bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Academic Preparation and Performance to the Comprehensive Examination of First-Year Engineering Students
Authors: Terano Harold Jan R.
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive examination is an academic exercise that aims to determine students’performance relevant to their achievements in the previous years of their studies. In the oldcurriculum of the College of Engineering at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Philippines,a comprehensive examination is given to second-year students of all engineering programs.With the change in curriculum due to the K-12 implementation, this comprehensive examinationis being planned to be given to first-year engineering students. This study aims to explorethe influence of students’ academic preparation and academic performance on the comprehensiveexamination of first-year engineering students. The researcher analyzed the datafrom 468 first-year engineering students for the academic year 2018–2019 to determine thedegree of correlation between their academic preparation, academic performance, and comprehensiveexamination. Findings showed that senior high school (SHS) tracks have no relationshipwith the academic performance of civil, electronics, and mechanical engineeringstudents. However, for electrical engineering students, there is a relationship between theSHS tracks and their academic performance. Also, the college entrance test (CET) and academicperformance showed a relationship with the comprehensive examination. Findingsrevealed that higher ratings in the CET and academic performance tend to go with higherratings in the comprehensive examination and vice versa. Thus, a comprehensive examinationis an effective way to determine the extent of achievement of students in engineeringmathematics and sciences. This study did not consider any other factors that may affect theresult of the comprehensive examination.
Modification of an IMU Based System for Analyzing Hand Kinematics During Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Taif Nabeel Muslim  , Hassanain Ali Lafta
Published: October 2023

The hand of a human being is the most commonly utilized body part in daily activities. Assessing the functional capability is highly challenging and important in medical applications purposes. This research aims to design and implement a sensor-based system for function assessment and movements analysis of the hand by calculating the angular velocity, acceleration and magnetic field for the joints of the fingers during the daily activities. The proposed system was applied to two groups of volunteers: The first group consisted of seven males, whereas the second group consisted of seven females, and the results were taken by calculating the acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic field during activities of daily living (ADL). This study showed the system is important in hand movement and control function evaluation. The thumb and index fingers have similar pitch orientations while interacting, while the middle finger employs a distinct range. Yaw variables are less noticeable, but the variation in roll angles between fingers is.
Designing an Ethical and Secure Pain Estimation System Using AI Sandbox for Contactless Healthcare
Authors: Khan Umair Ali , Alamäki Ari
Published: October 2023

Pain estimation in patients having communication difficulties is vital for preventing adverse consequences such as misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and increased suffering. Traditional pain assessment tools relying on observer-based ratings and patient self-reporting are hampered by subjectivity and the need for continuous human monitoring, which have the potential to lead to inaccurate or delayed pain estimation. This paper presents an extensive literature review, a conceptual framework, and a systematic procedure for helping researchers develop a contactless, multimodal pain estimation system that leverages AI-based automation of standard pain assessment tools and scales within an AI sandbox environment. Our proposed concept aims to improve the efficiency of traditional pain estimation systems while reducing subjectivity and physical contact. This approach offers potential benefits, such as more accurate and timely pain assessment, reduced burden on healthcare professionals, and improved patient experiences. Moreover, the integration of the AI sandbox allows researchers and developers to experiment with AI models, algorithms, and systems safely and securely, ensuring that AI systems are reliable and robust before deployment. We also discuss potential challenges and ethical considerations related to the use of AI in pain estimation, emphasizing the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure the safe and responsible integration of this technology into healthcare systems. The paper lays a foundation for future research and innovation in pain management, ultimately contributing to better patient care and advancements in the field.
A Study of Robotics in Banking and Financial Services
Authors: Pant Sudhir Kumar , Agarwal Manjari
Published: October 2023

Banking and financial services are essential services for all organizations including government, public, private, academic, and not-for-profit organizations. The need for all government and non-government businesses to be digital businesses is on the increase, especially due to the situation arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations were forced to provide online service, even though the complete ecsystem like internet connectivity, smartphones, technology to deliver, or workforce readiness was not completely available. Robotics is a multi-disciplinary branch that designs machines that can emulate and replicate human actions, saving time and cost and improving the quality of service. The RPAs in banking and financial services can reduce costs, strengthen compliances, streamline operations, reduce operational risks, and can improve customer services. This study describes in general the emergence of robotics and studies robotics in banking and financial services.
Robotic Process Automation Practices in Big Data
Authors: Pallavi Pallavi
Published: October 2023

