bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient multifunctional metasurface integrating lens, prism, and wave plate
Authors: Prutphongs Ponrapee , Aoki Katsuma , Ito Ryosei , Hara Motoaki , Ikezawa Satoshi , Iwami Kentaro
Published: July 2024

The miniaturization of optical systems is crucial for various applications, including compact augmented reality/virtual reality devices, microelectromechanical system sensors, ranging technologies, and microfabricated atomic clocks. However, reliance on bulky discrete optical elements has been a significant obstacle to achieving this miniaturization. This work introduces a highly efficient multifunctional metasurface (MFMS) that seamlessly integrates a lens, prism, and quarter-wave plate (QWP). This innovation allows simultaneous collimation, beam deflection, and polarization conversion within a singular thin element. Specifically, for the prism-QWP bifunctional integration, we achieved a high diffraction efficiency of 72.8% and a degree of circular polarization of −0.955 under exposure to linearly polarized light at a wavelength of 795 nm, proving its potential for ultracompact atomic clock applications. Moreover, the lens-prism-QWP trifunctional integration successfully showed diffraction-limited focusing performance with a numerical aperture of 0.4, which was sufficient to collimate a beam with a divergence angle of 20∘, corresponding to the light emitted from a standard vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser.
Bandwidth-voltage trade-off paradigm in low-loss LNOI electro-optic modulators, using equalizer configuration
Authors: Ghavami Fatemeh , Darbari Sara , Kazem Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad
Published: July 2024

The ever-increasing demand for high-speed data communication has fueled the development of ultra-fast electro-optic modulators. Our proposed equalizer configuration in lithium niobate on insulator electro-optic (LNOI-EO) modulators offers a novel approach to the bandwidth-voltage trade-off. Using 3D simulations, we achieved an ultra-high bandwidth of 300 GHz, delivering more than three times enhancement compared to the conventional modulators with the same base modulator length and half-wave voltage of 4.4 V. The device design incorporates a crossing segment to ensure distortion-free modulated signals and a dual-layered electrode design to minimize interference. These modulators have excellent potential for future photonic integrated circuits, marking a new era of superior bandwidth-voltage trade-offs.
Second harmonic generation of focused beams on the LFEX laser facility
Authors: Arikawa Yasunobu , Zhanngui Hu , Tsubakimoto Koji , Morace Alessio , Takizawa Ryunosuke , Shiraga Hiroyuki , Nakai Mitsuo , Pikuz Tatiana , Martynenko Artem S. , Iwata Natsumi , Sentoku Yasuhiko , Hata Masayasu , Kojima Sadaoki. , Johzaki Tomoyuki , Nakata Yoshiki , Fujioka Shinsuke , Yogo Akifumi , Kodama Ryosuke
Published: July 2024

There is a strong demand for efficient second harmonic generation (SHG) in ultra-intense short-pulse lasers. This paper demonstrates the generation of an unconverted fundamental (1ω)+second harmonics (2ω) mixed laser on the LFEX laser system. The experimental setup utilizes 0.5 mm-thick LBO crystal plates in a focusing beams implemented after an off-axis parabola, the design reduces the size and cost of the SHG system. The LFEX laser beams with four-beams combined energy of 222 J and a pulse duration of 1.5 ps, is successfully converted to 102 J of 2ω light and 100 J of unconverted 1ω light, 20 J is lost through surface reflections, and they are mixed at the focal point. Verification of successful SHG is confirmed through X-ray pinhole imaging and electron spectrometry. This novel technique is not limited to LFEX lasers and holds applicability for various ultra-intense lasers. Consequently, this accomplishment significantly contributes to expanding the capability for high-energy density laser-plasma experiments.
Color tunable inverted pyramid micro-LEDs based on nano-patterned sapphire substrates
Authors: Yu Luming , Li Zhenhao , Wang Xun , Cheng Anda , Hao Zhibiao , Luo Yi , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Han Yanjun , Wang Jian , Li Hongtao , Gan Lin , Wang Lai
Published: July 2024

Color-tunable micro-scale light-emitting diodes (Micro-LEDs) can achieve full-color display in a simple and low-cost way. In this paper, we demonstrate growth of three-dimensional (3D) inverted pyramid GaN on nano-patterned sapphire substrates (NPSS). By using the sputtered AlN nucleation layer, the uniformity of the inverted pyramid has been improved to a large extent. Then, Micro-LEDs are epitaxially grown based on these inverted pyramids and fabricated to 20-100 µm devices. As the current increases from 1 to 100 A/cm2, the electroluminescence (EL) wavelength exhibits a large blueshift from 660 to 470 nm, corresponding to the dominant emission changing from polar InGaN multi-quantum-well (MQW) facets to semipolar ones. This color-tunable range almost covers 97% of the sRGB color gamut. Considering the combination of display and communication in the future internet of everything (IoE) era, the modulation bandwidths of the Micro-LEDs are measured to explore the carrier recombination rates of different facets in inverted pyramids. Different modulation bandwidths in polar and semipolar InGaN MQW have been observed at the current density above 60 A/cm2, and the highest -3 dB electro-optic bandwidth of 1.28 GHz from the latter is achieved at the current density of 25 kA/cm2.
Monitoring of motor vehicle exhaust emissions using Gaussian process regression frame interpolation optical flow algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yikang , Wang Rui , He Weiwei , Zhang Huiliang , Yuan Haochen , Wu Kuijun
Published: July 2024

