bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODERATING EFFECT OF INFLATION RATES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES AND STOCK PRICES IN THE KENYAN CAPITAL MARKET
Authors: Odhiambo Nyadoi E. , Obura Johnmark
Published: April 2024

There has been a downward trend in the equities market with NSE 25, NASI, and NSE 20 declining by 9.9%, 3.5%, and 5.7% respectively from 2012 to 2015 and 2017. Ever since the Shilling was allowed to float freely, the unpredictability of Nairobi’s exchange market has been largely observed and in 2006 February, the index in NSE 20-Share rose to 4057, 2007 January it went further to 5774, but in February 2009 it hit a low of 2475. The drop went further in 2011 by 27%. This brought about losses to investors for example in 2009 when brokerage firms collapsed. This has led to a loss of confidence in investors in the Nairobi Securities; and for this reason, researchers have to come in and work together to find ways of stabilizing our stock market. This research seeks to add value to the literature by analyzing whether the regulation of the interaction of inflation rates with exchange rates on stock prices will stabilize the undesirable situation. Stock market plays an important role of intermediation in the economy and enhancing investors’ confidence in the market can have a positive impact on resource allocation hence economic growth. Reviewed literature has found the effects both in the short-run and the long-run. The disparity of their results might be attributed to different countries that are being analyzed on different capital mobilities, economic links, trade volumes, and methodologies among others. This study established the moderating effect of inflation rates on the relationship between foreign exchange rates and stock prices. The study is built on the theory of stock prices. The research adopted a correlational research design. Time series monthly secondary data was collected from January 1998 to December 2018. Multivariate analysis was employed. The 2-step hierarchical regression which resulted in an R2 change of 3% was fairly a good increase in the predictive capacity for stock price changes. The study therefore concluded that Inflation Rates moderate the relationship between stock prices and exchange rates and recommends that the Central Bank of Kenya as the regulator and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) should consider formulating favorable policies to manage Inflation rates as it is an investment driver in the economy.

 

JEL: E31; D53; E44

 

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EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AND DOMESTIC INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM GHANA
Authors: Baah Michael Opoku
Published: April 2024

Exchange rate fluctuation is one of the critical determinants of domestic investment in Ghana. Though exchange rate fluctuations can have an asymmetric effect on domestic investment, other studies assumed a symmetric relationship between these variables. Using annual data from the period of 1980-2017, the Linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL) was used to investigate the symmetric and asymmetric effect of exchange rate fluctuation on domestic investment by creating two new variables to substitute exchange rate fluctuations (appreciation and depreciation variables). From the first objective, fluctuation in the rate exchange was found to harm domestic investment. The second objective confirmed the asymmetric effect of exchange rate fluctuations on domestic investment. Income had a positive effect on domestic investment which affirms the assertion of the accelerator theory of investment. The other explanatory variables included in the study, foreign direct investment and interest rate differential were found to be detrimental to domestic investment while domestic credit to the private sector had a positive effect on domestic investment. The study recommends that the Bank of Ghana should put in place long-lasting, effective, and efficient measures to stabilise the exchange rate.

JEL: F31, F41, E22, E44, E51, E52, E58

 

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THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF BANKS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Udeh Ernest , Duramany-Lakkoh Ezekiel K. , Bockarie Michael Fallah , Kollie James L.
Published: April 2024

This research aims to examine the impact of customer relationship management on the financial performance of banks in Sierra Leone. The research objectives inquire into the relationship between customer relationship management constructs such as customer knowledge, customer interaction, customer value, and customer satisfaction. The empirical literature reviews these very CRM constructs highlighted herein. Applying the mixed method of quantitative technique and qualitative, the population of this research was staff and customers within the banking sector. The sample size was 100 respondents (50 customers and 50 staff). The primary data was acquired from questionnaires and secondary data was acquired from published resources. The findings disclose that all four customer relationship variables (customer knowledge, customer interaction, customer value, and customer satisfaction) have positive and strong relationships with the financial performance of the banks.

 

JEL: E61, E62, P35

 

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ESTIMATION OF EFFICIENCY AND THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE EFFECT OF ACCESS TO FINANCE ON EFFICIENCY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN THE WESTERN AREA OF SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Pearce Richard E. O. , Bah Abdullah
Published: April 2024

To estimate efficiency and the impact of COVID-19 on the effect of access to finance on the efficiency of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, the study adopted the stochastic frontier estimation method of determining the efficiency of firms. A model of maximum performance (capacity) was estimated using 450 SMEs randomly selected from the population of registered SMEs in the Western Area of Sierra Leone from 2018 to 2020. The model of net business earnings was estimated using the Maximum Likelihood procedure and the firm efficiencies were consequently estimated. The mean inefficiencies are estimated by various categories, including SMEs' access to bank credit to determine firm characteristics that are associated with higher mean efficiencies. The empirical results reveal that the potential of firms is determined positively by capital productivity and labour productivity and negatively by the experience of firms, the latter results suggesting that more experience does not push their production outwards but inwards. However, other factors found significant in efficiency differences among firms include gender of the head of the SME, educational level, professional training of the firm heads, sector of operation and the area of operation of the SMEs. Moreover, firm mean efficiencies are not found to vary across the three periods 2018, 2019 and 2020, suggesting the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect firm efficiencies.