RPA, which stands for robotic process automation, is the business software category that has expanded at the most rapid rate in the history of the industry. The acronym robotic process automation (RPA) is quickly becoming a household name as it makes its impact in virtually every industry by facilitating the automation of labor-intensive and repetitive operations performed by humans more straightforwardly. The term robotic process automation refers to nothing more than a software solution that, in place of human intervention, imitates how humans interact with computing software and applications. RPA has already been implemented in virtually all repetitive business activities. Since we are currently living in the information era, there is an ever-increasing need for the extraction of patterns from raw data. As a result, there is a growing want for efficient tools to meet this demand.
Robotic Process Automation in Managing the Performance of Transport Sector Employees
Authors: Pareek Ranu
Published: October 2023

Technology is also the best way to keep employees aligned. When it comes to performance, being on the same page is critical, and manual processes can leave way too much to chance, so organizations and different sectors need new and sustainable technology like RPA. RPA is frequently utilized to improve performance and increase process efficiency in several crucial business operations. Additionally, repetitive and boring tasks that would otherwise consume important staff time are automated. RPA can thereby enhance the employee experience. Several phrases that have swiftly become buzzwords have appeared in the IT world during the past several years. Robotic process automation may be the newest “buzzword.” Before their precise definitions were agreed upon or understood, all these terms—from AI to big data to GDPR—were making noise. These buzzwords often fade down and blend into the common tech lexicon until the next one emerges after a period of enthusiasm and misuse.
Public Engagement in Smart City Management
Authors: Thakkar Sagar
Published: October 2023

The smart city development initiatives, traditionally, have mainly focused on use of technology for better governance, creating facilities for public and facilitating administration. However, this focused more on developing sophisticated technology, creating and maintaining databases, advanced computing, etc. Such approaches, however, have resulted in involvement of high cost and less returns, leading to under-delivery of potential benefits of smart city concept. A smart city to reach its full potential requires a people-centric initiative which is about citizens living there and which is centred around their needs and problems that they face. These public-centric initiatives are about involvement of the public in its development and implementation. In other words, these people-centric smart city initiatives are about ‘collaborative technology' that brings about collaboration among urban communities, citizens, and city governments. This chapter is an attempt to study some of the people-centric smart city initiatives of the world.
Credit Access, Crop Output, and Welfare of Women Farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Abdallah Hamna A. , Damba Osman Tahidu , Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Alhassan Abdul-Razak , Salifu Issahaku
Published: October 2023

This study examined the effect of credit access on women farmers' welfare through crop output in the Northern Region of Ghana. The impact of credit on welfare through output was examined using the conditional mixed process (CMP) model on 300 women farmers. Credit access, welfare, and output were estimated individually and also within a conditional mixed process (CMP) system for choice of appropriate estimation due to endogeneity. Age, household size, extension access, and membership of farmer-based organization (FBO) significantly influence farmers' choice of credit source while credit access, expenditure on inputs, years of farming, land size, and membership of FBO significantly impacts on crop output. Crop output and off-farm income significantly influence welfare of women farmers. Pairwise correlation of credit sources revealed that Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) and Susu sources are complementary, and farmers who accessed credit from VSLA also accessed credit from Susu (rotating savings and credit associations).
Microcredit Applications in the Context of Empowering Women
Authors: Sahbazoglu Bilgenur , Alkan Işıl
Published: October 2023

Women, who can benefit less from the resources in the world and have less access to opportunities, are more likely to face the problem of poverty. This study aims to question the role and effectiveness of micro-credit practices in empowering women and increasing their participation in the workforce in the province of Samsun. The method of the research is the survey method. The universe of the research includes women using micro-credit within the scope of the Turkish Grameen Microcredit Program in Samsun. In this context, 104 women who were registered in the Micro Credit Branch Directorate in Samsun were included in the study. According to research findings, the majority of the participants participated in the workforce thanks to microcredit, the use of microcredit is an important tool in increasing the income level of the household, and the use of microcredit increased women's self-confidence; however, the amount of microcredit allocated is not sufficient to meet the needs.
Microfinance Schemes for Women Entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Subedi Soni
Published: October 2023

In today's globalized world, women are recognizing in the field of entrepreneurship. This study is on five central government finance schemes—Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), and Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)—applicable in the state of Sikkim. The aim of the chapter is to analyze the year wise growth of women beneficiaries. The data has been collected from government websites, journals, and through ‘Right to Information Act 2005'. The study is descriptive in nature. Microsoft excel has been used for data visualization. The results of study showed a significant gender gap in the implementation of schemes, which need to be addressed through awareness and networking at ground level. The deeper penetration of financial schemes will result in more entrepreneurship ventures run and managed by females.
Microfinancing for Women Economic Empowerment and Development
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: October 2023

