bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key factors in the training process of legal professionals in the face of the environmental challenges of the 21st century
Authors: Hernández-Umaña Bernardo Alfredo , Ramírez Galvis María Alejandra , Anzola Ayelén
Published: December 2024

The objective of this article is to present the analysis we conducted regarding interdisciplinarity in the training of legal professionals in the Law program at UNAD, focusing on emerging anthropocentric and biocentric perspectives that offer a different view in the training process from territorial and environmental approaches. The program, which has been in existence for three years and being the first virtual modality program authorized in Colombia, is a pioneer in its field. In consequence, we ask ourselves: What are the relevant aspects in the training of legal professionals in the face of the environmental challenges of the 21st century? For this purpose, we used a qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews, surveys and literature review, highlighting the holistic and hermeneutic methods. We found five key aspects: a) interdisciplinary perspective in legal training; b) development of skills and competencies; c) paradigmatic changes from anthropocentrism to biocentrism from a pedagogical perspective in law; d) training of legal professionals with an environmental humanistic sense; and e) the territorial and environmental approach of the UNAD Law program. Furthermore, in the discussion, we analyzed the aspects identified above, based on complex thinking, professional skills and competences, environmental humanism and ethics in the exercise of the legal profession from a formative approach. We conclude by highlighting the importance of interdisciplinarity, critical thinking and the territorial approach as positive aspects with an opportunity for strengthening, particularly related with emerging paradigms and environmental humanism in law.
Revitalization Mechanism of Traditional Villages Based on Catalyst Theory: A Case Study of Leju Village in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Tian Mengxi , Ding Shaohua
Published: December 2024

China’s traditional villages face inactivity, decline, landscape damage, loss of cultural heritage, and ineffective governance. The primary focus of current conservation and development efforts in traditional villages is on promoting the revitalization of traditional village vitality and establishing an effective mechanism for revitalization and governance. The rejuvenation of traditional village vitality is a comprehensive demonstration of the catalyst effect. This article explores the revival mechanism of traditional villages through a spatial catalyst, functional catalyst, and cultural catalyst based on studying the connotation and function of the catalyst theory, taking Leju Traditional Village in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, as an example. The research findings indicate that (1) Leju Traditional Village has successfully transformed from a state of population decline, architectural decay, industrial decline, and cultural erosion to a renowned tourist destination and historical and cultural village. It serves as a model for revitalizing traditional villages, rural tourism development, new rural area construction, and rural revitalization. (2) The article examines and summarizes the three revival processes of Leju Traditional Village. Under the spatial catalyst, economic growth in the village’s vicinity is stimulated, villagers’ living standards improve, the village’s ecological landscape is enhanced, and tourism emerges as a critical economic driver. Under the functional catalyst, traditional houses’ functions are adjusted and transformed, social interactions are revitalized, activity venues are expanded, and activities are diversified. Within the cultural catalyst, the restoration of the One Seal historical buildings and Yi ethnic minority culture contributes to preserving national spirituality and heritage. (3) Building upon the revival of the Leju Traditional Village, a regulatory mechanism for catalyzing traditional hollow villages is established, focusing on events, industry, and construction guidance. The findings enrich the theoretical framework of traditional village revival and provide practical guidance for revitalizing traditional villages.
Transmission Performance Optimization of Wireless Sensor Networks Driven by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Chunhui Liu , Pengwei Yang , Ping Zhang , Chun Wang , Yinfu Bao
Published: December 2024

In this article, the transmission performance optimization of wireless sensor networks (WSN) is deeply studied, aiming at improving the transmission efficiency of WSN, reducing energy consumption and prolonging the network life through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. To accomplish the aforementioned goals, we devise an artificial intelligence-driven optimization model. This encompasses a detailed elucidation of the model’s conceptual framework, encompassing data preprocessing, feature selection, AI algorithm formulation, as well as verification and evaluation methodologies. Our experimental approach involves selecting representative WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) application contexts, with model efficacy validated through both simulated experiments and empirical investigations. The outcomes indicate that, when compared to the BPNN (Backpropagation Neural Network) technique, our proposed model notably enhances data transmission rates, mitigates latency and packet loss, and accomplishes superior energy management. It is concluded that artificial intelligence technology has obvious advantages in optimizing the transmission performance of WSN. A more efficient and reliable WSN system can be realized by intelligently sensing changes in network environment and dynamically adjusting transmission strategies.
III-harmonic Curves in
SL2ℝ˜
\widetilde {{\rm{S}}{{\rm{L}}_2}\mathbb{R}}
Space
Authors: Senoussi Bendehiba
Published: December 2024

Some work has been done in the study of non-geodesic III-harmonic curves in some model spaces. In this paper, we study III-harmonic curves in

