control experts can make decisions about the best spraying time and the best release rate.
Extracellular enzymes producing yeasts study: cost-effective production of α-amylase by a newly isolated thermophilic yeast Geotrichum candidum PO27
Authors: Chaib Ibtissem , Dakhmouche-Djekrif Scheherazed , Bennamoun Leila , Nouadri Tahar
Published: January 2024

Enzymes are biocatalysts mainly used for their industrial potential in various applications. The present study aims to understand the enzyme production for biotechnological interest from a local yeast strain. From 100 isolates obtained from various biotopes, 78 strains were selected for their enzymatic heritage. Screening of α-amylase, lipase/esterase, and cellulase activities by rapid plate detection methods was carried out and the PO27 yeast was selected for its high capacity to produce α-amylase. In addition, this yeast strain exhibited good lipolytic and esterolytic activities, as well as low cellulase activity. A sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the 26S ribosomal RNA (26S rRNA) and a study of morphological characteristics identified the PO27 strain as Geotrichum candidum. The production of α-amylase has been studied in solid medium fermentation using various natural substrates without any supplementation such as olive pomace, potato peels, leftover bread, and mastic cake. G. candidum PO27 showed an improved production of α-amylase with olive pomace, thus reaching approximately 180.71 U/g. To evaluate the ability of this isolate to produce α-amylase in submerged fermentation, multiple concentrations of olive pomace substrate were tested. The best activity of submerged fermentation was statistically compared to the solid-state fermentation result in order to select the appropriate fermentation type. A high significant difference was found to rank the 6% olive pomace medium as the best substrate concentration with 34.395 U/mL of α-amylase activity. This work showed that the new isolate Geotrichum candidum PO27 has a better potential to produce α-amylase at a low cost in solid-state fermentation compared to submerged fermentation. Optimization conditions for PO27 α-amylase production through solid-state fermentation were achieved ‎ using a one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. The findings revealed that a high temperature (60 °C), an acidic pH, malt extract, and soluble starch were the highly significant medium components for enhancing α-‎amylase production. The use of olive pomace waste by Geotrichum candidum PO27 is expected to be effective in producing an industrially useful α-amylase.
El estudio del medio natural a través de fuentes catastrales y paracatastrales: la antigua provincia de La Mancha
Authors: Fidalgo Hijano Concepción , Rodríguez Domenech Mª Ángeles , Corral Ribera Mario , González Martín Juan Antonio
Published: January 2024

El uso para diferentes investigaciones de las fuentes geohistóricas en el ámbito nacional e internacional se ha incrementado notablemente en las últimas décadas. En este contexto, el estudio del medio natural, y su evolución a lo largo de los siglos para obtener una mejor y más completa comprensión del mismo, es el objetivo propuesto en este trabajo, si bien restringido al ámbito de las fuentes españolas del período comprendido entre los siglos XVI y XIX. Entre ellas, las fuentes catastrales y paracatastrales se erigen en protagonistas debido a la extensión territorial que generalmente abarcan y a la aplicación de interrogatorios idénticos para todas y cada una de las localidades analizadas.
Una de las aportaciones de este estudio consiste en el análisis de este tipo de fuentes con el fin de reconstruir los paisajes naturales históricos examinando y valorando su aportación, así como la interpretación de la información suministrada. Estudio que hemos querido circunscribir a un territorio concreto -el de la antigua provincia de La Mancha- y ello con el fin de contextualizar espacialmente la información que esas fuentes proporcionan para así poderlo comprobar en un espacio determinado. La elección de esta región ha sido motivada por disponer de una mayor riqueza y mejor conservación de este tipo de fuentes.
Bergson’s Legacy among the Avant-Garde: Intuition, Aesthetics, and Political Ideology
Authors: Antliff Mark
Published: January 2024

In this article I will examine more closely why exactly Bergson’s philosophy of time and intuition proved so compelling to proponents of anarchist ideology, as interpreted by a key group of artists and activists affiliated with the London-based avant-garde movement known as Vorticism (1914-1918). As I demonstrate Bergson’s thought had special appeal among anarchists more generally because his process-oriented philosophy affirmed that movements’ ideological allegiance to notions of immediacy, affinity and prefigurative politics. Bergson’s philosophy enabled these radicals to reconceptualize ideology in terms of human psychology and social interactions, which in turn empowered the Vorticists’ to integrate art and aesthetics into their multivalent critique of the State. More broadly, this recasting of Bergson’s philosophy from an ideological perspective not only serves to distinguished the avant-gardes’ aesthetics from that of Bergson himself, it marks the crucial difference separating the era of the historical avant-garde from our own day, when Bergson’s thought no longer holds sway among contemporary political movements.
Two Political Itineraries of European Bergsonism: Georges Sorel and Thomas Ernest Hulme
Authors: Giordani Tommaso
Published: January 2024