Microfinancing is pleaded as the strategic intervention for uprooting poverty and underdevelopment especially in the developing nations. Women in particular have been targeted as recipients for microfinancing and key actors in the microfinance industry. The growth of microfinance was juxtaposed against its failure to impact on women's empowerment and development; hence, women became over-indebted or turned to be the victim of predatory lenders. This chapter argues that microfinance, despite its financial inclusive agenda, is trapped in the neo-liberal development policies through the commercialisation of loans for profit making by commercial banks. Microfinance has emerged with specific focuses on microenterprises; hence, it lacks prospects for women investing in larger and productive businesses. This chapter therefore is anchored on conceptual and theoretical debates and complexities underpinning microfinance or microcredit in the Global South.
Processes, Challenges, and Outcomes of the Self-Provision of Micro-Credit Schemes by Women's Groups in Chókwè Region, Mozambique
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: October 2023

The majority of poor people in Mozambique have been excluded from getting loans, even from traditional financial institutions, since they do not have valuable assets or credit histories to enable them to be legible from those loans. This chapter focused on the self-provision of micro-credits by the community grouping from the 4th Neighbourhood in Chókwè district as the selected case study. This chapter examines and evaluates the effectiveness of micro-credit schemes in alleviating poverty and creating jobs for women. The chapter found that self-mobilization and solidarity were crucial in enhancing the self-provision of micro-credit schemes. The data for this chapter was obtained through the use of interviews with 20 women operating under self-credit schemes at 4th Neighbourhood in Chókwè region.
Cloud-Enhanced Real-Time Disease Classification With Vital Sign Monitoring
Authors: Narayanan Lakshmi Kanthan , Selvaraj P.
Published: October 2023

The delivery of healthcare is an area where data access, processing, analysis, sharing, and storage between many parties is exceedingly important. In order to address this demand, cloud computing has gained popularity in a wide range of fields, including telemedicine, information management, and bioinformatics. The gestures of the patient were continuously captured and recorded in the cloud. The gesture recognition may be applied especially for the bed-ridden patients who cannot communicate verbally. The sample simulation of the clustering and disease identification with the gesture recognition was done to prove the efficacy of the system. In this chapter, various artifacts of cloud-based technology and the possibility of implementation in the healthcare sector is discussed briefly.
Improving Cloud Security Using Distributed Ledger Technology
Authors: Patel Rahul K. , Umesh Deekshitha Somanahalli , Patel Nikunj R.
Published: October 2023

The confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad is a fundamental principle for information security. The objective of this chapter is to examine this triad where blockchain technology can be applied to enhance security in cloud computing. The current pasture of cloud security is explored to identify the gaps and approaches for using blockchain technology to reduce those gaps are discussed in this chapter. Blockchain technology is well-recognized for its ability to ensure data integrity. The largest gap that can be reduced is in this area. With the decentralized and distributed architecture of blockchain, there are ways to leverage it to improve the availability of cloud security. Confidentiality, where encryption plays a significant role, has the least gap in cloud computing; however, since the responsibility for assuring confidentiality is on the user, blockchain offers alternative and additional strengths. This chapter also covers a detailed discussion of avoiding prevalent security threats by implementing blockchain technology in cloud computing for making it more secure.
Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning for Healthcare Data
Authors: Sangeetha S.
Published: October 2023

The evolution of technology has a significant impact on health data collection, transforming the way information is gathered, stored, and utilized in the healthcare industry. The big health record contains sensitive user information like contact details, health status, demographics, vaccination details, exposure history. It's worth noting that while the collection of big health records has been crucial for monitoring the patients' health history, it also raises important privacy and security considerations. Safeguarding the privacy of individuals' health data and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is essential to maintain public trust and protect sensitive information. Therefore, healthcare data must adhere to privacy regulations and ethical considerations. This chapter elaborates on key challenges and solutions in privacy preservation within federated learning. The key challenges include data heterogeneity, information leakage, attacks, and regulatory compliances.
Genetic Algorithm for Key Generation in Cryptosystems
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Deepmala
Published: October 2023

In this chapter, the authors explore the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) for key generation in cryptosystems. Cryptography plays a crucial role in securing sensitive information, and the strength of a cryptosystem lies in the robustness of its encryption keys. Traditional methods of generating cryptographic keys face challenges in finding optimal key solutions, especially as computational power increases. Genetic algorithms offer a promising alternative, leveraging evolutionary principles to optimize key generation. This chapter provides an overview of genetic algorithms, their application in cryptography, and various techniques for using GAs in key generation for secure and efficient cryptosystems.
A diagnosis of leptospirosis: a case report
Authors: Tetikkurt Cuneyt , Yanardag Halil , Bilir Muammer
Published: October 2023