SL

2

ℝ

˜

\widetilde {{\rm{S}}{{\rm{L}}_2}\mathbb{R}}

space. We give necessary and su cient conditions for helices to be III-harmonic. Also, we characterize III-harmonic curves in terms of their curvature and torsion.
Leaf herbivory in Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae): an evaluation of leaf position and age
Authors: Nogueira Rodrigo do Rosario
Published: December 2024

Leaf herbivory in Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae): an evaluation of leaf position and age – Abstract: Herbivory represents a critical interaction between insects and plants, involving physical defenses like trichomes that enhance plant resistance to herbivorous attacks, while galls—plant tumors— can drain nutrients from healthy tissues. This study aimed to assess foliar herbivory rates and analyze gall incidence in Miconia albicans in a cerrado stricto sensu area near Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. From December 2013 to March 2014, herbivory rates were documented biweekly using a digital camera, with subsequent analysis performed using ImageJ software. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine significant differences in herbivory rates between young and old leaves, while a GLMM test with beta error distribution followed by a Wald chi-square test examined variations in herbivory rates between high and low leaves. Fifteen plants were selected, marking one young and one old leaf, alongside one high and one low leaf. The incidence of galls was assessed across 50 randomly chosen plants, and the average number of galls per leaf was quantified in another 20 plants. The difference between galled and non-galled branches was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Findings indicated no significant difference in herbivory rates between young and old leaves; however, higher leaves exhibited reduced herbivory rates compared to those in the lower strata, suggesting that leaf position significantly influences herbivory. Galls averaged 19 ± 9 per leaf, predominantly on older leaves. The shaded microclimates of lower strata likely contribute to increased herbivorous insect abundance, underscoring the impact of leaf position on herbivory rates.
Floating Photovoltaic Systems in Italy: Challenges and Future Prospects in an Uncertain Regulatory Framework
Authors: Tedioli Francesco
Published: December 2024

In recent years, floating photovoltaics (FPV) has emerged as a highly promising solution for integrating renewable energy production into the global energy landscape. This innovative technology involves the installation of solar panels on floating platforms, offering a number of advantages over traditional land-based photovoltaic systems. First and foremost FPV enables the use of existing water surfaces, such as artificial reservoirs, lakes, and basins, thereby overcoming limitations related to the availability of agricultural or urban land. This feature is particularly pertinent in geographic contexts characterised by high population density and limited land availability, as is the case in many regions of Italy. Furthermore, floating photovoltaics offer a number of additional environmental benefits. The shading effect of the solar panels on the water surface significantly reduces evaporation, thereby preserving a valuable resource like freshwater, which is particularly important in areas prone to drought. Additionally, the natural cooling effect of the water enhances the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, increasing the production of electricity.
The Effectiveness of Agrarian Administration as the Basis for Protecting the Confidence of Agricultural Producers in Public Authority
Authors: Dobkowski Jarosław , Lipińska Izabela
Published: December 2024

The subject of the article is issues related to the efficiency of agricultural administration as a basis for protecting the confidence of agricultural producers in public authority. Agricultural activity is increasingly determined by the norms of administrative law. Specific in this case, the administration is entitled to build a certain institutional environment that allows it to appoint the bodies necessary for the implementation of the instruments that affect it, and thus to determine the activity of agricultural producers in the desired direction. The purpose of the article was to answer the question of what factor affects the level of confidence in public authority in agricultural producers in the course of their agricultural activities. The article concludes that the actual level of confidence in public authority depends on many factors, including, in particular, individual and collective confidence in the effective operation of the administrative apparatus.
Genetic diversity of the recovered populations of Mesocriconema xenoplax (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from orchards in Fars province, Southern Iran
Authors: Dehghan Ali Asghar , Ghaderi Reza , Karegar Akbar , Hesar Abbas Mokaram
Published: December 2024

In this survey, 14 populations of Mesocriconema xenoplax were collected from the rhizosphere of eight fruit and nut trees in Fars province, Southern Iran. The phylogenetic relationships of these populations with other representatives of the species were investigated using sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (COI) and D2-D3 expansion fragments of 28S rDNA. Phylogenetic studies indicated a close relationship of the currently sequenced populations with known haplotype groups (HG) in the COI tree and revealed two separate lineages in the 28S rDNA tree. Moreover, the genetic diversity of the populations was analyzed using seven ISSR primers as molecular markers. The estimated genetic diversity among populations regarding associated trees and geographic regions were low values of 3.3% and 5.9%, respectively, indicating high gene flow among the recovered nematode populations. On the other hand, the estimated fixation index (FST) was higher for associated plants than for geographic regions (0.611 vs 0.504) indicating that plant-based population segregation better explains genetic diversity in this species. This work expands our knowledge of the genetic structure of this cosmopolitan species of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Verification of Coordinate Measuring Machine Using a Gauge Block
Authors: Tóth Teodor , Dovica Miroslav , Buša Ján , Buša Ján
Published: December 2024