In fluid pollutant monitoring, the spatial continuity of pixel motion is disrupted by infrared cameras, primarily due to factors like low frame rate. This disruption impedes the accurate capture of pollutant distribution and evolution, resulting in substantial errors in monitoring outcomes. To address this challenge, we introduce the Gaussian Process Regression Frame Interpolation Optical Flow (GPR-FIOF), aimed at restoring the spatial continuity of pixel motion. Consequently, this facilitates a more precise estimation of fluid pollutant motion. Experimental results from fluid simulations demonstrate that, when compared to conventional algorithms, GPR-FIOF significantly enhances accuracy and stability, improving by 80.30% and 66.39%, respectively. Field experiments employing infrared gas correlation spectroscopy methods revealed improvements in accuracy and stability of emission rate inversion results, with enhancements of 18.24% and 61.77%, respectively. GPR-FIOF effectively mitigates the disruption in spatial continuity, enhancing the accuracy of pollutant gas emission monitoring and bolstering its feasibility for environmental monitoring applications.
Incoherent frequency-selective multiplexing holographic encryption by using a triple-beam setup
Authors: Zhang Wanbin , Zou Zhenghao , Ren Yanchen , Sun Xiangdong , Yu Yunxiang , Tsai Chia-Wei , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: July 2024

Inspired by the wavefront masking of the scattering medium, we proposed a multiplexed coded aperture holographic encryption method. The incoherent multiplexed phase mask encryption experiments involved in the method are realized for what we believe to be the first time. From the holograms, we extracted three images using the frequency-selective phase iterative coding algorithm we purposely put forward. Through the theoretical analysis of frequency-selective phase coding, the constructed linear system can recover the original image well. We verified the security of the cryptography using structural similarity index measurements, key space, key sensitivity, and axial multiplexing. Through the theoretical analysis of frequency-selective phase coding, we think the present triple-multiplexed cryptography can be directly extended to multiple-multiplexed cases and applied to multi-image encryption. It may cause a paradigm shift in applications such as incoherent image encryption, wavefront acquisition in scattering, information hiding, and fast target identification.
End-to-end simulations of photonic phase correctors for adaptive optics systems
Authors: Patel Dhwanil , Diab Momen , Cheriton Ross , Taylor Jacob , Rojas Libertad , Vachon Martin , Xu Dan-Xia , Schmid Jens H. , Cheben Pavel , Janz Siegfried , Sivanandam Suresh
Published: July 2024

Optical beams and starlight distorted by atmospheric turbulence can be corrected with adaptive optics systems to enable efficient coupling into single-mode fibers. Deformable mirrors, used to flatten the wavefront in astronomical telescopes, are costly, sensitive, and complex mechanical components that require careful calibration to enable high-quality imaging in astronomy, microscopy, and vision science. They are also impractical to deploy in large numbers for non-imaging applications like free-space optical communication. Here, we propose a photonic integrated circuit capable of spatially sampling the wavefront collected by the telescope and co-phasing the subapertures to maximize the flux delivered to an output single-mode fiber as the integrated photonic implementation of a deformable mirror. We present the results of end-to-end simulations to quantify the performance of the proposed photonic solution under varying atmospheric conditions toward realizing an adaptive optics system without a deformable mirror for free-space optical receivers.
Estimating temperatures with low-cost infrared cameras using physically-constrained deep neural networks
Authors: Oz Navot , Sochen Nir , Mendlovic David , Klapp Iftach
Published: July 2024

Low-cost thermal cameras are inaccurate (usually ±3∘C) and have space-variant nonuniformity across their detectors. Both inaccuracy and nonuniformity are dependent on the ambient temperature of the camera. The goal of this work was to estimate temperatures with low-cost infrared cameras, and rectify the nonuniformity. A nonuniformity simulator that accounts for the ambient temperature was developed. An end-to-end neural network that incorporates both the physical model of the camera and the ambient camera temperature was introduced. The neural network was trained with the simulated nonuniformity data to estimate the object’s temperature and correct the nonuniformity, using only a single image and the ambient temperature measured by the camera itself. The proposed method significantly reduced the mean temperature error compared to previous state-of-the-art methods, with a gap of 0.29∘C when compared to the closest previous approaches. In addition, constraining the physical model of the camera with the network lowered the error by an additional 0.1∘C. The mean temperature error over an extensive validation dataset was 0.37∘C. The method was verified on real data in the field and produced equivalent results.
Topology classification in bi-anisotropic topological photonic crystals via the Wilson loop approach [Invited]
Authors: Ding Jinting , Li Mengyao , Khanikaev Alexander B. , Ni Xiang
Published: July 2024