A male individual, aged 54, exhibited symptoms including fever, rigors, myalgia, dry cough, and dyspnea. Ten days prior, he provided a description of an ailment resembling an upper respiratory infection. The recorded body temperature measured 38.2⁰C. The physical examination findings included the presence of scleral icterus, jaundice, conjunctival hyperemia, extensive ecchymoses at multiple locations on the body, an antecubital hematoma, bilateral basal rales, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. The White Blood Cell Count (WBC) was measured to be 1.100/mm3, Hemoglobin (Hgb) level was found to be 11.8 g/dL, the platelet count was seen to be 10.000/mm3,
Correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels with severity of work-related hand eczema among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Surya Danny , Marissa Melani , Budianti Windy Keumala , Rihatmadja Rahadi , Krisanti Inge Ade , Friska Dewi , Widaty Sandra
Published: October 2023

Background. Hand eczema (HE) commonly occurs in healthcare services, especially during COVID-19 pandemic era. Vitamin D shows various effects on skin inflammation. This study aims to analyze the correlation between HE severity and vitamin D levels as measured by serum 25(OH)D in healthcare workers. Method. This is an analytic descriptive study with a cross-sectional design conducted in Indonesia between September-October 2022. HE severity was assessed using Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI). Results. Among 44 healthcare workers with HE, 29 people had mild HE, 11 had moderate HE, and 4 had severe HE. The mean serum 25(OH)D level in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe HE was 17.85 ng/mL, 16.45 ng/mL, and 17.87 ng/mL, respectively, which belonged to vitamin D deficiency category. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and HE severity (r = -0.056; p = 0.359). Conclusions. There was no significant difference in serum 25(OH)D levels between subjects with mild, moderate, and severe HE. Serum 25(OH)D level was not inversely correlated with HE severity.
T6SS-5 and the cGAS-STING pathway in Burkholderia pseudomallei infection and immunity
Authors: Semail Noreafifah , Zuraina Nik Mohd Noor Nik , Ismadi Yasmin Khairani Muhammad , Mohamad Nurul Iman , Harun Azian , Aziah Ismail , Deris Zakuan Zainy
Published: October 2023

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a causative agent of melioidosis that can infect humans and animals in endemic countries, specifically in Southeast Asia and tropical Australia. A fundamental component for the pathogenesis of Burkholderia pseudomallei is the capability of the bacterium to enter, survive, replicate, and cause disease in a host cell by inducing the host cell fusion. Cell fusion results in multinucleated-giant cell formation, thus enabling the dissemination of Burkholderia pseudomallei intracellularly. cGAS reacts to Burkholderia pseudomallei infection by activating the cGAS-STING pathway and subsequently limiting host’s aberrant cell division and cellular replication by inducing autophagic cell death. In this review, we discuss the host-pathogen interactions between the type VI secretion system 5 (T6SS-5) of Burkholderia pseudomallei and human cGAS pathway in melioidosis infections. Since T6SS-5 is a main virulent factor in Burkholderia pseudomallei and the cGAS pathway is vital for host immune response, elucidating their functions is important for better understanding the pathogenesis of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Kaempferol and its derivatives: Biological activities and therapeutic potential
Authors: Parveen Shazia , Bhat Irshad Ul Haq , Bhat Rajeev
Published: October 2023

Kaempferol, a natural plant-origin flavonoid, exhibits therapeutic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. Kaempferol acts within several distinct mechanisms like apoptotic induction in cancer cells, enzymatic inhibition, signalling pathway inhibition, and downregulation in cell viability during the G2/M phase of cell division. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of kaempferol against several health ailments. The recent progress on kaempferol obtained from fruits and vegetables as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective agent and its mechanisms of action are also discussed. In addition, kaempferol has been reported to be present in wastes and byproducts from post-fruit and vegetable processing. Thus, a paradigm shift towards valorizing fruits and vegetable industrial wastes/byproducts to obtain bioactive kaempferol can support the circular economy pillar for generating wealth from waste and for finding a sustainable alternative source.
Enteric health of children in coastal Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Towhid Syeda Tasneem , Hasan Md. Amdadul , Hassan Zahid , Islam Mohammad Ariful
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To investigate the environmental factors associated with enteric diseases among children in coastal Bangladesh.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July 2018 and November 2018, enrolling 59 preschool children from Nabipur village in Bhola district and Paikgacha village in Khulna district. Keraniganj in Dhaka district was selected as a control village for comparison. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, including health information (height, weight, food habits, and hygiene practices), age and history of medication. Food, water and stool samples were also collected from the participants.