JEL: F13, F15

 

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EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN THE WESTERN AREA OF SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Pearce Richard E. O. , Bah Abdullah , Barrie Ambalieu , Smith Mohamed Ernest
Published: April 2024

The study aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of SMEs in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. An econometric model is used to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the determinants of SME performance in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. Using a confidence interval of 95 and a margin of error of 2 percent, a total of 450 SMEs were randomly selected from the population of SMEs in the Western Area of Sierra Leone from 2018 to 2020. In the OLS, the firms are considered homogenous while in the random effect regression, they are heterogeneous. The fixed effect is not investigated here because the model has dummy variables, which do not vary over time across firms and including them in a fixed effect model provides no coefficient for the pre-pandemic period and 2020 is the pandemic period. The results reveal that capital productivity and labour productivity have positive effects on SME performance in the Western Area of Sierra Leone with the productivity of capital having an elasticity of 0.20 in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic and that of labour being 0.64 in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Leverage has negative effect on firm performance in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic but it has no impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender difference does not matter during the pandemic. Professional training of SME heads without distinguishing recent or old did not matter for SME performance. However, the educational status of SME heads matters for robust SME performance but its impact is stronger during the pre-pandemic than the pandemic era.

 

JEL: F13, F15

 

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UNRAVELING THE USE OF COGNITIVE AND METACOGNITIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG MOROCCAN EFL FIRST-SEMESTER UNIVERSITY LEARNERS
Authors: Msaddek Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This study, drawing on the theory of metacognition as a lively research area in the field of educational psychology, is intended to explore the cognitive and metacognitive learning strategies (CMLSs) tapped by the English department first-semester university students in their learning practices. It is an attempt to evaluate the extent to which EFL learners resort to these ‘high-level’ heuristics for executing a diversity of learning-related tasks. To achieve this stated objective, this exploratory study targeted 63 Moroccan English department students. The data were gathered through the use of a ‘self-report questionnaire’ that addressed the learners’ recourse to (meta) cognitive learning strategies (CMLSs) along the continuum of their academic studies at the first-semester level. The outcomes reached manifestly exhibit that heavy reliance on cognitive strategies (CSs) and reduced dependency on metacognitive strategies (MSs) prototypically characterized the learners’ adopted processing modes in tackling differing learning tasks relatable to studying English as a foreign language (EFL). Hence, some actionable recommendations as well as a few limitations encountered in conducting this study are explicitly put forward.
 

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BRAZILIAN TEACHERS OF PORTUGUESE AS A FOREIGN PERCEIVE THEMSELVES AS LESS PREPARED TO TEACH GRAMMAR THAN THEIR EUROPEAN COUNTERPARTS
Authors: Lima Maria Luiza Cunha
Published: April 2024

Brazilian teachers profess to enjoy teaching and studying grammar and rank the importance of explicit grammar instruction similarly to their European counterparts or teachers from other nationalities. However, Brazilian teachers differ from other instructors when it comes to their perception of their own preparedness to teach grammar. They consistently rank themselves below their peers when it comes to evaluating their background formation, and their ability to find grammatical information when they don’t know it. They also rate the didactical materials at their disposal as less adequate than both foreign and Portuguese teachers do. This may be explained by the academic culture in Brazilian universities, especially when it comes to educating new teachers. There has been a consistent dismissal of the importance of grammar in Brazilian Applied Linguistic fields and the results of this survey may indicate that teachers could benefit and acquire security from a more comprehensive formational process. 

 

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INVESTIGATION UPON THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE EDUCATIONALISTS AND THE CHILDREN IN THE GREEK KINDERGARTEN
Authors: Sakellariou Maria , Pappa Alexandra , Anagnostopoulou Rodokleia
Published: April 2024

Quality in the domain of education comprises a high-significance issue through the prism of socio-cultural and financial developments that are taking place on a national as well as global level. The improvement of educational quality could be achieved through the reinforcement of interaction between the students and the educationalists, showing not only short-term effects but long-term ones as well. In the present research, the views of 1204 primary, general, and special educationalists are explored, on a Pan-Hellenic extent, about the quality of education provided within the Greek Kindergartens. The educationalists who took part in the research were asked to evaluate the proposals regarding interactions that take place within the preschool domain. From the analysis of data, it became clear that the quality of interactions is affected by the gender of the educationalists, the years of teaching service, and the number of children in each Kindergarten class. Every educational institute, to provide a high-quality education ought to develop strategies that encourage interaction between the educationalists and the children, constantly urging them towards new, more creative steps.
 