Two orthogonal least squares methods of the points approximation by a set of parallel planes are presented. Such an approximation can be used to study the measurement details of using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). A calibrated gauge block and a CMM with a touch measuring probe were used in the experimental verification. A comparison of the different CMM strategies is provided.
Multimodal Brain Tumor Classification using Capsule Convolution Neural Network with Differential Evolution Optimization Process
Authors: Senthilkumar C , Alabdulkreem Eatedal , Alruwais Nuha , Suresh K
Published: December 2024

Manual identification of brain tumors is error-prone and time-consuming for radiologists. Therefore, automation of the process is crucial. Although binary classification, such as distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors, is often straightforward, radiologists face significant challenges when classifying multimodal brain tumors. In this study, we present an automated approach that uses deep learning to classify brain tumor types using many types of data. The proposed method consists of three sequential phases. First, the median filter is used to eliminate any noise. For feature extraction in the second stage, linear contrast enhancement is used on VGG-16. The meningioma, glioma, and pituitary images are identified in the third stage of the brain tumor classification (BTC) process, which uses a modified capsule convolution neural network (CNN) design. The experimental results show that the brain tumor detection technique presented in this study successfully identifies the locations of tumor lesions. The results obtained were notably superior, with an accuracy of 98.34 %, a precision of 97.84 %, a recall of 05.34 %, and an F1-score of 94.56 %.
Energy Efficient Multimedia Transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks using Enhanced Adaptive Transmission Control Algorithm and Measurement Techniques
Authors: Sumithra S , Prabhu Sandeep , Prabhakaran M , Prabu R Thandaiah
Published: December 2024

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) face challenges such as high energy consumption, latency, and ensuring secure data transmission, especially for real-time multimedia applications. To address these issues, this study proposes the enhanced adaptive transmission control algorithm (EATCA), which integrates a bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM) model and chaos-based lightweight cryptography. EATCA optimizes energy consumption, reduces latency, and improves data security through the use of adaptive clustering and predictive transmission techniques. The algorithm uses meta-heuristic optimization for cluster head selection and fuzzy logic for route prioritization to ensure efficient data transmission. A chaos-based encryption scheme ensures data confidentiality with minimal computational overhead. The simulation results show that EATCA achieves 43.53 % lower energy consumption compared to traditional low energy adaptive cluster hierarchy (LEACH) protocols, a 96 % packet delivery ratio (PDR), and a 42 ms latency, making it suitable for time-sensitive multimedia applications. The system also achieves an 85 % compression ratio while maintaining security overhead as low as 7 %. These results make EATCA a reliable and energy-efficient solution for optimizing WMSNs and pave the way for scalable and secure network implementations.
Land use and agricultural plans as a tool for comprehensive implementation of spatial planning regulations for rural areas – A case study of Różan commune in Poland
Authors: Bielska Anna , Załęski Przemysław , Mroczkowski Robert
Published: December 2024

This paper emphasizes the importance of land use and agricultural plans in the spatial development of rural areas. The management of rural areas is one of the most important areas of action of the European Union. Planning and implementing a policy aimed at sustainable and multifunctional rural development is a major challenge for the Member States and their regions, as it involves numerous spatial changes. The Polish spatial planning policy lacks documents comprehensively regulating the management and shaping of rural areas, which is a factor that hinders their proper development. This necessitates the development of land use and agricultural plans which outline several solutions (land use and agricultural activities) to facilitate comprehensive management of rural areas. However, since there are no legal regulations in this area, they are not mandatory and therefore not widely adopted. This paper aims to set the objectives for a land use and agricultural plan for rural areas of the Różan commune, the implementation of which will aim at multifunctional and sustainable development of rural areas. The proposed indications will have a positive impact on the development of agriculture and non-agricultural functions, improvement of living and working conditions in the countryside, and protection of the natural environment in the commune. Due to the wide scope of spatial work included in the land use and agricultural plan, it is stated that this document can be used as an effective tool supporting comprehensive spatial planning in rural areas, significantly supporting the implementation of the provisions of local spatial development plans and other schemes. Comprehensive land consolidation is a special type of land use and agricultural activities, which brings multifaceted benefits.
Perancangan Meja Kopi untuk Penunjang Kegiatan Rumah dengan Material Rotan
Authors: Wijaya Kevin Chistiansen , Hairunnas Hairunnas , Herdiana Wyna
Published: December 2024