Results:

Children in coastal zones experience an average of 6 episodes per year as compared to 3 diarrhea episodes in Dhaka. The salinity of drinking water varied significantly across the study sites (480±30 ppm in Bhola, 450±36 ppm Khulna, 180±17 ppm in Dhaka). The coastal children had higher fecal calprotectin levels (67±2.7 ng/mg and 77±12 ng/mg in Khulna and Bhola, respectively) compared to those living in Dhaka (25±1.5 ng/mg). The levels of fecal calprotectin and fecal s100A12 were both positively correlated with the salinity of drinking water in Bhola (r=0.66 for calprotectin; r=0.51 for s100A12) and Khulna (r=0.77 for calprotectin; r=0.54 for s100A12).

Conclusions:

The study revealed a positive correlation between the salinity levels in drinking water and the elevated levels of fecal calprotectin and fecal s100A12 in children living in coastal villages of Khulna and Bhola in Bangladesh, whereas no such association was found among children living in central Bangladeshi locality of Keraniganj, Dhaka.
Efficacy of Glutathione Biomolecule in Reducing the Tooth Discoloration Associated with Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Split-mouth In vivo Study
Authors: Karuna Y. M. , Natarajan Srikant , Rao Ashwin , Nayak Anupama P , Thimmaiah Charisma
Published: October 2023

Background:

The necessity to modify silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to make it esthetically acceptable without affecting its beneficial properties keeps the research in this field pertinent.

Aim:

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of Glutathione (GSH) in reducing tooth discoloration associated with SDF.

Materials and Methods:

This split-mouth in vivo study was conducted on 20 children aged 3–8 years having a minimum of 3 active carious primary teeth. The three teeth in each patient were randomly divided into Group I – 38% SDF; Group II – 38% SDF followed by application of potassium iodide; and Group III – 38% SDF mixed with 20% GSH. Standardized photographs were taken immediately after application and after 6 months, which were analyzed using Image J software. The carious lesions were clinically classified as active or arrested after 6 months.

Results:

When mean gray values of three groups were compared postoperative, the highest value (lighter shade) was observed for group II and least (darker shade) for group I, whereas, during the 6-month follow-up, the highest value was seen for group III and least for group I. The color change from preoperative to 6 months’ follow-up was compared, and a statistically significant difference was observed between groups I and II (P = 0.003) and groups I and III (P = 0.001). When caries arresting effectiveness was analyzed, there was no significant difference found between any of the groups (P = 1).

Conclusion:

Mixing 20% GSH with 38% SDF was an effective measure in reducing the tooth discoloration associated with SDF, without affecting caries arresting the efficiency of the latter.
Effect of Submucosal Injection of Platelet-rich Plasma on the Rate of Canine Retraction – A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Arora Vinni , Sharma Rekha , Kumar Davender , Mohan Gayathri , Narwal Anjali
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity in orthodontics in the past decade. PRP is an autologous concentration of platelets rich in growth factors and is hypothesized to play a role in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) due to its bone remodeling capacity.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PRP on the rate of tooth movement in humans.

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen patients requiring bilateral extraction of upper first premolars were included in the study. PRP (×4) was prepared and injected in the alveolar mucosa, distal to canine on experimental sides. Canine retraction was initiated on the same day of PRP injection using NiTi closed coil springs on both sides. The amount of canine retraction was measured and compared between both sides at the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th weeks by measuring the distance between lateral incisor and canine on the cast.

Results:

Results showed mean displacement of 1.355 mm, 1.232 mm, 1.191 mm, and 1.085 mm on experimental side and 1.265 mm, 1.126 mm, 1.031 mm, and 0.879 mm on control side at the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th weeks, respectively. Although increased OTM (13.85% or 1.1 times faster) was observed on experimental side at all time intervals compared to the control group, the result was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

4× concentration of PRP does not accelerate OTM significantly.
IONIC RADII OF HALIDE IONS AND ITS CORROSION INHIBITORY ENHANCEMENT ON SIDA ACUTA.
Authors: UBANI L O .C , BILAR A. , NWADIRE F.C , ODIH C. , EKWERE M.S.
Published: October 2023