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INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ON INCLUSION OF LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN REGULAR PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYATIKE SUB-COUNTY, MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Okello Lazarus Millan
Published: April 2024

Inclusion of learners with disability is necessary for improving their enrolment and ensuring that their academic goals and objectives are met. Consequently, teachers and stakeholders have to identify any barriers that can deter the learners from achieving these goals. Interestingly, in Nyatike Sub-County, enrolment of learners with visual impairment in regular public primary schools has remained low at 10.1 percent compared to 33.6 percent in Suna East Sub-County, 24.8 percent in Suna West Sub-County and 31.5 percent in Uriri Sub-County for the years 2019 to 2023. Besides, the literacy level of learners with visual impairment is lower than the levels of learners with hearing and intellectual impairment in Nyatike Sub-County. Therefore, the study sought to find out the influence of the school environment on the inclusion of visually impaired learners in regular public primary schools in Nyatike Sub-County. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory was used to explain the roots of inclusion. A sample size of 98 (ninety-eight) respondents comprising 46 head teachers and 52 classroom teachers was selected using saturated and purposive sampling techniques. Pearson’s correlation, regression analysis,and ANOVA were used to analyse infferential data while qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed based on emerging themes and used for triangulation. The study established that at a 5 percent level of significance; the school environment significantly influenced the inclusion of learners with visual impairment, and accounted for 18.4% of the variation in inclusion of learners with visual impairment in regular primary schools. From the findings, it was concluded that the school environment (r= .433, p< .05) has a significant positive and moderate influence on the inclusion of visually impaired learners in regular public primary schools in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. The study recommends that school administration mobilize more teaching and learning resources for learners with visual impairment. The study is significant to policymakers in the educational sector to develop a framework that links the inclusion of learners with visual impairment and their success in educational achievement.
 

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RESEARCH TRENDS ON COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN THE PERIOD 2013 - 2023
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi Huynh , Ba Nguyen Thi Be , Quyen Le Thi To , Tien Ly My , Lan Mai Thi Kieu
Published: April 2024

Community-based tourism (CBT) has been around since the 1970s and so far, has grown in popularity in most continents. This study systematically evaluates and generalizes theoretical and practical issues on CBT based on 87 related articles published in scientific journals under the Scopus system from 2013 to 2023 through the application of content analysis methods. The results also show that research in this area has different research areas and mainly uses qualitative methods. The literature review identified a number of key themes including: (1) benefits of CBT development, (2) community and stakeholder engagement, (3) advantages and barriers in CBT development, (4) community perceptions about CBT, and (5) sustainable CBT development. The article has analyzed research trends on CBT: theory and application.
 

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USING PROBLEM-BASED SITUATIONS IN TEACHING FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A STUDY ON THE VIETNAMESE CURRICULUM
Authors: Thu Hang Nguyen Thi , Kim Phuong Dinh Thi , Thi Duc Le
Published: April 2024

Resolving issues in problem-based situations requires creativity and flexible thinking. Teaching through such scenarios not only creates engaging learning environments but also fosters holistic student development by promoting critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. Elementary school students are rapidly growing physically and mentally. Educating them on problem-solving at this stage establishes a strong foundation for future success. Implementing problem-based scenarios in teaching helps students learn to handle challenging situations, building confidence and creativity. By using such scenarios, students can connect the knowledge they acquire with real-life experiences, enhancing their understanding of its importance and application. This article explores theoretical principles for integrating problem-based scenarios in education, proposes a methodology, and presents various types of problem-based scenarios in elementary school instruction to enhance teaching effectiveness.
 

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Threatened fishes of the world: Schizothorax (Racoma) biddulphi (Günther, 1876) (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Wang C.X. , Serekbol Gulden , Hu L.H. , Yang L.T. , Huo B. , Song Y. , Chen S.A
Published: April 2024

In order to study the individual biology of endemic fish in China, lay a foundation for the conservation of its germplasm resources, and consolidate the basic biological data of endemic fish in the world. According to the ethical code and fishing permit, 21 samples of Schizothorax (Racoma) biddulphi (Günther, 1876) were collected from the Muzati River in Tarim River system from 2021 to 2022, and their morphological characteristics, age identification and anatomical observation were analyzed by classical biological methods. S. biddulphi has a long body, a conical head, a pointed snout and a lower mouth. Requires 2 pairs. The scales are small and neatly arranged; Bare or scaly chest; The lateral line scale is slightly larger. The lateral line is complete. The correlation equation between body length and body weight is: W = 4.148 × 10-5L2.791. There were 5 kinds of age identification materials: 15+ for lapillus and asteriscus, 14+ for vertebra, 11+ for opercular bone, and 9+ for anal scale. The peritoneal wall of S. biddulphi is black; The tooth type is 2·3·5-5·3·2; The gill harrow was 11~13 for laymen and 15~18 for experts. Diphysocyte; Gallbladder oval; The number of vertebrae is 4+42-43+1, and the number of ribs is 23 or 24. S. biddulphi is a special species in the Tarim River system, and its evolutionary adaptation is closely related to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENDATAAN OBAT MASUK PADA APOTEK HERBANA CILEGON BERBASIS WEB DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN PEMROGRAMAN CODEIGNITER
Authors: Supriyanto Darpi , Fadjar Shadek Teuku , Nurhayati Sawitri , Juliana Tiara
Published: April 2024

Herbana Cilegon Pharmacy is one of the places that functions as a public health service. Seen from its function, this pharmacy functions to provide medicines that the community needs to achieve good and optimal health. Herbana Pharmacy is still done manually, employees have to record drug data in a ledger, so it takes a lot of time. The data collection process at the Cilegon Herbana Pharmacy still uses manual methods and experiences many obstacles in data processing such as data collection, calculations and making drug stock reports. Because errors in drug data collection often occur, causing inconsistencies in the amount of drug stock data recorded in the drug supply book. To overcome this problem, the author designed a system that can help in collecting data easily and can simplify the drug data collection process. To build a sales system at the Cilegon Herbana Pharmacy, the author uses use cases, class diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, normalization and hypo, while the implementation uses PHP and MySql. The result of this research is that a web-based drug inventory information system for drug data collection is used to simplify the drug data collection process
Prediction and Classifications of Breast Cancer using Enhanced Convolutional Neural Network Approaches
Authors: Sathishkumar J  , Dr. Venkatasalam K
Published: April 2024