Di setiap rumah pasti memiliki furniturnya masing masing biasanya furnitur di rumah rumah besar berbahan material kayu selain karena kekuatannya kayu juga membawa kesan yang elegan, simple, dan estetik pada sebuah ruangan. Untuk rumah dengan desain minimalis kayu juga dapat meramaikan suasana di rumah tersebut karena kayu juga cocok dengan ruangan minimalis. Namun masalahnya harga material kayu cukup mahal beberapa produsen furnitur pun mencari beberapa solusi untuk menggantikan meterial kayu yang harganya cukup mahal ini di antaranya menggunakan material rotan. Rotan adalah jenis tanaman yang banyak tumbuh di Asia termasuk di Indonesia terbukti masyarakat pelosok di Indonesia telah menggunakan material rotan sebagai material untuk membuat benda seperti atap rumah, keranjang, topi, dan lain lain. Material rotan selain mudah didapat material ini juga mudah untuk diproduksi menjadi macam-macam kebutuhan manusia karena sifat dari material ini yang lentur, meskipun lentur material rotan ini juga kuat dan tahan lama.
Wayang Godhong Karya Guspur
Authors: Ramadani Milinia Fitri , Purwantoro Agus , Kartikasari Novia Nur
Published: December 2024

Wayang godhong merupakan seni kontemporer hasil karya Agus Purwantoro atau biasa dikenal dengan Guspur. Wayang godhong adalah karya seni berbentuk wayang yang berbahan dasar daun. Wayang godhong hadir sebagai seni pertunjukan yang out of the box. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui wayang godhong karya Guspur secara mendalam. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumupulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara, observasi, dan kajian pustaka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa wayang godhong tercipta atas permasalahan resistensi petani tembakau yang dijadikan media untuk menyampaikan pendapat. Selain itu kecintaan seniman akan lingkungan mendasari terciptanya wayang ini. Wayang godhong berkembang sesuai dengan perkembangan zaman. Bentuk viasual yang dari wayang godhong terdiri dari manusia, binatang, dan tokoh pewayangan. Wayang godhong memiliki tujuan untuk menyadarkan manusia untuk lebih menghargai alam dan Kembali pada hakikat daun yang sebenarnya.
Eksplorasi Sampah dengan Teknik Assembling dalam Penciptaan Seni Patung
Authors: Yudhistira Yusuf Ferdinan , Kuntoro Hadiyan Yusuf , Oktania Sintya Nurul
Published: December 2024

Ketertarikan pada bentuk-bentuk geometris mengantarkan perupa pada penciptaan karya yang banyak mengolah komponen visual yang bersifat terukur dan simetris. Ketertarikan tersebut diiringi dengan kegemaran mengolah benda-benda temuan atau sampah menjadi bentuk yang baru dengan teknik asemblasi. Asemblasi merupakan sebuah Teknik dalam seni rupa untuk merakit, menggabungkan, atau mengkonstruksi berbagai macam media menjadi sebuah karya seni. Jenis sampah yang sedang ditekuni sebagai komponen dalam penciptaan karya seni adalah sampah sisa dari barang pabrikan yang secara anatomis memiliki bentuk yang bersifat terukur karena dirancang menggunakan perhitungan matematis yang terkait dengan fungsi sebuah produk.
Plant growth, fruit production, and total terpenoid production in bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) with guano fertilizer application
Authors: Jamil Anna Moslihat , Melati Maya , Aziz Sandra Arifin
Published: December 2024

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is valued for its anti-diabetic properties due to terpenoid compounds like charantin, but production struggles to meet market demands. This study aimed to analyze the response of plant growth characteristics, fruit production, and terpenoid compound production in bitter melon fruit by improving phosphorus availability through guano fertilizer application as additional organic fertilizer in organic cultivation. The experiment was conducted from May to September 2024 at the IPB experimental station in Cikarawang, Bogor, Indonesia. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with varying guano fertilizer doses (0, 152, 304, and 456 g per plant). Observations were conducted on 10 sample plants per experimental unit. The observed characteristics included vegetative and reproductive growth, fruit production, and total terpenoid production. Terpenoid analysis was performed using a colorimetric method with an ELISA reader. The results showed that guano fertilizer significantly affected several plant growth and production variables. Higher doses increased several values of vegetative growth parameters, flower numbers, and fruit production. The 304 g guano per plant yielded the highest concentration and production of terpenoids. This study demonstrates the potential of guano fertilizer to enhance bitter melon growth, yield, and terpenoid content, contributing to improved production to meet market demands.
Keywords: net assimilation rate; organic; phosphorus; relative growth rate
О находках письменных принадлежностей в кочевнических памятниках золотоордынского времени
Authors: Харламов Павел Викторович
Published: December 2024

В представленной научной публикации рассматривается очень редкая категория вещевого инвентаря, связанная с развитием письменности в кочевой среде. Территориально представленные предметы происходят из кочевнических погребений XIII–XIV вв. исследованных в Волго-Уральских степях. Также в работе использовались случайные находки, хронологически относящиеся к этому периоду. Цель научного исследования – ввод в научный оборот новых предметов и создание свода находок, связанных с письменностью, на основе археологического материала XIII–XIV вв., обнаруженного в указанном регионе. Полученные результаты указывают о наличии письменности в кочевой среде, где наибольшее распространение она находит только у аристократии, которая могла использовать ее для ведения внутренней переписки, делопроизводства, а так же в литературном творчестве. Необходимо отметить, что на сегодняшний день, часть предметов связанных с письменностью в Золотой Орде, выявлена только в памятниках кочевников степной зоны Волго-Уралья.
Золотоордынская неполивная керамика с Багаевского селища
Authors: Недашковский Леонард Федорович , Волков Игорь Викторович , Шигапов Марат Баязитович
Published: December 2024