Corrosion Inhibitory efficiencies of Sida acuta leaf extracts in combination with halide ions (F-, Cl-, Br- and I-) as an enhancement on aluminum corrosion in H2SO4 was studied at room temperature (25oC) under varying acid concentrations of 0.05M, 0.1M and 0.5M using weight loss method. From the results obtained, Sida acuta acts as a good inhibitor for aluminum corrosion in acidic environment and it's inhibitory efficiencies increases with time of exposure. Based on the experimental results, the corrosion rate increases rapidly in the blank with a weight loss accelerating from 0.009g to 0.038g but with the introduction of plant extract, weight loss got reduced from 0.007g to 0.027g as well as having inhibition efficiency of 36% to 12% as the concentration of the acid was increased from 0.05M to 0.5M over the time series of 24 h to 96 h.. However, the inhibitory efficiency of Sida acuta in H2SO4 medium was further improved when halide ions were introduced. The weight loss of NaI moved from 0.002g to 0.011g and hence had the highest inhibition efficiency among the halide ions from 78% to 50% , NaBr showed a weight loss ranging from from 0.003g to 0.022g as well as having inhibition efficiency of 67% to 42% while NaCl showed a weight loss of 0.005g to 0.023g as well as having inhibition efficiency of 55% to 32% as the acid concentration was increased from 0.005M to 0.5M over the time exposure of 24 h to 96 h.. Nevertheless, the weight loss of NaF increases rapidly from 0.020g to 0.050g even more than the blank under the same reaction conditions and hence does not show inhibition efficiency. Therefore, the increase in inhibition efficiency (%I) and surface coverage (?) in the presence of the halides was found to be in a special sequence. . This synergistic effect increased according to the following pattern Cl- < Br -< I- suggesting a possible role by ionic radii in the corrosion inhibitory process which also increase in the order, F/F – ( 0.072/0.133nm), Cl/ Cl- (0.099/0.181nm) < Br/ Br - ( 0.114/ 0.195nm) < I/ I- ( 0.133/0.216 nm) . Fluoride ion does not show any inhibitory enhancement on Sida acuta owing to its least ionic radius..
Role of Transformational and Transactional Leadership Styles on Employees’ Performance with the Median of Organization Commitment, in Selected Higher Learning Institutions at Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: H. Sunga Happyness , . Lutego
Published: October 2023

This study examined the roles of transformational and transactional leadership styles on the employee’s performance in higher learning institutions in Mwanza. The study specifically aimed to identify the relationship between transaction leadership style and employee task performance, to determine if there is a relationship between transactional leadership style and employee tasks performance and to determine if transformational or transactional leadership style influences employee organization performance. The study was guided by situation and contingency theory as well as Transformation and transaction leadership theory. It employed a quantitative research approach and descriptive research design. The study employed a targeted population of 545 from which a sample size of 217 was used. Data in this study was collected through questionnaires and were analyzed using SPSS. V20 uses inferential statistics, descriptive statistics as well as regression and mediation analysis. The result obtained shows that overall model results R. Square of about 65%which is adjusted to 56%. Generally, R square and Adjusted R square were used to explain the power of the regression model in which the results of the model predictors explain 65% of the variation in the employee performance among the sampled respondents in the targeted higher learning institutions. The findings from the regression analysis show a positive and significant relationship between TRNF and EP. The regression formed a coefficient value of .643 and T-test was 2.092whihc was significant at .0002. Transactional Leadership Style (TRNS) was positively and significantly related to Employee Performance (EP). This can be evidenced by the coefficient of .528 and T-statistics of 2.241 which was significant at a level of. 001. The study also tested the relationship between Organization Commitment (OC) and Employee performance (EP) among the selected respondents. The Coefficient value was .556 and a T-Test was 2.85 which was significant at .000. The results from the analysis show a regression coefficient of .447 and a T-test of 2.040 which was significant at a level of .000. The study concluded both Transformational and Transactional leadership style has positive impacts on the task performance of the employee in the higher learning institution because through is a leader uses his/her acts to build my respect in the working place and also leader acts as a good role model to their employee hence employee as motivated to work in a committed manner to attain the desired organization objective whether long term or short term.
A MODELLING FOR SUSTAINABLE OIL PALM DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH HALMAHERA, INDONESIA: AN EVIDENCE FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY
Authors:   Universitas Khairun, TEAPON RIZAL RAHMAN H. , EVALIA NUR AFNI ,   Universitas Andalas, PURBA KHAIRUL FAHMI ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, RUMKEL NAM ,   Universitas Khairun, HAYATI P.K. DEWI ,   Universitas Andalas
Published: October 2023