In worldwide women mortality increases extremely every year due to breast cancer and diagnosis of the issue through prediction is very much imperative for healthy lifespan. Here precision of cancer extrapolation is an essential thing for survivability of patient with appropriate treatment. Deep learning algorithms have materialised as influential tool for predicting breast cancer in medical image processing, which leverages capabilities of artificial neural networks (ANN) that are intended to mimic an architecture and functionalities of human brain. Superior features of convolutional neural network (CNN) in deep learning for handling image-based data like, exploiting spatial information, hierarchical feature learning, parameter sharing and data augmentation are important parameters in medical image processing. In this paper CNN algorithm is incorporated for predicting breast cancer in earlier and malignant stage, the results are compared with other deep learning algorithms and our proposed algorithm is expected to give better performance in parameters like accuracy testing, image classifiers, gene sequence classifiers and malignancy detection.
Influence of Marketing Capability on the Performance of Pharmaceutical Companies in Kenya
Authors: Okok Meshack , Deya Jared , Rotich Gladys
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The main objective of the study is to assess the effects of marketing capability on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Kenya.

Methodology: The population comprised the 415 pharmaceutical companies that are operating within the country. The study used stratified random sampling with sample size of 103 respondents. The study targeted both manufacturers and distributors. Primary and secondary data was collected using a questionnaire covering the five variables and background information. The data was entered in SPSS version 23.0 for further analysis, descriptive statistics was computed such that the study used mean, frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics to test the relationship between the study variables.

Findings: The correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive and significant association between marketing capability and firm performance (r = 0.608, p = 0.000). Regression of coefficients results revealed that marketing capability and firm performance are positively and significantly related (β =0.758, p=0.000). This implies that a unit increase in marketing capability would lead to increase in firm performance by 0.758. This implies that marketing capability significantly and positively influences performance of pharmaceutical companies in Kenya. Through marketing strategies, a firm is able to arouse interest of a customer to their products. It is concluded that the pharmaceuticals in Kenya have employed various marketing strategies that necessitate extension of pharmaceutical market hence improving performance.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended the pharmaceutical company’s management should embrace modern techniques of marketing to ensure they promote the sale of their products. The firms should prioritize customers’ feedback to adequately fulfil their orders. Pharmaceutical companies should also embrace uniqueness in branding and quality to form a unique selling point for the company to arouse interest of the customer in the market.
Solidaridad normativa y derechos fundamentales en el Código de Fronteras Schengen
Authors: DONAIRE VILLA FRANCISCO JAVIER
Published: April 2024

El presente trabajo examina el respeto de los derechos fundamentales
en el ámbito del Código de Fronteras Schengen (CFS). Primeramente, a la
luz del statu quo actual, jurisprudencial y normativo. A continuación, se examina
el impacto de la COVID-19 y de las medidas, carentes de precedentes, y sin bases
jurídicas claras, que hubieron de improvisarse contra la pandemia y que repercutieron
de lleno sobre el CFS (cierre de las fronteras exteriores, restablecimiento
de controles en las interiores y prohibiciones cambiantes de desplazamientos «intra-
Schengen») y sobre los derechos fundamentales. Por último, y también desde
la perspectiva del respeto de los derechos fundamentales, se aborda la incidencia
del Nuevo Pacto sobre la Migración y el Asilo sobre el CFS, a través de la propuesta
de modificación del CFS presentada por la Comisión y actualmente en trámite.

Lan honetan, Schengen Mugen Kodearen (SMK) eremuan oinarrizko
eskubideak zenbateraino errespetatzen diren aztertzen da. Lehenik eta
behin, oraingo ¿jurisprudentziako eta arauzko¿ statu quo-aren argitara egiten da
analisia. Gero, COVID-19aren inpaktua aztertzen da, bai eta pandemiaren aurka inprobisatu
behar izan ziren eta SMKn eta oinarrizko eskubideetan bete-betean eragina
izan zuten neurriena ere, aurrekaririk eta oinarri juridiko argirik gabeak horiek
(kanpo-mugak itxi ziren, barne-mugetan kontrolak berrezarri ziren, eta «Schengen
barruko» lekualdaketak debekatu ziren, debeku aldakorren bidez). Azkenik, oinarrizko
eskubideekiko errespetuaren ikuspegitik ere heldu zaio migrazioari eta asiloari
buruzko itun berriak SMKn duen eraginari, batzordeak SMK aldatzea proposatu
baitu eta, gaur egun, aldaketa hori izapidetzen ari baita.