Topological photonic crystals have attracted tremendous attention due to their promise of robust optical properties and great potential for applications in on-chip devices. Numerous successful experimental demonstrations have shown or proved their topological properties, however, many of them turn out to have a nature of fragile topological phases. Here, using theoretical methods of fragile topology, we analyze two cases of topological photonic crystals with preserved time reversal symmetry, which utilize (1), the intrinsic duality and bi-anisotropy, and (2), accidental duality and structural bi-anisotropy respectively to induce their topological order. Our results show that the former case belongs to a Wannier-obstructed type of topological phase, indicating strong topological protection in their edge states. However, the latter meta-waveguide designs with structural bi-anisotropy widely implemented in experiments are Wannierizable, implying the fragile properties of their topology and gapped edge spectra. Our results provide new insights into the topological properties of photonic crystals as well as other bosonic systems with time-reversal symmetry.
Characteristic parameters of an optically equivalent model based on measured Stokes parameters
Authors: Lane Connor Piers
Published: July 2024

This study presents an approach to determine the characteristic parameters of an optically equivalent model consisting of a linear retarder and a rotator. These parameters—retardance, orientation of the linear retarder, and rotation—are determined by using linearly polarized incident light and measuring the first three Stokes parameters of the outgoing light. With the help of Mueller calculus, the retardation can be determined up to π rad. The position of the refractive index axes can be specified; however, it is not possible to differentiate between fast and slow axis. The rotation can be determined over the full measurement range of π rad. To measure retardations larger than π rad, an adapted RGB method is presented that directly uses the retardations resulting from the Mueller calculus instead of light intensity measurements. Synthetic examples demonstrate the application of the methods presented.
Dispersive Fourier Synthesis: Universal method and MATLAB tool for acousto-optic arbitrary femtosecond laser pulse shaping
Authors: Yushkov Konstantin , Chizhikov Alexander , Shcherbakova Victoria , Molchanov Vladimir , Ginzburg Vladislav , Stukachev Sergey , Shaikin Andrey , Yakovlev Ivan , Khazanov Efim
Published: July 2024

Femtosecond pulse shaping is a variety of experimental methods for manipulating temporal profile of ultrashort laser pulses. One of common tools for pulse shaping are acousto-optic programmable Bragg gratings. We describe the Dispersive Fourier Synthesis (DFS) algorithm for generating arbitrary transmission functions of acousto-optic programmable dispersive filters and delay lines used therein. The algorithm performs computation of radio-frequency waveforms providing arbitrary complex-valued transmission functions of the said devices. An open-source MATLAB script was developed based on this algorithm taking into account the ease of use of a commercial RF driver. The experiments include full validation of the DFS algorithm: calibration of frequency-to-wavelength mapping, determination of optimal driving power, and closed-loop femtosecond pulse compression in the front-end of the PEARL laser facility.
Design and fabrication of all-solid anti-resonant silicate fibers for Yb ASE suppression in Er/Yb fiber amplifier
Authors: cheng yue , Yang Qiubai , Zhu Yiming , Wu Dakun , Yu Chunlei , Sun Yan , chen yichong , Zhou Qinling , Wang Xin , Yu Fei , Hu Lili
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we report the design, fabrication and characterization of a passive silicate-glass-based all-solid anti-resonant fiber (AS-ARF) for ~1 μm transmission suppression. Simulation results demonstrate that the AS-ARF achieves a first high higher order mode (HOM) suppression ratio of over 25 dB in a 26-63 μm core diameter at 1550 nm. Using the drilling and rod-in-tube technique, an AS-ARF with a core diameter of 43 μm and high-refractive-index capillaries (HRICs) thickness of 1.44 μm was fabricated. Furthermore, a wide transmission window around 1.5 μm, and a high-loss resonant band ranging from 1 μm to 1.1 μm were measured, which agrees well with the simulation. By fusion spliced a 12 cm-long AS-ARF in the EYDF amplifier, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and parasitic oscillations of Yb3+ ions are effectively suppressed, and the loss at 1030 nm is 12.3 dB higher than that at 1550 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an AS-ARF can achieve ~1 μm transmission suppression and single-mode propagation in the 1.5 μm band. The novel fiber structure option holds potential for further application in rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers, including those doped with Nd, Yb, Er, Tm, and other rare-earth elements.
Gardening-cooking based intervention for improving healthy eating habits in preschool children
Authors: Herawati Herni Dwi , Kurniasari Yulinda , Rahayu Herwinda Kusuma , Hositanisita Hastrin , Afifah Effatul , Isvianti Anggita , Susilowati Novaeni Sri , Batubara Saimarrasoki , Sonia Putri
Published: July 2024

Background Preschool children generally have inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, but a high intake of calories. Nutrition education taught from an early age might instill good eating habits and behavior, especially regarding fruit and vegetable consumption.
Objectives To compare preschoolers’ fruit and vegetable preferences, fiber intake, and consumption of high-calorie food before and after a gardening-cooking intervention.
Methods This study had a quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test design, as well as intervention and control groups. Subjects were preschool children aged 4-6, selected by purposive sampling, with 33 subjects in each group. The intervention group engaged in nutrition education, gardening, and cooking programs. While the control group was not given the programs, only given nutrition education at the end of data collection. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, paired T-Test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests.
Results There were significant increases in attitude score, fruit and vegetable preference, and fiber intake, as well as decreased intake of high calorie foods (P<0.05 for all) before and after treatment in the intervention group. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the control group pre- and post-test.
Conclusion Gardening-cooking based intervention for 9 sessions is effective in improving attitudes, fruit and vegetable preferences, and fiber intake, as well as reducing high-calorie food consumption in preschool children.
Family functioning, parental cancer-related emotions, and quality of life in childhood cancer patients
Authors: Andriastuti Murti , Fathinasari Anisa Dwi , Arafah Nurani Rahma , Asa Annisa Aditya , Salsabila Khansa , Primacakti Fitri
Published: July 2024

Background Childhood cancer and its treatment affects not only children’s health, but also children’s and families’ psychosocial function, relationship, emotion, and quality of life.  Several studies in developed countries have been conducted to address this issue using the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scales (FACES) III and the Situation-Specific Emotional Reaction Questionnaire (SSERQ). Screening psychosocial problems is crucial as part of cancer comprehensive care.
Objective To investigate the dynamics of family functioning, parental cancer-related emotions, and to evaluate possible associations with the child's quality of life.
Methods This cross-sectional study was done in child with cancer aged 0-18 years. Parents completed the validated Indonesian versions of three sets of questionnaires regarding subjects’ quality of life (PedsQL), family function (FACES III), and family cancer-related emotions (SSERQ). Validity and reliability tests were done to assess the Indonesian versions of the questionnaires.
Results A total of 269 subjects were recruited. Parental proxy of PedsQL evaluations revealed that the 8-12-year-old age group had significantly lower score than the other groups (P=0.014). Solid tumor subjects had significantly lower PedsQL score compared to subjects with hematological malignancy (P=0.001). The FACES III questionnaire results showed that connected families tended to have better PedsQL score based on children’s evaluation compared to disengaged families (P=0.049). No significant difference was found between adaptability of family function and PedsQL score. The SSERQ revealed significant associations between negative emotions and lower PedsQL scores in the children (all P=0.000).
Conclusions Parental proxy of PedsQL scores were significantly lower in older children (8 to 12 years). Children with connected families have significantly higher PedsQL scores than disengaged families, for the PedsQL children’s evaluation. Parents’ emotions (loneliness, helplessness, and uncertainty) experienced by a family member of a child with cancer are also correlated with lower PedsQL scores by both evaluations.
Building a sustainable future: Gender, education & workforce needs of Gen Z
Authors: Kozová Kristína , Grenčíková Adriana , Habánik Jozef
Published: July 2024

This scientific article explores gender-related disparities in the perceptions of educational delivery and the significance of higher education for Generation Z students in Slovakia, considering their alignment with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, focusing on sustainable and significant investments in education that support both economic growth and societal well-being. Correlation analysis is used to examine the relationship between public education spending and labor productivity in Slovakia and Finland. The findings reveal a robust positive correlation, emphasizing the pivotal role of investment in education. Furthermore, the study utilizes the chi-squared test to verify hypotheses derived from a survey. The results highlight significant gender-specific variations in the perception of educational delivery and the importance of higher education for future prospects. The research underscores the necessity for tailored strategies that address the relevance of educational methodologies within diverse student populations, fostering inclusive and environmentally responsible learning environments. Insights from the study have implications for educational institutions and policymakers, emphasizing the need for inclusive, responsive, and environmentally sustainable approaches to education that meet the unique needs of Generation Z students. In order to improve educational programs' efficacy, efficiency, and social responsibility - that is, to better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce while emphasizing long-term sustainability and societal well-being - the study also calls for more research into teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and teacher training.
Regional disparities and dual dynamics: Economic growth and income inequality in Kazakhstan
Authors: Temerbulatova Zhansaya , Mukhamediyev Bulat , Zhidebekkyzy Aknur , Bilan Svitlana
Published: July 2024

This study examines the complex relationships between economic growth and income inequality in different regions of Kazakhstan, revealing the nuances of their interaction. The article aims to assess the long-term and short-term effects of economic growth on income inequality in both forward and reverse directions across the regions of Kazakhstan. Employing region-specific time series data allowed us to examine the bidirectional impact of economic growth on inequality, using an error correction model (ECM) to describe short-run and long-run relationships. The results highlight that the relationship between economic growth and income inequality is heterogeneous across regions, reflecting each area's unique economic and social landscapes. The estimation results support the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped Kuznets curve linking GRP per capita to inequality with varying starting points for different regions. Regarding the inverse relationship, we identified a positive causal relationship for the West Kazakhstan, Zhambyl and Pavlodar regions, indicating that increased income inequality stimulated economic growth. The study also highlights the significant role of trade, labour force, investment and government consumption in shaping these relationships.
The role of sustainable finance in the context of the European green course
Authors: Streimikiene Dalia , Mikalauskas Ignas , Lėckienė Vilma , Pisula Tomasz , Mikalauskiene Asta
Published: July 2024