В статье рассматриваются золотоордынские неполивные керамические изделия с Багаевского селища второй половины XIII – XIV в. (найденные на памятнике монеты отчеканены с конца 1270‑х по начало 1360‑х гг.), располагающегося в Саратовской области. Комплекс, в частности, представлен восемью напряслами, двумя рыболовными грузилами, тремя «фишками» и двумя неопределенными изделиями. Показанная на иллюстрациях керамическая посуда представляет собой 21 кувшин, афтобу, кружку, две копилки, трубу, три светильника, два горшка, три котла, 22 хумчи и хум. Приведены статистические данные о находках неполивной золотоордынской керамики при раскопках Багаевского селища. Все материалы даны в сравнении с аналогичными комплексами из раскопок других близлежащих золотоордынских поселений Саратовского Правобережья.
Relationships Among Values, Design, Stakeholders, and Beliefs – A Preliminary Analysis of Student Perceptions
Authors: Howcroft Jennifer , Vale Julie , Kirkscey Russell
Published: December 2024

Emerging design processes like value sensitive design place greater importance on socio-technical and value considerations. However, there is a lack of consensus on whether technologies or engineering processes are value neutral or laden. This study explores engineering student perceptions related to value considerations and their broader beliefs. Twenty second-year engineering students completed a survey that included value statements, design priorities, Belief in a Just World questionnaire, and subsets of the Portrait Values questionnaire. Students consistently perceived that institutional and stakeholder values need to be considered in the design process but felt their own values had less importance. Some correlations between survey elements aligned with more traditional engineering mindsets while others aligned with more emerging engineering mindsets. Students with a more traditional mindset identified a smaller role for values in engineering design. There is a need for a larger, longitudinal study to more deeply understand student perceptions related to values.
Climate Subtleties and Urban Heat Island Effects and Their Adaptability: A Case Study of Lokoja, Nigeria
Authors: Saliu Oludare Abubakar  , Ahmed Abdulateef  , Bolukale Oluwatoyin  Adewunmi  , Saliu Habbib Opeyemi
Published: December 2024

This study examines weather patterns and thermal characteristics over a 20-year period. Key findings include changes in land use and cover, with a notable increase in impervious surfaces and a reduction in vegetal cover. Urbanisation plays a role in this transformation. In recent years, the impact of weather on human health, particularly in urban centers, has gained significant attention. The study investigates the degree and coverage of thermal discomfort among residents of Lokoja, Nigeria, focusing on the impact of decreased vegetation cover. Climatic data, including temperature and relative humidity, were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) archive. Rainfall patterns reveal Lokoja’s highest rainfall occurring in September, while the lowest is in October during the dry season. The average monthly temperature shows a peak in April, and the annual temperature reached its highest in 2010. Statistical tools, such as Thom’s Discomfort Index and the Humidex Calculator, were employed. Results revealed that thermal discomfort in Lokoja ranged from "noticeable discomfort" to "evident discomfort." Less than 50% of residents experienced thermal discomfort, while other extreme forms (such as "intense" or "dangerous") were not prevalent. The study recommends measures to mitigate thermal discomfort in Lokoja, emphasising the importance of addressing urban heat island effects and promoting green spaces.
To Access the Efficacy of Back-to-Back Physical Activities in Developing Cohesion among Different Communities Living Along the Border of Bomet and Narok Counties in Kenya
Authors: Byegon Kipkorir Joseph  , Dr. Mwangi Jane  , Dr. Waiganjo Boro Luka
Published: December 2024

More than 40 ethnic groups in Kenya are characterized by diverse religious and traditional backgrounds. Back-to-back physical activities are relied on as a mark of national unity and are thus critical in people's integration and co-existence. Thus, the activities are essential in developing cohesion among the varying communities that live along the Narok and Bomet County border in Kenya. The researcher used a quasi-experimental research design to engage teams from Narok and Bomet Counties in a soccer tournament for eight weeks and collected data using a questionnaire. The target population was different communities along the border of the two counties. The study employed Morgan and Krejcie's technique to determine a sample size of 148 participants from whom data was collected. Descriptive frequency and T-test analysis of the results was achieved using the SPSS software. The study found that as a social activity, back-to-back physical activity is positively correlated with positive change in an individual's perception of group integration and also influences the group integration and individual attraction to the group both as a task and social activity (p<0.01 <0.05). It was also established that back-to-back physical activity has a correlation value of r=0.36. Back-to-back physical activity is positively correlated to cohesion among ethnic communities that live along the Narok and Bomet county border in Kenya. Thus, the results of the study reveal that sporting activities can end the predominant war in Kenya along ethnic borders. Therefore, the study recommended that the community stakeholders in the two counties of Narok and Bomet organize periodic inter-ethnic back-to-back physical activities to enhance cohesion, build peace, and, consequently, end conflicts and wars.
Extraction, Chemical Composition Analysis and Antioxidant Capacity of Essential Oil from Fresh Leaves of Lantana camara
Authors: Harrison Martey
Published: December 2024