The article examines, through the case studies of Georges Sorel (1847-1922) and Thomas Ernest Hulme (1883-1917), processes of politicization which Henri Bergson’s philosophy underwent in early 20th century Europe. It begins by outlining the paths that brought the two thinkers to read and endorse Bergson’s philosophy. Despite the fact that the former only really accepted the psychological arguments of the Données while the latter engaged much more with Bergson’s metaphysics, both were drawn to the French philosopher in virtue of the anti-determinist elements present in his thought. But when it came to bring this opposition to determinism to bear on political theory, their paths separated: whereas Sorel incorporated Bergsonian ideas in his revision of Marxism, Hulme found himself unable to erect a political theory on the basis of a metaphysics of flux. This significant difference is explained in generational terms. A Bergsonian cosmology of openness and transformation was seen as an excessively relativistic philosophical base for politics by Hulme because of the greater stakes that political commitment demanded from his generation – hence his conviction that politics could only be rooted in eternal, unchanging, absolutes.
Myth, Insects, and Surrealism: the Influence of Henri Bergson on the Writings of Roger Caillois
Authors: Roberts Donna
Published: January 2024

The focus of this text is the influence of Henri Bergson’s ideas concerning instinct, intelligence and myth on the work of Roger Caillois. My aim is to offer a reading of intellectual history which draws Bergson back into the orbit of the French avant-garde in the 1930s. In doing so, I highlight the axiomatic presence of Bergson’s ideas on Caillois’ work, which can be described as the combining of contemporary philosophical, cultural, and social science studies with the surrealist method, most notably exemplified by the unlikely juxtaposition of the study of relations between insect behaviour and the myth-making function in humans. While the historical reception of Bergson’s ideas has largely mapped the waning of his influence in the inter-war period, I wish to present one strong case in which Bergson’s thought continued to have formative influence. It is largely assumed in studies of surrealism that Bergson had been entirely rejected by the movement for political reasons, I argue that Bergson’s ideas were in fact central to Caillois’ writings on insects and society. As well as highlighting the Bergsonian core of some of Caillois’ key works as a member of the surrealist group and the College of Sociology, I propose that the presence of Bergson’s ideas within this radical milieu contributes to the ongoing discussion of the philosopher’s influence and legacy.
Quantum Computing AI
Authors: Nayak Ankita , Patnaik Atmika , Satpathy Ipseeta , Khang Alex , Patnaik B. C. M.
Published: January 2024

In the ever-changing technological environment, the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) with quantum computing represents an enormous potential frontier. This collaboration has the potential to transform industry, scientific research, and problem-solving approaches. At its heart, AI's function in the quantum computing age includes several transformational components. AI has infiltrated many facets of our everyday lives, from smartphone technology to autonomous car features and novel shopping experiences. Its seamless integration has recently become a major fixture, especially with the emergence of generative AI. Surprisingly, generative AI is set to take quantum computing beyond mere dreams and into the realm of quantum supremacy, where quantum computers vastly outperform traditional approaches. Combining AI and quantum computing might expedite and refine the latter's already impressive skills in addressing complex issues. Such a collaboration might elevate AI from outstanding to game changing.
Quantum Computing Smart Grids
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Patel Zalak , Ganatra Miloni
Published: January 2024

Throughout the past few decades, the electricity system's condition has evolved. The power grid has recently experienced a number of difficulties and problems. With power outages, grid failures, and a lack of smart technology on the one hand, and rising security risks on the other, there is a daily rise in the demand for electrical energy. These problems cannot be solved by the current electricity grid. Because of its key characteristics, the internet of things (IoT) has expanded quickly in a very short period of time. We can improve the conventional grid's efficiency, capacity, dependability, sustainability, scalability, and stability by integrating IoT into the electrical grid. The myriad issues that are present in smart grids are solved by using the IoT. Security concerns have been recognized as one of the main drawbacks with IoT enabled smart grid (SG) systems, according to the most recent research. The numerous security applications and elements of integrating the IoT with smart grids are reviewed in this chapter, along with various frameworks in the era of quantum computing.
Quantum Computing in Healthcare
Authors: Ambika N.
Published: January 2024

This research examined national elections' impact on crash risks of individual stocks listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The study used national elections as a proxy for political uncertainty and negative skewness of stock returns as a proxy for crash risk. On the industry level, researchers found nuances in which national elections' impact varies according to industry, with some industries tending to have a greater risk of crash than others during national elections and post-national election periods.
Quantum Internet of Things
Authors: Ghosh Debosree
Published: January 2024

This book chapter explores the integration of quantum computing and the internet of things (IoT) and its potential to revolutionize connectivity, security, and efficiency in data processing. The authors delve into the transformative power of quantum computing, the challenges and opportunities of integrating quantum technologies into the IoT landscape, and the implications for various industries. Additionally, they explore quantum-based security mechanisms and highlight how quantum computing enhances data processing efficiency. Through a comprehensive examination of cutting-edge research and real-world applications, this chapter aims to provide a deep understanding of quantum IoT and its transformative impact on connectivity, security, and data processing efficiency.
Gender Depictions in TV Advertising in the Gulf
Authors: Khalil Ali
Published: January 2024

This content analysis examines gender portrayal in advertisements in television advertising in the GCC, and contrasts those depictions with the results of an earlier study of the same region. Analysis revealed that stereotypical depictions of men and women continued to hold, specifically with respect to the association between the central figure's gender and the type of advertised product, as well as in background setting. However, in terms of roles (familial, autonomous) and location (home, occupational setting), as women continued to be depicted mainly in familial roles and at home, men were also increasingly portrayed progressively in familial roles and at home. The findings are discussed in comparison to extant literature and the changes occurring in the Gulf region with regard to gender roles.
Dynamic Research on Youth Thought, Behavior, and Growth Law Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Fu Qi
Published: January 2024

The growth and development of youth is related to the destiny of the country and the nation, and the cultivation of young people in the new era is of great significance. Youth is a special stage in life, and the ideological and moral concepts of young people during this period are still very malleable. In the process of educating them, it is necessary to grasp the characteristics and laws of their ideological and moral growth to be targeted. The characteristics of young people's ideological and moral growth are variability, subjectivity, practicality, and hierarchy; the laws of their ideological and moral growth include the law of guiding transcendence, the law of edification and internalization, the law of mutual promotion of knowledge, will and action, and the law of gradual progression. With the intensification of economic globalization, the Internet, and big data, the thoughts, behaviors, and psychology of young people are constantly changing, which poses a huge challenge to youth ideological and political education.
Recommendation System for Hairstyle Based on Face Recognition Using AI and Machine Learning
Authors: Kamble Yogesh M. , Kulkarni Raj B.
Published: January 2024

Many machine learning algorithms have been introduced to solve different types of problems. Recently, many of these algorithms have been applied to deep architecture models and showed very impressive performances. In general, deep architecture models suffer from the over-fitting problem when there is a small number of training data. In this article the attempt is made to remedy this problem in deep architecture with regularization techniques including overlap pooling and flipped image augmentation and dropout; the authors also compared a deep structure model (convolutional neural network (CNN)) with shallow structure models (support vector machine and artificial neural network with one hidden layer) on a small dataset. It was statistically confirmed that the shallow models achieved better performance than the deep model that did not use a regularization technique. Faces represent complex multidimensional meaningful visual stimuli and developing a computational model for face recognition is difficult. The authors present a hybrid neural-network solution which compares favorably with other methods.
Exploring the Potential of α-MnO2/ Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance at the Cathode of Alkaline Fuel Cells
Authors: Ullah Abid , Hussain Basharat , Khan Muhammad Raheel , Alam Kamran , Humayun Muhammad , Arif Muhammad
Published: January 2024

In the field of fuel cell technology, the development of cost-effective catalysts is crucial for the commercialization of Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells (AMFCs). Platinum (Pt) has traditionally been employed as the catalyst in AMFCs, but its high cost poses a major barrier to widespread adoption. In this study, a new catalyst material was developed by incorporating Manganese Dioxide (α-MnO2) into Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) using hydrothermal synthesis techniques. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its electrocatalytic activity was evaluated through Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) and CV through Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) experiments. The results showed that the α-MnO2-CNT composite displayed strong durability in the alkaline environment and high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The LSV measurements revealed a current density of -4.1 mA/cm2 and an overpotential of -0.3V relative to Standard Calomel Electrode (SCE) in a 0.1M KOH electrolyte. Additionally, the α-MnO2-CNT composite displayed high methanol tolerance and long-term stability compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. This study demonstrates that the use of α-MnO2-CNT as a cost-effective alternative to Pt has the potential to facilitate the commercialization of AMFC technology.
The Synthesis of Fe-Zeolite Catalyst by Impregnation Process and its Catalytic Performance in Glucose Isomerization
Authors: Permanasari Ayu  Ratna , Sihombing Rony Pasonang , Yulistiani Fitria , Paramita Tifa , Tsamarah Andin Faranitha , Meydillahaq Euglina , Wibisono Wahyu
Published: January 2024