The European Green Deal can be seen as a societal step towards a holistic, all-encompassing approach to climate and environmental challenges. It attempts to integrate environmental policy by bringing together and improving several existing policies, initiatives and funding programs that address sustainability and climate change. This article analyzes the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as strategies for their implementation. The article establishes that the European Green Course is a long-term process that aims to build a better future for society and its main goal is the creation of a sustainable society. This goal can only be achieved with a holistic, all-encompassing approach. The article also presents a theoretical conceptualization of sustainable finance and establishes that the appropriate distribution of investments and finances can lead to a successful and even transition of society towards sustainability and environmental improvement. Properly used, sustainable finance reduces the risk of societal negativity, which can be caused by the unavoidably high costs. In addition, systematic increases in funding are expected to result in a stable transition of society to sustainability. Although the correlation analysis does not show a direct relationship between sustainable finance for environmental protection and the implementation of the European Green Deal objectives, the research results indicate a strong correlation between the European Green Deal objectives and the allocation of sustainable finance to research and development and renewable energy resource usage. These differing conclusions can be explained by the fact that the allocation of sustainable finance to environmental protection is a much broader area than the other two variables analyzed separately. In addition, 27 EU countries have been ranked according to the effectiveness of their implementation of EGD directives and economic transition to pro-ecological technologies as of 2021. The positions of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have been determined and examined in detail.
Does economic education spoil students’ morality? Economists and the Trolley problem
Authors: Dzionek-Kozlowska Joanna , Korkus Adrian , Siewiera Weronika , Szpotański Kacper
Published: July 2024

Economic education is frequently blamed for negatively impacting students’ morality, leading to the so-called indoctrination hypothesis. This view is supported by abundant empirical research. Nevertheless, certain studies do not confirm and even gainsay the existence of such a destructive relationship. This article aims to contribute to the discussion by analysing ethical decisions made by the less and more advanced students of Economics when confronted with moral dilemmas based on the Trolley Problem. Additionally, to address the self-selection hypothesis, we compare the choices made by the first-year students of Economics with those of their Sociology counterparts. Assuming that economics teaching affects students’ moral choices and considering the fundamental role of utility maximization in both orthodox economics and standard economic education, one might expect a proportion of “utilitarian” ethical judgments to increase with the advancement of economic studies. Surprisingly, our research does not confirm such an association. Working with a sample of Polish undergraduate students of Economics (N=408) and Sociology (N=123) during the initial three weeks of the academic years 2020/2021 and 2022/2023, we observed that the choices of more advanced economists-to-be are more “deontological” (grounded in norms) than “utilitarian” (grounded in benefits). Therefore, we argue that economic education does not have the power to shake students' ethical choices considerably and transform them into unscrupulous calculating machines. However, certain support was found for the self-selection hypothesis, as the first-year students enrolled in the Economics programme were slightly more prone to “utilitarian” choices than the first-year sociologists.
The impact of selected financial factors on business ethics in the SMEs segment in the V4 countries
Authors: Belas Jaroslav , Kubalek Jan , Hlawiczka Roman , Bencsik Andrea , Metzker Zdenko
Published: July 2024

This paper aimed to quantify the impact of selected financial management factors on business ethics in the segment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Visegrad Four countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary). The empirical research, which was aimed at ascertaining the attitudes of SMEs, was conducted in June 2022 in the Visegrad Four countries. The selection of respondents was carried out by random sampling using the CAWI method. In the Czech Republic, the total number of respondents was 347, in the Slovak Republic, the total number of respondents was 322, in Poland, the total number of respondents was 381 and in Hungary, the total number of respondents was 348. The scientific hypotheses were verified through regression and correlation analysis. The empirical research yielded a number of interesting and stimulating scientific findings. The results showed that the selected factors in the financial management of SMEs have a significant impact on the formation of entrepreneurs' attitudes in the field of business ethics. Knowledge of the most important aspects of the firm’s financial management represents the most significant factor influencing the implementation of ethical aspects in the management process of SMEs and positive perceptions of business ethics in the context of financial performance. Other financial factors, namely entrepreneurs' belief that they can appropriately manage financial risks in the firm, a correct understanding of financial risk, and belief in the firm's survival in the medium term, have also shown a significant impact on business ethics. A surprising finding was that a positive assessment of a firm's current financial performance does not have any impact on the formation of attitudes towards business ethics. The representation and intensity of the effect of financial management factors on business ethics varies across the V4 countries. While the attitudes of SMEs in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland have similar characteristics, Hungarian SMEs differ significantly from them.
The mediating role of university students’ psychological well-being in the relationship of poverty perception and social exclusion
Authors: Tutar Hasan , Nam Selçuk , Czarkowski Jakub Jerzy , Lukács Eszter
Published: July 2024

A strong perception of poverty reduces the motivation to participate in social activities. Therefore, it can be argued that the perception of poverty positively affects social exclusion but that psychological well-being perceptions reflecting people's life satisfaction mediate this effect. This study investigates the mediator function of psychological well-being in the impact of poverty perception on social exclusion. This quantitative study employs the relational survey model, one of the general survey models. The data were collected from 714 university students using simple random sampling. The poverty perception scale, social exclusion scale, and psychological well-being scale were used to collect data in the research. The findings show that psychological well-being is a lever in the relationship between perceptions of poverty and social exclusion: while stronger perception of poverty parallels a more robust perception of social exclusion, a positive variable, such as psychological well-being, has an explanatory function in this relationship.
Cybersecurity and cybercrime: Current trends and threats
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Tiutiunyk Inna , Zielińska Anetta , Kelemen Roland
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of digital technologies and their active implementation in all spheres of the economy, on the one hand, contribute to increased control over the activities of economic entities, and on the other hand, create new challenges associated with the dynamic development of cybercrime. The purpose of the article is to analyze the global trends in cybercrime in 2016-2023 (by calculating national levels of cybercrime) and to model the mechanisms of combating it in order to form a global, open and safe cyberspace, protect the population from cyber threats and cyber fraud, increase the effectiveness of financial monitoring procedures and control over transactions in cyberspace. The article presents the dominant directions, evolutionary, temporal and spatial patterns of the development of crime in cyberspace, clustering of the countries, and identification of leaders and outsiders in the field of cybercrime (through visualization density maps based on the construction of self-organized Kohonen maps). The results of the calculations confirm a significant increase in the level of cybercrime in the world since 2016 (in particular, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and active digital transformation). A comparative analysis of the indicator across countries made it possible to distinguish those with the highest rates of cybercrime (Slovenia, Iceland, Moldova, Georgia) and those with a significantly higher level of cyber security (Greece, Belgium, France, Germany).
Production risk in the crop farming of the Baltic States, Poland, and Germany
Authors: Zegunis Martynas , Balezentis Tomas
Published: July 2024

Increasing climate volatility has called for further analysis of the risk management measures in agriculture. This paper sheds more light on production risks in the crop farming of northeastern European agriculture. Specifically, the cases of the three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) are juxtaposed to those of Poland and Germany. Thus, both economically developed and developing economies are considered in the analysis. The study covers major crops throughout 2004-2022, i.e., considers the post-accession period of the new EU member states. The research relies on the downward coefficients of variation as the hazard measures. The conditional means were obtained by applying the moving average approach. The results suggest that the highest yield risk is observed for wheat and rape, whereas barley stands at the other end of the spectrum. Regarding the country-wise comparison, risk measures were highest in Estonia and lowest for Poland and Germany.
Hedging basic materials equity portfolios using gold futures
Authors: Stasytytė Viktorija , Maknickienė Nijolė , Martinkutė-Kaulienė Raimonda
Published: July 2024

Commodities can be treated as an alternative investment, a hedging strategy, or a diversification opportunity. Various types of commodities, especially metals, usually are not strongly affected by inflation, and the trends of their prices are not correlated with other investment instruments. To participate in the metals area of the commodity market, an investor can buy shares of companies from the basic materials sector. Such companies are involved in discovering, developing, and processing raw materials. However, as not all the companies from the basic materials sector deal with precious metals, it is worth adding gold futures to such a portfolio. The aim of this paper is to compare a portfolio of the basic materials sector stocks against a similar portfolio hedged with gold. Our findings revealed that hedging a commodities’ portfolio with gold minimizes both profits and losses and can be suitable for risk-averse investors. The research results can be applied by individual investors and investment managers to choose the most appropriate investment approach.
Problem-oriented numerical model of the process of tailored induction heating of a steel cylindrical billet
Authors: Peshkin Kirill S.
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the development of a problem-oriented numerical model of the process of tailored induction heating of a steel cylindrical billet. The market of software products (SP) for the numerical solution of problems of various physical nature is analyzed and the choice of the most universal package for solving interrelated thermal and electromagnetic problems – ANSYS Mechanical APDL is justified. The key functions and competitive advantages of the software package for solving the task are given. The successive stages of building an axisymmetric model of a three-section heating system are considered in detail: assignment of constant and nonlinear physical properties of billet and inductor materials; setting the design and operating characteristics of the "billet-inductor" system in parametric form; construction of an axisymmetric geometric model of the system; realization of the possibility of autonomous control of the currents of the inductor sections; definition and assignment of finite elements; superimposing a finite element grid, setting initial and boundary conditions. The analysis of the simulation results is given. The implemented numerical model of the tailored induction heating process is focused on integration into a special optimization procedure based on the alternanse parametric optimization method and aimed at reducing deviations of the resulting temperature distributions from the required profile, estimated in a uniform metric.
Properties of HMA Containing High Density Polyethylene Modified with Reclaimed Asphalt
Authors: Adinoyi Murana Abdulfatai ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Published: July 2024