Conventional hydrodistillation yielded 13.38% of the oil extract. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed 76 components in the oil extract from the leaves of Lantana camara. The identified compounds represent 99.4% of the total oil extracted. The predominant components of the analyzed oil are 1,6-Cyclodecadiene, 1-methyl-5-methylene-8-(1-methylethyl) (2.7%), 3Z-Hexenol (5.4%), Caryophyllene oxide (5%), (-)-Aristolene (2.3%), 12-Oxabicyclododeca-3,7-diene, 1,5,5,8-tetramethyl (3.7%), 1,6-Cyclodecadiene, Linalool (2.6%), and 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane (2.8%), with α-Humulene (13.5%) and (E)-Caryophyllene (20.6%) being the two major components.
The total phenolic content of the oil extract is 2.029 ± 0.030 mg GAE/g, and the total antioxidant capacity is 1.255 ± 0.123 mg AAE/g. The percentage 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical Scavenging Activity was estimated to be 24.41%, with an IC50 value of 153.01µg/ml.
These results indicate that the extracted essential oil showed appreciable antioxidant capacity and (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, which could be attributed to the chemical composition of the oil.
The Impact of Teaching All Subjects in Mother Tongue in the Foundation Phase of Selected Schools in Warmbaths Circuit, Waterberg Education District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Zanele Constance Ledwaba
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this research is to critically examine the challenges faced by foundation phase educators when attempting to teach the various learning areas in the mother tongue of the learners and how these can possibly be overcome. Potential solutions should consider the respective roles that can be played by learners, educators, parents and the Department of Education. The study intends to contribute valuable empirical data on the significance of all role-players in the implementation of mother-tongue education in schools in the Waterberg circuit. The study also aims to contribute to the potential overall improvement of educator performance in the instructional process. The population of this study is comprised of selected managers (principals and heads of departments (HODs), educators, and learners, who are the primary role players in the context of this study. The study was limited to three schools and one circuit in the Waterberg Education District, which were randomly selected.
To conduct this study, the researcher used the qualitative approach, using structured questionnaires and interviews to collect the relevant data from the selected participants within their respective schools. Additionally, this study used the interpretivist research paradigm, which acknowledges the subjective diversity of how learners process and interpret the pedagogical information they are provided with in the classroom during the educational process. Once the data was collected, it was analysed and categorised in terms of the emergent themes.
The most significant finding of this study was the major significance of mother tongue in the education of foundation phase learners and how mother tongue usage evidently improved the learners’ overall educational and personal development. The transition to mother tongue instruction will undeniably be a major challenge to all role-players, but the potential benefits should outweigh all the short-term obstacles. Given the right training and materials, as well as extensive managerial and departmental support, educators and learners should be able to achieve tangible results in the medium to long-term academic years.
Influence of Digital Channels on Competitive Advantages of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Haretha Kalmoy Mohamed  , Dr. Francis K. Mutegi
Published: December 2024

The banking sector in Kenya continues to face increased dynamism, most of which has affected most of the banks' competitiveness. With thirty-nine banks licensed to operate in the country, only three banks control more than 70% of the market. This shows a low, competitive strength of the majority of the banks, a matter that has threatened their continued operation. The main aim of the study was to establish the influence of digital channels on the competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories: Assimilation Theory, Theory of Diffusion Innovation, Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Competitive Advantage Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The study was done in Nairobi County, Kenya's capital city. It houses all the head offices of the 39 commercial banks granted to operate in the country. Cochran's formula was used to compute a sample of 347 participants, which was obtained using simple random sampling. The study utilized a questionnaire to collect primary data, which was analysed using SPSS. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. The study found that most of the participants agreed that their banks offered various digital banking modes to our customers to enhance efficient service delivery, as indicated by a mean of 3.69 and a standard deviation of 0.81. Regression analysis was also conducted to determine the association between the variables. The findings of the study revealed that digital channels significantly influenced the competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya (P <0.05). The findings revealed that while commercial banks in Kenya have implemented various digital banking modes to enhance service efficiency, significant shortcomings hinder their competitive advantage. They noted that banks appear to lack adequate online platforms for customers to raise queries, indicating insufficient customer engagement mechanisms. The study recommends that banks invest in regularly upgrading their digital platforms to ensure reliability and improve user experience. They should establish comprehensive online platforms for real-time customer support and feedback, which will enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
Examining the Effect of Formal Tax Education on Filing Compliance: The Mediation Role of Procedural Tax Knowledge within the Informal Sector of Ghana
Authors: Fatimah Jibril Bawa
Published: December 2024

In Ghana, tax payment is considered a civic responsibility for all citizens and it is required for all to fulfil their tax responsibilities without hesitation. Nevertheless, in Ghana, few people barely pay taxes voluntarily, most especially within the informal sector. In view of this, the overall purpose of the study is to examine the effect of formal tax education on filing compliance and the mediation role of procedural tax knowledge within the informal sector of Ghana. The study adopted the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study employed the quantitative research method and descriptive research design. Three critical variables underscored the study: formal tax education, filing compliance and procedural tax knowledge. The study obtained data from 1,152 SME business people within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The data was obtained using 11-item questionnaires. Individuals of SMEs within the indicated region were sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique made up of simple random sampling and snowball sampling. Data analysis was carried out using the partial least squares (PLS) tool through SMART-PLUS software. The study found that formal tax education exerts a significant impact on filing compliance. Additionally, the study discovered that formal tax education exerts a significant impact on procedural tax knowledge. Further, the study discovered that procedural tax knowledge exerts a significant impact on filing compliance. Moreover, the findings show that procedural tax knowledge mediates the effect of formal tax education on filing compliance. In conclusion, it was revealed that the mediating role of procedural tax knowledge, as revealed by the study, also amplifies the impact of education on the actual filing behaviour of informal sector business owners. It suggests that providing a solution to both theoretical comprehension and procedural capabilities is very critical in propelling voluntary compliance among informal sector businesses. This is not the only gain that tax authorities obtain by raising revenue; it is also achieved by fostering a milieu of accountability and transparency. Therefore, the study underpins the need for more comprehensive tax educational programs, especially those targeted at informal sector participants, with the aim of enhancing overall tax compliance.
Influence of Product Innovation Practices on Financial Performance of Tier III Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Micheni Nkatha Matilda  , Dr. Dorcas Kerre  , Dr. Michael Makau
Published: December 2024

Tier III banks in Kenya have been faced with the risk of collapse due to poor innovative practices, low asset quality, inadequate capitalization, weak risk management practices, and a lack of liquidity. The banks face several struggles competing with large banks due to limited resources, lack of economies of scale, and inadequate innovative practices. By embracing innovative practices, these banks will develop and offer new products and services that meet the evolving needs of their customers, differentiate themselves from larger banks, and create value for their shareholders. The main objective of the study was to examine the influence of product innovation practices on the financial performance of Tier III Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population was all twenty-one (21) Tier III banks listed according to CBK categorization as of 1st February 2023. The census technique was adopted to encompass all the bank managers of the branches based in Nairobi County. The data was collected from both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, whereas secondary data was collected using data collection sheets for a period of 3 years (2020-2022). The study found that product innovation practices have a positive and significant effect on the financial performance of tier III commercial banks. The study recommended that tier III commercial banks in Kenya should enhance the adoption of innovation practices in order to improve their financial performance.
Navigating Sickness and Zoonotic Diseases: Managing Health and Well-being among the Nomads in Ghana
Authors: Abdulai Abubakari
Published: December 2024

Nomadic populations migrate uncontrollably across the West African sub-region. Their migratory tendencies have often marginalized them, denied them the opportunity to attain formal education, and also exposed them to diseases. This article applies the social constructionist theoretical perspective to nomads' ways of navigating difficulties in accessing health care services. Using interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and observations for data collection, the paper found that nomads are exposed to both human and zoonotic diseases, have poor attitudes, and have limited access to modern health facilities. They prefer traditional treatment and self-medication. They pose a public health risk, and the state must take measures to employ mobile health services to curtail this.
Factors Affecting Green Consumption Behavior of Generation Z in Hanoi
Authors: Le Huu Khanh  , Dinh Quang Dieu Khanh
Published: December 2024

The study's goal is to investigate the variables influencing Generation Z's environmentally conscious purchasing habits in Hanoi. The study surveyed 459 students from several universities in Hanoi. The study used a partial least squares structural model (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that four factors:

Environmental awareness,
Green product characteristics,
Green product price, and
Product availability affected Generation Z's green consumption behavior in Hanoi.

The social influence element modifies the other four factors mentioned above as well. Based on this, several suggestions are made for managers to establish a business plan that appeals to today's customers.
Chemical Warfare Agents: Structure, Properties, Decontamination (Part 2)
Authors: Shumeiko Olexander E. , Korotkikh Mykola I.
Published: December 2024

The review is aimed at summarizing and systematizing information about various methods of deactivation of chemical warfare agents that are necessary on the battlefield, as well as in laboratories, research institutions, and facilities of production, storage, and destruction of poisonous substances. The review presents the main directions of neutralizing warfare poisonous substances, which are the most effective in the conditions of their real use. In the second part of this work, the methods of deactivating warfare poisons using nucleophilic reagents, primarily α-nucleophiles, which have high efficiency and can react as nucleophiles and as oxidants, are considered in detail. A promising area of degradation of such products is the use of supernucleophilic systems based on functionalized detergents, as well as adsorption and photocatalytic deactivation methods. The material presented above shows the importance of general knowledge about the physical and chemical properties of chemical warfare agents, the rate of their decomposition, the advantages and disadvantages of certain available technologies for their application. This review can be useful for finding new and improving known methods for decontamination of chemical warfare agents and other ecotoxicants, and protecting the environment.
Penggunaan Vidio Animasi sebagai Media Edukasi Untuk Mencegah Anemia Pada Kehamilan
Authors: Susindra Yoswenita , Dewi Riskha Dora Candra , Satya Malinda Capri Nurul
Published: December 2024

Pregnancy anemia is a global public health issue and this condition contributes to morbidity and mortality rates among women. 42% of pregnant women worldwide experience anemia. In Jember, East Java, the coverage of pregnant women receiving iron supplement tablets is 88.6% of the total pregnant womens. A health knowledge questionnaire given to respondents in the Sumbersari and Kaliwates areas revealed that most respondents' knowledge about pregnancy anemia is still low. A community service activity on "The Use of Animated Videos as an Educational Medium to Prevent Pregnancy Anemia" has shown that this community service activity can improve the knowledge and attitudes of mothers. Most mothers were very enthusiastic about participating in the counseling activities using animated video media because the material presented was relevant to their needs.
Cloning, Expression and Identification of the Enzyme P450-SCA12 from Streptomyces cavourensis YBQ59
Authors: Thao Nguyen Thi , Anh Dao Thi Mai , Loan Do Phuong , Thuy Mai Thu , Bac Vo Hoai , Trang Nguyen Th Hien , Thuy Ly Thi Bich
Published: December 2024

The use of microbial cytochrome P450 as a biocatalyst offers significant potential for the development of natural compounds due to its ability to transform a wide range of structures with high regio- and stereoselectivity. In this study, a 1263 bp gene from S. cavourensis strain YBQ59, encoding the CYP154C subfamily enzyme P450-SCA12, was successfully expressed in E. coli CD43(DE3). The enzyme P450-SCA12 was produced in a soluble form when fused with thioredoxin (Trx) and 6xHis proteins from the pET32b(+) vector. After purification through ion affinity chromatography using a His-select® cobalt affinity gel column, the enzyme P450-SCA12 was obtained in an active form, with a molecular weight of approximately 63 kDa and a yield of around 1000 nmol/L from the Terrific Broth culture medium. Screening of substrates revealed that this enzyme specifically metabolizes three steroid compounds: testosterone, nandrolone, and 4-androstenedione. These findings highlight the potential of the P450-SCA12 enzyme from the actinomycete S. cavourensis YBQ59 in natural product development, particularly for metabolizing steroid compounds to create new steroid-based drugs.
Analisis Pengembangan Ruangan Terbuka Biru Pada Kawasan Wisata Waduk Lahor Di Kabupaten Malang Menggunakan Analytic Hierarchy Process (Ahp)
Authors: Adwinto Umbu Toku  , Debora Budiyono  , Dian Kartika Santoso
Published: December 2024

Lahor Reservoir has great potential as an attractive tourist destination. With high natural and visual resources both natural and built landscapes this is an attraction for local and foreign tourists. In addition to the potential, the Lahor Reservoir tourist area also has weaknesses including some park facilities that are not well maintained, trash bins that are not well managed, circulation areas that are dirty due to leaves and branches, thus disturbing the quality of tidiness and cleanliness in the area. Based on this, the development of the Lahor Reservoir tourism area needs to be directed appropriately in order to provide maximum benefits. So, there needs to be an effort to improve and develop Blue Open Space at Lahor Reservoir by identifying and analyzing the tourism resources contained in Lahor Reservoir. The general method used in this research is descriptive quantitative and the analysis method used is Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) where this method focuses on solving a problem based on stakeholder preferences. The weight of the alternative assessment shows the priority of the Tourism alternative 0.496, the Reservoir Ecology alternative 0.215, the Socio-Cultural alternative 0.173 and the Economic alternative 0.116. From the assessment of these alternatives shows the best results in the development of Blue Open Space in the Lahor Reservoir tourism area that is sustainable is a Tourism-based model. The development of Blue Open Space in the Lahor Reservoir tourism area is divided into three development zones, namely the core zone, buffer zone and utilization zone. Zones that are less suitable for tourism development will be used as the core zone. Zones that are suitable enough for tourism development will be used as a buffer area.