This paper examines the respect for fundamental rights withinthe scope of the Schengen Borders Code (SBC). Firstly, it does so in the lightof the current status quo, jurisprudential and normative. It then surveys theimpact of COVID-19 and of the unprecedented measures, with no clear legalbasis, that had to be improvised against the pandemic and which had a majorimpact on the SBC (closure of external borders, reintroduction of internal bordercontrols and changing prohibitions on ¿intra-Schengen¿ movements) as wellas on fundamental rights. Finally, and also from the perspective of respect forfundamental rights, the impact of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum on theCFS is addressed, through the proposal for amendment of the CFS presented bythe Commission, currently under consideration.
En busca de solidaridad en la política migratoria laboral europea
Authors: SOBOTOVICOVA SIMONA
Published: April 2024

El legislador de la Unión Europea (UE) ha adoptado recientemente
diferentes marcos jurídicos en materia de política migratoria laboral europea. La
admisión de los nacionales de terceros países por motivos laborales para hacer
frente a las necesidades del mercado laboral, debe considerarse como uno de los
objetivos principales en varios Estados miembros de la UE. Sin duda alguna, el
mercado de trabajo europeo, cada vez más orientado a atraer y mantener el talento
para fomentar el potencial de crecimiento e innovación, requiere nuevos trabajadores
procedentes de terceros países. Además, la pandemia de COVID-19 ha
llevado a la adopción de medidas sin precedentes para afrontar las necesidades
en varias ocupaciones específicas con escasez de mano de obra, sobre todo relacionadas
con las capacidades en el ámbito de la asistencia sanitaria.

Europar Batasuneko (EB) legegileak zenbait esparru juridiko
eratu berri ditu Europako lan-eremuko migrazio-politikaren arloan. EBren zenbait
estatu kidetan, helburu nagusietako bat da lan-merkatuko premiei aurre egite aldera
hirugarren herrialdeetako nazionalak onartzea. Dudarik gabe, Europako lanmerkatuak,
gero eta bideratuago dagoenez hazkunde-potentziala eta berrikuntza
sustatzeko talentua erakarri eta atxikitzera, hirugarren herrialdeetatik datozen langile
berriak behar ditu. Gainera, COVID-19aren pandemiaren ondorioz, aurrekaririk
gabeko neurriak hartu behar izan dira, langile gutxi dituzten lanbide espezifikoetan
(batez ere, osasun-laguntzaren eremuko gaitasunetan) sortutako premiei aurre
egiteko.

The European Union (EU) legislator has recently adopted different
legal frameworks regarding European labour migration policy. The admission of
third-country nationals for employment purposes to meet the needs of the labour
market must be considered as one of the main objectives in several EU Member
States. Undoubtedly, the European labour market, increasingly geared towards
attracting and retaining talent to foster growth and innovation potential, requires
new workers from third countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has led
to the adoption of unprecedented measures to address needs in several specific
occupations with labour shortages, particularly related to healthcare skills.
Evaluating public spaces through the concept of other: A heterotopic approach
Authors: Buğra Tekinalp Seda , Şentürer Ayşe
Published: April 2024

This study offers a critical evaluation and an alternative urban reading method for public spaces in the contemporary architectural environment by examining the presence of different identities in different spaces through the concept of heterotopia and its expansions. The exploration of heterotopia as an instrument and its methodological application in the analysis of public spaces highlights the pursuit of culturally resilient urban environments that are adaptable and meaningful for all users. Therefore, the study formulates a systematic evaluation method for public spaces by incorporating a comprehensive methodology that integrates both theoretical exploration and practical observations. The concept of heterotopia, which unfolds through parallel text–space readings, has provided the opportunity for a comparative analysis based on the differences between its definitions and the user profiles and usage practices of public spaces. This study establishes a consistent analytical framework through a meticulously crafted "seven-step view lens" derived from an extensive review of architectural discussions on heterotopias. This innovative lens categorizes heterotopias into three distinct groups according to specific criteria and contexts, facilitating a detailed examination of public spaces' diverse aspects. By systematically categorizing the identified heterotopias, the study not only deconstructs their existing narratives but also proposes transformative strategies for future design interventions. Such categorization allows for a nuanced critique and interpretation of public spaces, potentially guiding the design of urban areas that are more inclusive and reflective of societal needs. These classifications offer a fresh perspective on public spaces, revealing their potential as platforms for vibrant social interaction and cultural expression, thereby contributing to the dialogue on urban resilience. Hence, the multifaceted nature of heterotopia offers a powerful lens for understanding urban complexity, informing a shift towards inclusive, sustainable, and resilient design. Ultimately, the study highlights the role of heterotopia as a method that interrogates the production of spaces coexisting with the 'other,' unravels its dynamics, and proposes an approach for creating dynamic, inclusive, and adaptive public spaces. This study will contribute to architectural discourse by offering a new perspective on how public spaces can be designed or reimagined to accommodate and reflect the diversity and dynamism inherent in contemporary urban life and offers a pathway for crafting public spaces that are resilient to social and cultural flux while serving as platforms for diverse community engagement.
Advancements and Trends in CNN-Based Handwritten Text Recognition: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: More Meghana Laxman  , Prof. S. G. Joshi
Published: April 2024

Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) is pivotal in transforming handwritten documents into digital format, enabling efficient search, storage, and information retrieval. In this project, we explore the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for HTR tasks. We comprehensively analyzed existing literature surveys to understand the current state-of-the-art techniques, methodologies, and challenges in HTR using CNNs. The survey encompassed various aspects including network architectures, dataset compositions, preprocessing techniques, and evaluation metrics. Our findings reveal the evolution of CNN-based HTR systems and highlight key trends in research, such as the integration of attention mechanisms and recurrent neural networks to enhance recognition accuracy and contextual understanding. Through this analysis, we provide insights into the advancements and future directions in CNN-based HTR methodologies.
Grape Leaf Disease Identification and Classification using Deep Learning
Authors: Prof. R. N. Muneshwar  , Mr. Mahesh Rahane  , Mr. Abhishek Athare  , Mr. Tanmay Mungase  , Mr. Mithilesh Raut
Published: April 2024

In the Indian agricultural context, where crop quality profoundly influences farmers' profits, safeguarding crops from potential threats is paramount. Our proposed solution employs deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to detect and classify grape leaf conditions accurately. By analysing image datasets, our system efficiently predicts grape leaf disorders and provides actionable recommendations. Through training the CNN with publicly available plant disease images and employing various visualization methods, we observed that neural networks can effectively mimic human decision-making processes in diagnosing issues, thus holding promise for enhancing agricultural practices and minimizing crop losses in the future
वर्तमान संदर्भ में गुटनिपरेक्षता की प्रासंगिकता
Authors: डाॅ. अर्चना श्रीवास्तव  , कामना देवी साहू
Published: April 2024

गुट-निरपेक्ष आंदोलन आज विश्व में प्राभावोत्पाद विचारधारा का प्रतिपादन करता है। गुट-निरपेक्ष आन्दोलन की उत्पत्ति एक विचारपूर्ण अवधारणा के परिणामस्वरूप हुई थी जिसका उद्देश्य नवोदित राष्ट्रों की स्वाधीनता की रक्षा करना था तथा युद्ध की संभावनाओं को कम करना था।
द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के बाद विश्व दो गुटों में विभाजित हो गया था- सोवियंत संघ एवं संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका उस समय एशिया एवं अफ्रीका के नये राष्ट्रों के सम्मुख अपनी स्वतंत्रता को बनाए रखने की समस्या थी जिसके परिणामस्वरूप गुट निरपेक्षता का प्रादुर्भाव हुआ। एशिया एवं अफ्रीका के नए राष्ट्रों ने अपनी स्वतंत्र विदेश नीति का संचालन करते हुए दोनों गुटों की राजनीति से अलग कर दोनों गुटों से समान रूप से आर्थिक एवं सैनिक सहायता प्राप्त करने के लिए गुट-निरपेक्ष नीति को अपनी विदेश नीति का आधार बनाया। इसके बाद एशिया अफ्रीका एवं लातीनी अमेरिका के अनेक देशों ने गुट-निरपेक्ष नीति ने अपने विचार प्रकट किये। वर्तमान काल में 120 देश गुट-निरपेक्ष आन्दोलन के सदस्य हैं।
अमरीकी गुट एशिया के नये राष्ट्रों पर अनेकों प्रकार से दबाव डाल रहा था ताकि वे उसके गुट में शामिल हो जाए लेकिन एशिया के अधिकांश राष्ट्रों पर पश्चिम देशों की भाँति गुटबन्दी में विश्वास नहीं करते थे। वे सोवियत साम्यवाद और अमरीकी पूंजीवाद दोनों को अस्वीकार करते थे। वे अपने आपको किसी वाद के साथ सम्बन्ध नहीं करना चाहते थे और उनका विश्वास था कि उनके उद्देश्य प्रदेश ‘तीसरी शक्ति’ हो सकते हैं जो गुटों के विभाजन को अधिक जटिल संतुलन में विभक्त करके अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय सहयोग में सहायक हो सकते हैं। गुटों से अलग रहने की नीति अर्थात् गुटनिरपेक्षवाद एशिया के नवजागरण की प्रमुख विशेषता थी। सन् 1947 स्वतंत्रता के उपरांत भारत ने इस नीति का पालन करना शुरू किया। उसके बाद एशिया के अनेक देशों ने इस नीति में अपने विचार व्यक्त किये। जैसे-जैसे अफ्रीकी देश स्वतंत्र होते हैं वैसे-वैसे उन्होंने भी इस नीति का आलम्बन करना शुरू किया। भारत के प्रधानमंत्री जवाहरलाल नेहरू, मिस्त्र के राष्ट्रपति नासिर तथा मुगोस्लाविया के मार्शल टीटो ने ‘तीसरी शक्ति’ की इस धारणा को मजबूत बनाया।
वस्तुतः शीत युद्ध के राजनीतिक धु्रवीकरण ने गुटनिरपेक्ष की समझ तैयार करने में एक उत्प्रेरक कार्य किया। लम्बे औपनिवेशिक अधिपत्य से स्वतंत्र होने के लम्बे संघर्ष के बाद किसी दूसरे अधिपत्य को स्वीकार कर लेना नये राष्ट्रों के लिए एक ऐसी भूमिका की तलाश में थे जो उनके आत्मसम्मान और क्षमता के अनुरूप हो। क्षमता स्तर पर किसी एक राष्ट्र के लिए ऐसी स्वतंत्र भूमिका अर्जित कर पाना एक कठिन प्रयास होता। जिसकी संभावनाएं भी अत्यधिक संदिग्ध बनती। अतः आत्मसम्मान की एक अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय भूमिका के लिए सामूहिक पहल न सिर्फ वांछित थी, अपितु आवश्यक थी। स्वतंत्रता और सामूहिकता की इस मानसिकता ने गुट निरपेक्षता की वैचारिक और राजनीतिक नींव रखी। इस प्रक्रिया को तात्कालिक राजनीतिक वातावरण ने गति प्रदान की।
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
Authors: Nitin  , Bhaskar Sati  , Ashima Mehta
Published: April 2024