This paper evaluates the strength performance of hot mix asphalt produced with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)-modified bitumen and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) which is partially replacing virgin aggregates. Asphalt Institute blending chart was used to determine the quantity of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) incorporated into the mixture. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis and Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA) were used to determine thermal stability of the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) was used for characterization of the HDPE, bitumen and modified bitumen. Physical test conducted on the RAP and virgin aggregates in accordance with American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards revealed that the aggregates are adequate for use in asphalt production. Marshall method of mix design was adopted for the hot mix asphalt production and testing. With respect to the threshold, the results of Marshall stability showed a 6% increase in the strength of the asphaltic mixture modified with 10% High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Other Marshall properties tested also showed improvements. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS) were used for micro-structural examination and composing elements analysis of the asphaltic mixture, respectively. Fibermetric analysis was used to explore the fiber content and pores within the mixture. Keywords: Bitumen, High Density Polyethylene, Hot Mix Asphalt, Modification, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, Strength.
PROSECUTING RAPE ATROCITIES IN TIGRAY: SHOULD INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT TAKE OVER THE CASE?
Authors: Cahyani Made Ananda Bella , Arsika I Made Budi
Published: July 2024

Thousands of women in Tigray have experienced massive atrocities of rape since early November 2020, the beginning of the wage of war between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian Government. This article examines rape in Tigray as a war crime and analyzes the prospect of holding perpetrators criminally responsible before the International Criminal Court (ICC). This paper is legal research using the statutory, case, fact, and conceptual approaches. The result suggested that there exist war crimes of rape in Tigray. In order to achieve justice for the victims and the sake of a sense of the humanity of people over the world, the case must be tried before an impartial and reliable court, which in this regard, is the ICC. Facts that both Ethiopia and Eritrea are not state parties of the Rome Statute of the ICC do not prevent the case from being prosecuted before the ICC. The most potential means is that international society urges the United Nations Security Council to refer the present case before the ICC to hold the perpetrators criminally responsible.
JUDGES PERSPECTIVE ON THE THIRD TALAK IMPOSED OUTSIDE OF COURT SESSION
Authors: Rofiq Nur , Setyowati Ro’fah , Nugrahenti Meydora Cahya , Prabowo Wahyu , Asroni Ahmad , Amili Halisma , Setyaudin Taufik , Musthafa Musthafa
Published: July 2024

The research aims to analyze the views of the Panel of Judges, Mediator Judges, Positive Law in Indonesia and Islamic Law regarding triple talak outside the Religious Court hearings. The research method uses the research Normative Law-Empirical and the nature of this research is descriptive-analytic. The results of this research, namely the views of the Panel of Judges, Mediator Judges and Positive Law in Indonesia state that triple talak handed down outside the courtroom is invalid according to Law No. 7 of 1989 concerning Religious Courts and Compilation of Islamic Law Article 117. Meanwhile, according to Law Islam, there are four opinions, namely; First, the one that punishes three divorces imposed at once is three divorces. Second, the opinion condemns that three divorces at the same time only fall one. Third, a detailed opinion, that is a wife who has not had intercourse and has had intercourse with her husband. Three divorces are pronounced simultaneously against a wife who has not had intercourse, then it is divorced one, while divorces against a wife who has been consummated, then it is divorced three. The fourth opinion condemning three divorces at once is not divorced.
VILLAGE DEPENDENCY TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE VILLAGE HEAD POSITION FILLING ACCORDING TO VILLAGE LAW
Authors: Diamantina Amalia , Setiawan Fajar Ahmad
Published: July 2024

The election of village heads in Indonesia is implementation of democracy and people's sovereignty in Indonesia. However, in practice, the Village Head Election is still very dependent on Regency / City Government. The aim of the study is to analyze the dependency of the Village Head filling on the Regency/City Government and the involvement of the Regency/City Regional Government in filling the position of Village Head. This study uses a normative juridical research method using a dogmatic legal approach and secondary data as the source. The results of the study indicate that the involvement of the Regency/City Government in filling the position of Village Head is the result of the concept of division of power, which is a territorial division of power adopted by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. As a result, the Regency/City Regional Government has a relatively large portion of involvement in filling the Village Head positions as regulated by applicable laws and regulations. This is what should be reduced for the sake of village development in Indonesia.
COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIC READING VS RECIPROCAL TEACHING STRATEGY: EVALUATION STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING INDONESIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ni'matuzahroh Ni'matuzahroh , Mangunsong Frieda Maryam , Woei Suen Mein , Karmiyati Diah
Published: July 2024