A modified natural zeolite will be used as a catalyst in the isomerization process of glucose to fructose. It is modified by inserting Fe into its pores with the impregnation method so that the active site of the catalyst is formed as part of the isomerization process. This study aimed to make a catalyst from Fe-impregnated natural zeolite and determine its catalytic performance under various pH, temperature, and isomerization time conditions. The zeolite was activated using 6M H2SO4 and 0.5M KMnO4. The zeolite impregnation process was carried out using 1% (%w/v) FeCl3.6H2O solution with a ratio of (1:8) and continued with calcination at 500°C for 4 hours. The Fe-zeolite catalyst was characterized to determine the degree of crystallinity and crystal form, functional groups of its constituent compounds, and surface area. The isomerization process was carried out as a substrate of 10% glucose solution and 1 g of Fe-zeolite catalyst at various temperatures of 40, 50, and 60°C; pH 5, 7, and 9; a sampling time of every 15 minutes for 1 hour. The best fructose yield from the isomerization process was at a reaction temperature of 60°C, pH 5, and 45 min with a yield of 0.837%. It concluded that the Fe-Zeolite catalyst did not give a significant effect on the glucose isomerization process. It is expected that other researchers conduct similar research with different types of metal impregnated to give better results on the glucose isomerization process.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Performance of Concrete Reinforced with PET Fibers: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: dos Santos Danielle Ferreira , Moraes Martuchelli Anna Cecília
Published: January 2024

Most of the bottles manufactured with PET polymer (polyethylene terephthalate) are used in beverage packaging and, after use, are turned into garbage, causing environmental problems. The concept of recycling and reuse of these materials for use in civil construction can become an interesting solution for the reduction of urban solid waste that would be destined to the formation of large volumes in sanitary landfills. Seeking to minimize this problem, this work used discarded PET bottles, ground into fibers, to prepare a concrete-based composite. The behavior of concrete composites with the addition of PET fibers in different compositions 7.5 kg/m³, 10 kg/m³ and 12.5 kg/m³ was evaluated. The choice of these concentrations aimed to study the addition of a reasonable amount of PET, characterizing greater reuse of a recycled material, seeking to provide a reinforcement effect in the cementitious matrix. The samples were subjected to mechanical tests of axial compression and diametral compression in a duly calibrated hydraulic press. For the axial compression test, the composite with 10 kg/m³ showed better mechanical performance. Probably at this content, the fibers were better distributed in the concrete for axial compression, resisting more to the fracture point, surpassing the composite of 12.5 kg/m³ by 24% in resistance to compression. For the axial compression test, the composite with 10 kg/m³ showed better mechanical performance, because in this composition there was an ideal amount for the homogenization of the PET fibers in the concrete, achieving a greater reinforcement effect. For the permeability test, the composites prepared with higher percentages of PET showed a lower percentage of permeability (44% lower than the content of 7.5 kg/m³), absorbing less water in this composition, in an axial position. This can be attributed to the fact that the distributed PET fibers act as an impermeable barrier, offering greater resistance to water absorption in the material.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Cassava Harvester Lifting Unit
Authors: Edun Bose Mosunmola , Agbetoye L.A.S. , Ajayi Oluseyi O. , Salawu Enesi Y.
Published: January 2024

The research study employed the method of lifting to design a cassava lifting unit and its performance was evaluated using the power-take-off (PTO) of the tractor at 540 rpm speed and transmitted via the reduction gearbox of ratio 19:1 then to the driving mechanism (chain and sprocket) which drives the lifting discs to perform the third stage of harvesting cassava. The field test was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo State. Nigeria teaching and research farm with one variety of cassava (sweet cassava). The tests were conducted at 1m interval spacing to evaluate the effect of different levels of parameters on the performance of the implement. Forward speed, depth of cut, and soil moisture content (clayey-loam soil) were the parameters that varied. The harvester was operated at forward speeds of 2.0 km/h, 4.0 km/h, and 6.0 km/h, depth of cut 30 cm, 32 cm, 34 cm, and soil moisture content of 15 %, 17.5 %, and 20.15 % (wet basis) using a moisture meter. The parameters kept constant were, soil type, variety of cassava, and lifting speed. The field capacity or harvesting rate which is the area harvested per unit time was also measured. The lifting efficiency is high at an optimum moisture content of 20 % wet basis. The optimum forward speed and depth of cut for an efficient lifting of the cassava was 4 km/h and 34 cm at 60 % moisture content and soil penetration resistance was taken on the first day twice (morning and evening) at different depths. The final reading was taken three days after which rain had fallen. The increase in lifting efficiency and percentage of tubers harvested was 75% at optimum forward speed and soil moisture. Thus, the result showed that there is an improvement in the harvesting approach and method. Keywords: Cassava, Harvester, Lifting, Unit, Optimisation, Optimum. Corresponding Author: bosemosunmola@yahoo.com
Influence of Cow Bone Powder on Selected Engineering Properties of Lime-Stabilized Soil
Authors: Ayodele Folahan Okeola , Ajijola Taofeek , Usman Ohunene , Adekanmi Jonathan Segun
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the influence of cow bone powder (CBP) on consistency and compaction characteristics of lime-stabilized soil. Twelve soil samples were collected from four routes connecting Ado-Ekiti. Index and compaction tests were performed on the natural and stabilized samples. The soil samples were classified according to AASHTO groups and eventually restructured into four (4) groups: A-6, A-7-6, A-4, and A-7-5. They were named samples A, B, C, and D respectively. The oxide compositions of the samples were determined. Lime was blended with soils at proportions of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10 %, and the optimal lime content (LimeOpt) was obtained. The LimeOpt + soil mixture was mixed with 2, 4, 6, 8,10 % of CBP. The Soil + LimeOpt + CBP mixtures were subjected to consistency limits and compaction tests. Plasticity index (PI) of soils A, B, C, and D was 14.19, 21.06, 11.64, and 14.19 % respectively, while the MDD was 1640, 1730, 1630, and 1631 kg/m3. Soil A, B, C, and D + LimeOpt all had reduced PIs of 7.68, 16.40, 5.04, and 12.05%, respectively. For the MDD of soil + LimeOpt mixtures, 1789, 1920, 1906, and 1898 kg/m3 were also found for Samples A, B, C, and D. Soil + LimeOpt + CBP showed that both the PI (from 0.6 to 81.7%) and MDD (from 0.1 to 14.6%) improved. On the other hand, the addition of lime to soils A, B, C, and D showed that 8% lime content offered the optimal CBR performance. Further addition of CBP to the soil + LimeOpt mixtures equally improved both the soaked and unsoaked CBR of soils A, B, C, and D predominantly with 6% CBP addition offering the peak performance. This suggests that CBP is viable and can save cost, mitigate environmental hazards, and complement lime. Strength and durability evaluation of the ternary mixture is however recommended.
Isolation of a potential rock phosphate solubilizing Aspergillus sp. towards development of biofertilizer
Authors: Kumari L. R. L. S. , Senaratne A. , Wijesinghe W. R. P.
Published: January 2024

Phosphorus (P) is one of the key bio elements that limits agricultural production. Although Sri Lanka is endowed with rock phosphate deposits, practical means to utilize this resource are limited. Phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) play an important role in enhancing the bioavailability of soil phosphorus to plants. In this study, fungi from eight soil samples in Kaikawala, Sri Lanka, were isolated using spread plate method and analyzed for its phosphate solubility capacity. One fungal isolate with significant halo zones on Pikovskaya’s agar (PVK) plates, containing 0.5% tricalcium phosphate, was identified. After purification, the isolate was transferred to three media setups: PVK with 0.5% apatite (ERP) as the phosphate source, PVK with 0.5% tricalcium phosphate as a positive control, and PVK without P source as a negative control and analyzed for the solubilization index (SI). DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacers with 5.8S region of ribosomal DNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) was analyzed with universal primer pair ITS4-F/ITS5-R to determine the identity of the species. Fungal isolate PSF01 showed a phosphate solubilizing activity on both PVK media, ERP (1.07 ± 0.03 cm SI) and tricalcium phosphate (1.07 ± 0.01 cm), with similar effects (p > 0.05). However, the SI in the negative control was 1.00 ± 0.00 cm without halo zone (p < 0.05). The fungal strain is fast growing with initially white but quickly changing to black colonies after producing conidial spores on potato dextrose agar with distinctive conidial heads and pale-yellow lower surface characterized as Aspergillus. Sanger DNA sequencing identified the fungus as Aspergillus niger (99%) and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA11 software using reference data obtained from NCBI GenBank data to identify the isolated PSF01. Consequently, our preliminary studies demonstrate the importance of examining more soil samples to identify PSF for sustainable agricultural applications in the future.