The motivations are art, elegance, and ethics. Human error and negligence cause 90% of road accidents, making the human the important part in this process while also being the weakest link. Every year, numerous accidents are reported as a result of excessive speed and poor decision-making. According to a logical concept, every 1% increase in velocity increases the probability of a fatal collision by 4% and the risk of a serious collision by 3%. Modern automobiles are a symbiosis of several electrical subsystems that work together to provide a safe and enjoyable driving experience. One of the technologies used in automotive development is the Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS). It is a system that monitors different parameters related to the vehicle and its surroundings in order to detect potentially dangerous circumstances early on. Sensors with sophisticated electronics, known as Sensor Network (SN), are already installed in many cars today to accomplish (ADAS) technology. A well-known ADAS is the Adaptive Speed Control system (ASC), Automatic Brake System (ABS), Warning Collision System (WCS), and Legal Restriction System, which are used to avert high-speed accidents. In addition, there are Lane Keeping Systems (LKS) and Lane Change Systems (LCS).
Tactical-technical performance in footvolley: validation of an observational instrument
Authors: Borges Lauro Carvalho , Senatore José Vitor , Lamas Leonardo
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo validar um instrumento observacional de táticas de futevôlei (FtVi) e utilizá-lo em uma

investigação empírica de tendências tático-técnicas em partidas de futevôlei de alto nível. Métodos: A validação seguiu cinco etapas: i) desenho; ii) análise piloto; iii) validação de conteúdo; iv) reprodutibilidade; v) estudo empírico. Nós analisamos

partidas femininas e masculinas do Circuito Brasileiro de Futevôlei - 2019. A validade de conteúdo e a reprodutibilidade foram

avaliados com os coeficientes V de Aiken e Kappa de Cohen, respectivamente. O teste Qui-quadrado de independência foi

aplicado para inferir sobre as tendências táticas dos sexos. Resultados: O FtVi englobou as seguintes categorias: i) correspondência

contexto; ii) situação de jogo; iii) resultado do rali; iv) ações do jogo. Os coeficientes V de Aiken foram superiores a 0,90. A reprodutibilidade intra e interobservador apresentou concordância quase perfeita (0,92; 0,89). A avaliação da dinâmica do jogo fez

não apontam para uma proporção significativamente maior de complexo II (w: 60,6%; m: 57,5%) do que complexo I (w: 39,4%, m:

42,5%), p > 0,05. A duração média dos comícios foi próxima de três trocas de quadra para ambos os sexos. A eficiência do ataque fez

não apresentam frequência significativamente maior de ataques continuados (w: 70,4,5%, m: 66,8%) em relação aos pontos (w: 19,4.

%, m: 22,9%), p > 0,05. Para todos os ataques e ataques de gol, a zona de defesa e a zona de rede foram respectivamente mais frequentes.

As técnicas mais frequentes foram diferentes entre os sexos e todas relacionadas com a parte superior do corpo (mulheres - cabeça: 29,7%, ombro:

23,0%; homens - tórax: 30,3%, cabeça: 24,8%). Conclusão: A FtVi apoiou com sucesso a coleta de evidências sobre as táticas do futevôlei, o que pode ajudar na prática dos treinadores. A ausência do uso mãos-braços nas técnicas do futevôlei pode

contribuem tanto para rallies mais longos, uma vez que os ataques íngremes são limitados, como, contra-intuitivamente, para uma maior ênfase na parte superior do corpo do que nas técnicas de pé.
Risk factors for cervical instability in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Min , Shen Jinhua , Tan Jianghong , Zhu Xiaoling , Ma Hongxia , Wen Zhenhua , Tian Yanzhen , Jiang Weimin
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors for cervical instability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material and methods

Computer searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, the Wan Fang database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Databases (VIP) database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature database (CBM) from their establishment until November 2022.

Results

A total of 8 articles were included in this study, including 1 cross-sectional study, 5 case-control studies, and 2 cohort study, including 3078 patients with RA. Meta analysis results showed that: male sex (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19–2.42), course of disease (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.29–2.28), long-term glucocorticosteroid use (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.97–2.40), Steinbrocker staging (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.61–3.28), disability at baseline (OR = 24.57, 95% CI: 5.51–109.60), peripheral joint destruction (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.56–3.21), Steinbrocker stage I-IV progression to disability (OR = 20.08, 95% CI: 4.18–96.53), and previous joint surgery (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.06–2.26) are the main risk factors for cervical instability in RA.