Previous research has supported strategies of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) and Reciprocal TeachingStrategy (RTS) to enhance reading comprehension performance in different populations but no study has beenfound to examine the effectiveness of both strategies of reading among elementary students. This study aims toinvestigate CSR and RTS among elementary students. A quasi-experiment with a non-randomized control grouppre-test-post-test design was used by 125 elementary school students and 3 teachers were equally assigned to theintervention and control group. Data collection used the intelligence test (CPM) and the reading comprehensiontest. Treatment was carried out over ten weeks with nine meetings for each treatment. Results showed that thereis a significant interaction effect between treatment and time, F(1, 36) = 140.27, p < .001, and a main effect oftime, F(1, 36) = 28.50, p < .001. However, there is no main effect of the treatment, F(1, 36) = 1.11, p = .299. Dueto the main effects of Time or Treatment, the post-test score (M = 18.32) is higher than the pretest ones (M =13.24), and the score of the RTS group (M = 13.95) is like one of the CSR groups (M = 12.53). It means thatchildren in the CSR group demonstrated significant improvement over than RTS group and the CSR was moreeffective than the RTS strategy. The RTS group (M = 13.95) is like the one of the CSR groups (M = 12.53, p < .05)and as expected the score of the CSR group (M = 19.89) is higher than that one of the RTS group (M = 16.7, p< .05). The CSR is a more effective method to improve reading comprehension performance for elementary schoolstudents than RTS.
Ruwat Dandang: Antara Mitos Dan Tradisi di Desa Bumirejo Kabupaten Lampung Tengah
Authors: Anggrani Anggun - , Karsiwan Karsiwan
Published: July 2024

Lampung Tengah merupakan salah satu kabupaten yang berada di provinsi Lampung. Suku yang mendiami daerah Lampung Tengah ini mayoritas adalah suku Jawa. Masyarakat Jawa dikenal dengan kentalnya akan kepercayaan mistis atau juga disebut juga dalam dunia spiritual. Upacara atau ritual yang dilakukan untuk menghindarkan diri dampak yang ditimbulkan akibat kesalahan manusia dalam suku Jawa disebut dengan ruwatan. Salah satu kesalahan manusia yang diharuskan diruwat adalah ngrubuhake dandang (menjatuhkan dandang penanak nasi). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui makna tradisi ruwatan ngrubuhake dandang dan perlengkapan yang dilakukan untuk proses ruwatan serta kaitannya dengan mitos. Metode penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Penelitian ini dilakukan di desa Bumirejo, Kabupaten Lampung Tengah. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara, dan pemanfaatan dokumen. Teknik analisa data dilakukan dengan analisis data kualitatif dengan tahapan reduksi data, sajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ruwatan ngrubuhake dandang ini bertujuan untuk membersihkan diri agar orang yang memiliki hajat terhindar dari marabahaya ataupun kesengsaraan. Prosesi dalam melakukan ruwatan menggunakan berbagai perlengkapan yang biasa disebut dengan sesajen. Nilai Budaya dalam Tradisi Ruwatan Dandang antara lain nilai kepercayaan pada Tuhan, nilai keselamatan dan kesejahteraan, nilai kepedulian dan saling membantu, nilai kesucian dan nilai kearifan lokal atau etnopedagogy. Mitos yang terkandung dalam ruwatan ngrubuhake dandang seperti anggapan bahwa apabila tidak dilakukan akan memberikan bala atau musibah pada keluarga yang meremehkan tradisi ruwatan
Striving for sustainability: Climate-Smart Forestry measures in Türkiye
Authors: Gençay G. , Birben Ü.
Published: July 2024

Forests play a key role in mitigating climate change as they are one of the major sinks for carbon. The idea of how to use these important resources more efficiently and effectively has led to the emergence of a new trend in forestry in recent years, Climate Smart Forestry (CSF). CSF
aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seeks to fortify forests against potential climate change consequences in the future while increasing production and incomes sustainably from forests. The purpose of this study was to determine the measures, indicators, and criteria that promote
CSF in Türkiye. Following this, the strengths and weaknesses of Türkiye's forestry legislation and practices were analyzed using the nine criteria derived from academic literature on CSF. Thus, the degree to which Turkish forestry practices and legislation are consistent with the
CSF and its reflections were assessed.
Between Saying and Doing: Aristotle and Speusippus on the Evaluation of Pleasure
Authors: Cheng Wei
Published: July 2024

This study aims to provide a coherent new interpretation of the notorious anti-hedonism of Speusippus, Plato’s nephew and the second scholarch of the Academy, by reconsidering all the relevant sources concerning his attitude to pleasure, sources that seem to be in tension or even incompatible with each other. By reassessing Speusippus’ anti-hedonism and Aristotle’s response, it also sheds new light on the Academic debate over pleasure in which he and Aristotle participated. This debate is not merely concerned with the truth and credibility of the arguments for or against hedonism, but also with notable differences among the participants in their understanding of the practical significance of evaluating hedonic experiences. This new picture allows us to better understand Aristotle’s selective representation of the intra-school debate and some neglected features of his responses to different interlocutors.