Studies on sustainable development in Indonesia’s palm oil industry hardly focus on local communities. This study aimed to examine the indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) principles and criteria in a sustainability model. It was conducted in Gane Dalam, Jibubu, and Yamli villages in South Halmahera District, North Maluku Province using a sample of 200 respondents. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). SDG indicators were found to have a positive and significant effect on ISPO. These indicators include poverty alleviation, food security, gender equality, income, the processing industry, infrastructure, and conflict resolution. Other indicators include company consistency, overlapping interests, efficient natural resource use, land rehabilitation and conservation, and animal protection. Additionally, the sustainable development model moves from the social to environmental development pillar, impacting Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil standards and criteria.
JEMSTVO U KRIVIČNOM POSTUPKU
Authors: Marković Mihajlo
Published: October 2023

Author deals with bail, as alternative to custody in Serbian legislative. Bail is instrument for securing presence of the defendant and unhindered trial course. The Criminal Proceeding Code of the Republic of Serbia, defines conditions and procedure for exchanging custody by establishing bail. Current legislative solution is a subject to change and improvement, in order to achieve better application of bail, as it is supposed to be less harmful to freedom of the defendant, which represents basic human right. Finally, the author suggests certain changes in the Criminal Proceeding Code of the Republic of Serbia, as a possible solution of practical problems in the law enforcement.
PRAVNI POLOŽAJ POSEBNIH GRUPA PUTNIKA U AVIO-SAOBRAĆAJU
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Sekulić Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Passengers using air transport services have a guaranteed set of rights that ensure their use of these services in a reasonable manner. All passengers are subject to the general regime of rights related to the liability of the air carrier regulated by the regulations of the Montreal Convention, as well as the special rights guaranteed on the basis of Regulation 261/04 on compensation and providing assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights. Apart from of that general regime, there is a special regime of rights, that is, there are special groups of passengers for whom there are certain specificities in the regulation of their rights in air traffic. These groups of passengers include consumers, people with reduced mobility or with disabilities, children and people with monitoring. In addition to them, even though they are not provided with additional protection by any legal rule, certain specificities occur for travelers who travel for business purposes. The paper will provide an overview of the existing regulation related to the rights of passengers in air traffic, through the analysis of special groups of passengers in air traffic. Also, a certain direction of regulation change in this area will be observed.
DISCIPLINSKA ODGOVORNOST I SANKCIJE ZAPOSLENIH U LOKALNOJ SAMOUPRAVI
Authors: Raonić Rajko
Published: October 2023

The topic of the paper is the responsibility arising from the employment relationship and a detailed elaboration of what constitutes it from a theoretical and legal aspect. In order to approach the topic in a comprehensive way, it is necessary to define who the actual employees are and who the lex specialis law for this matter recognizes as an employee of local self-government. Namely, the local apparatus or local self-government as the employer of a large number of people/employees today, drew its internal organization from the Law on Employment in State Bodies and the Labor Law until 2016 until the adoption of the Law on Employees in Autonomous Provinces and Local Self-Government Units. By passing the already mentioned law, employees in autonomous provinces and local self-government units raise their rights, obligations and responsibilities to the rank of civil servants, and as far as legal coverage is concerned, they stand side by side with civil servants. The law in question was influenced by many legal texts, but the most dominant was the influence of the Law on Civil Servants. Such a fact is not surprising, because from everything presented, the attitude and course of the legislator is clear, which is to bring local self-government/organs, employees and everything related to those two constitutive elements closer to the European family of local self-governments. This intention was partially succeeded by the adoption of such a legal text, but the question remains whether every person employed in a local self-government is actually an employee of the local self-government.
SPECIFIČNOST RADNOG ODNOSA SPORTISTA U ODNOSU NA OPŠTI REŽIM RADNIH ODNOSA
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Mulasmajić Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

The employment relationship of athletes is a specific type of employment relationship that occurs in our legislation. The paper presents the characteristics of the working relationship of the athlete that sets him apart from others; special attention is paid to the important characteristics of the employment relationship of this type of activity. One of the characteristics is reflected in the exclusive conclusion of a fixed-term contract. Sports activity requires athletes to show their maximum physical performance through employment, which decreases over the years, which is one of the reasons for the existence of a fixed-term contract. The specificity of the athlete's employment is also reflected in the issue of earnings that are earned before the performance. Working hours, vacations and absences are adjusted to the regime of sports competitions and events. Unilateral termination of the contract, unlike other employment regimes for professional athletes, entails disciplinary sanctions and compensation. Voluntariness and exclusion of the public are also among the specifics of this type of employment.
A new record of Dendrobaena Serbica karaman, 1973 (Clitellata; Lumbricidae) from Serbia
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Popović Filip J. , Trakić Tanja B. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Stojanović Mirjana M. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Sekulić Jovana M. ,   University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies, Serbia
Published: October 2023