Conclusions

There are many risk factors for cervical instability in RA. In clinical practice, special attention should be paid to patients who are male, have a longer course of disease, have long-term glucocorticosteroid use, have previous joint surgery, have peripheral joint damage, and develop disability in Steinbrocker stage I-IV. Attention should be paid to the high-risk groups mentioned above, and effective measures such as early screening and full monitoring should be taken to prevent the occurrence of cervical instability in RA.
Self-Determination and Its Limits
Authors: Sumner Wayne
Published: April 2024

Defences of assisted dying typically rely on two supporting values for the practice: patient self-determination (or autonomy) and patient benefit (or well-being). In this paper I explore the roles of these two values in Govert den Hartogh’s What Kind of Death. The Ethics of Determining One’s Own Death.
Like a Peat Fire. The Impact of the Right to Self-Determination on the (Dutch) Law on Euthanasia
Authors: de Haan Jurriaan
Published: April 2024

This contribution deals with the moral justification of euthanasia. Initially, in the process towards legalizing euthanasia in the Netherlands the right to self-determination was the driving force. However, it is widely accepted that Dutch law on euthanasia that was passed in 2001 is based on mercy. In this respect, the early work of Den Hartogh has been influential. So, the principle of respect for autonomy and the principle of beneficence both seem to play a role in justifying euthanasia. Why exactly do we need those two principles, and what exactly are their complimentary roles? These are important questions that Den Hartogh has put on the agenda. In recent years several initiatives have been undertaken to increase the possibilities for euthanasia and assisted suicide. Again, these initiatives are driven by the right to self-determination. In this contribution the focus will be on this development regarding the underlying principles, with attention for the question how Den Hartogh’s dual track theory should be placed in this development.
This Kind of Death? The Practice of Self-Euthanasia Illustrated
Authors: Vink Ton
Published: April 2024

As Den Hartogh makes it known in the opening-paragraph of his Introduction to What kind of Death: “By now much is known about the preferences people have regarding the manner and time of their own death.” In this paper I will illustrate the actual practice of one of those preferences: self-euthanasia. I define self-euthanasia as ‘the deliberate termination of his or her own life by the person himself, under his own control, after clear and careful consideration, and carried out with due care’. After indicating in a few lines what makes this kind of death a good death, I will say goodbye to theory and illustrate the practice of this kind of death by three of the many cases of self-euthanasia that I have been involved in during my days as counselor. In two of the cases presented here, I was present when the self-euthanasia was effected.
Modelo para a avaliação da qualidade de vida no trabalho de servidores com deficiência de instituições de ensino superior
Authors: Oliveira Deivson Cavalcante Gomes de , Costa Filho Lourival Lopes
Published: April 2024

qualidade de vida no trabalho, percebida por servidores com deficiência, de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES).
Método/abordagem: Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, exploratória, com abordagem quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 21 servidores PcD de IES, de ambos os sexos, com idades variando de 21 a 50 anos. O modelo desenvolvido foi estruturado através da Teoria das Facetas, resultando em um questionário com 20 questões definidas a partir dos fatores estruturantes da QVT propostos por Ferreira (2012). Os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica estatística de escalonamento multidimensional Similarity Structure Analisys (SSA), com o auxílio do software HUDAP-7.
Contribuições teóricas/práticas/sociais: As variáveis selecionadas no modelo apresentado foram determinantes para a avaliação proposta. O modelo proposto fornece informações que podem otimizar a gestão das demandas apresentadas por esse grupo de trabalhadores e promover a sua inclusão nos ambientes de trabalho.
Originalidade/relevância: A pesquisa contribui para preencher a presente lacuna de conhecimento relacionado à QVT, especialmente em pessoas com deficiência, na medida em que apresenta um modelo de avaliação e estimula a realização de novos estudos com foco na inclusão dessa população no mercado de trabalho.
ESTRATÉGIAS DE LEITURA E ESCRITA
Authors: Azevedo Nilton Carlos do Nascimento
Published: April 2024

The present work has as objectives: to know several teaching strategies referring to the theory and practice of reading and writing in the classroom, as well as researching books, several subjects that address the theme of reading and writing, studying subjects focused on the practice of reading in the classroom and researching scientific papers on subjects related to the various existing strategies to develop writing. To carry out the present work, it was necessary to use bibliographic and qualitative research as methodological support, and the bibliographic research was explored through diverse bibliographic sources such as: books, scientific articles and monographs. Such research generated unquestionable and solid learning, as there was a dialogue with several authors who study and approach the theme of reading and writing strategy, and through this dialogue, learning came to flow in a direct way. Through the study and bibliographic research it is possible to verify and know several ways to explore writing and reading in the classroom, so that the student can develop his reading practice or improve it. It was also possible to know that the teacher should encourage his student to practice reading and writing through techniques and strategies applied inside and outside the classroom.
SISTEMATIZAÇÃO DA ASSISTÊNCIA DE ENFERMAGEM AO INDIVIDUO COM IMAM NO SERVIÇO DE EMERGÊNCIA
Authors: Santos Wilson da Paixão
Published: April 2024

Objectives: To develop a proposal for the Systematization of Nursing Assistance (SAE) for patients with AMI in the emergency services. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, which aims to gather and synthesize the results of research on the theme. And it is necessary for the process of elaborating the integrative review six steps. Results: According to the search strategies, fifteen articles of Brazilian origin were identified with proposals for systematizing nursing care for patients with AMI. Conclusion: The Nursing Care Systematization (SAE) allows to map the process, as well as to verify effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses, and risks.