The new records of the little-known Balkan endemic species Dendrobaena serbica Karaman, 1973 from Kopaonik Mountain, Serbia, are reported. So far, the species has been recorded at four localities: three localities in Serbia (Čakor, Kragujevac, Niš) and one locality in Montenegro (Prokletije Mountain). The first records were from 1973 from the locality in southwestern Serbia (Čakor, Prokletije). A review of the geographical distribution of D. serbica is presented. The confirmed geographical distribution of the species includes only the territories of the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro. Also, its distinction from the taxonomic similar congeners Dendrobaena illyrica (Cognetti de Martiis, 1906), Dendrobaena sasensis Šapkarev 1983 and Dendrobaena vejdovskyi (Černosvitov, 1935) is discussed. Further, the habitats of this species are restricted to the uppermost litter layer in forest soil and humid forests near stream banks. This paper summarized the knowledge of the taxonomy, ecology, and distribution of a little-known Balkan endemic species D. serbica.
Potentially toxic elements in the edible part of trout (Salmo trutta L.) from the upper reaches of the Raška and Studenica rivers
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies, Serbia, Milošković Aleksandra M. , Radenković Milena D. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Đuretanović Simona R. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Kojadinović Nataša M. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Veličković Tijana Z. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Simić Vladica M. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia
Published: October 2023

This paper reports the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in trout (Salmo trutta L.) sampled from rivers Raška and Studenica in Serbia, which are assumed to be free of pollutants. The presence of PTEs, essential elements and heavy metals, in aquatic ecosystems is usually a consequence of anthropogenic activities such as mining, agricultural drainage, sewage discharge, industrial effluent discharge, gasoline leakage from fishing boats, and accidental chemical waste spills. The appearance of these elements in water and aquatic biota can also be a consequence of natural processes such as atmospheric deposition and weathering, earth’s crust erosion, and volcanic eruption. Since trout inhabits pristine upper reaches of the river, this species represents an appealing model to assess the biological impact of environmental and geochemical contamination in freshwater ecosystems. The concentrations of 14 PTEs in the edible part (EP, muscle + skin) of trout were evaluated. The data obtained in this study confirmed that freshwater, even if far from industrial and anthropogenic activities, can lead to the accumulation of PTEs related to the site’s geochemical morphology.
Antimicrobial potential of mushrooms Macrolepiota procera and Chlorophyllum rhacodes
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies, Serbia, Todorović Jovana D. , Vesić Aleksandra D. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Petrović Nevena N. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, Kosanić Marijana M. ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial properties of the acetone extracts of the mushrooms Macrolepiota procera and Chlorophyllum rhacodes. The microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and assess the antimicrobial effects against three bacterial and ten fungal species. Overall, the tested mushroom extracts had relatively strong antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration for both extracts related to the tested bacteria and fungi was 0.625 – 20 mg/mL. Extract of C. rhacodes exhibited more powerful antimicrobial properties, with ranged MIC values from 0.625 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The Acetone extract of C. rhacodes has shown the most antibacterial activity against S. aureus, while the extract of M. procera has not shown activity against S. aureus as against G. candidum. In comparison to the standard antibiotics as positive controls, the antimicrobial activity of studied extracts was less expressed. The results suggest that mushroom species may be used for pharmaceutical purposes in treating various diseases.
Obesity as a risk factor for Covid- 19 mortality: an overview of published meta-analyses
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies, Serbia, Obradovic Jasmina , Mladenovic Jelena ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Education in Jagodina,, Jurisic Vladimir ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Serbia
Published: October 2023

Obesity and Covid-19 affected the world in the form of pandemics. With this brief review was investigated whether obesity is a risk factor for Covid-19 mortality. The search procedure was performed in the PubMed database with restrictions on meta-analysis (MAs), systematic reviews (SRs), and papers published in the English language. A total of 326 papers were obtained, 11 of which were eligible for analysis according to the aim of this study. The reported odds ratio (OR) range was 1.05-3.76, and the reported hazard ratio (HR) was 2.1, but significant heterogeneity was evidenced by I2 values up to 89.1%. Eight MAs and SRs reported an association between obesity and an increased risk of Covid-19 mortality or severe disease, while two studies found no association. One study reported that the risk of Covid-19 mortality is related to morbid obesity with body mass index (BMI)≥40 kg/m2. Good quality MAs and SRs requires good quality of the included studies, which was a great challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic.