bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory frameworks and small and medium-sized enterprises growth in Sierra Leone: The mediating role of informality
Authors: Shekou Ansumana Nuni  , Ansumana Feika
Published: June 2023

Business environment plays a vital role in enhancing SMEs formalisation and development. Accordingly, heavy regulation due to burdensome procedures and high cost of registration is detrimental for every business, more especially SMEs. This study therefore was undertaken to assess the nexus between regulatory frameworks and SMEs growth, by specifically investigating the mediating role of informality. The specific objectives were to assess the causes of informality among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Sierra Leone and to evaluate the effect of informality among small and medium-sized enterprises in Sierra Leone. The study adopted a descriptive research design that collected primary data from a sample of one hundred (100) using questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using SPSS v26 and Microsoft Excel. Findings from the study assessed the causes of informality among SMEs and evaluated the effect of informality on SMEs by examining the problems faced by informal SMEs and the benefits of operating a registered business. The results showed that the problems faced by informal SMEs collectively affect their growth. The study concluded that the regulatory framework links SMEs to growth opportunities through the collective benefits derived from operating a registered business. The study further made recommendations on how to promote SMEs formalisation.
Recycled water use with added microbial consortia in the cultivation of aromatic plants
Authors: Domenico Prisa  , Alessandra Benati
Published: June 2023

Research objective: This research aims to evaluate the potential of biologically purified water with added beneficial microorganisms for soil and plants for possible use in agriculture. In such a way that this type of water, which is not always accepted by growers, can instead be positively perceived by technicians in the sector and by those who often have no other water resources to irrigate their plants. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in April 2023, were conducted to the Abbey of S. Antimo in Piombino (LI) on different types of aromatic plants (rosemary, sage, mint, thyme). The experimental groups were: control; aqueduct water; aqueduct water with added microorganisms; recycled water; recycled water with added microorganisms. On 17 May 2023, plant height, number of leaves, vegetative weight, volume and length of roots, number of microorganisms in the substrate, number of dead plants and pH of the substrate were determined. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that it is possible to use recycled water supplemented with microorganisms to significantly improve plant height, leaf number, and vegetative and root biomass, reducing plant mortality on aromatic species such as mint, rosemary, thyme and sage. In general, a significant increase in plant height and number of leaves as well as vegetative and root biomass was observed in plants treated with microorganisms The trial significantly showed how water inoculated with plant-stimulating microorganisms can significantly increase the vegetative and root biomass of various aromatic plant species. This aspect was also found in other horticultural species. Conclusions: The possible use of these waters in agriculture requires a careful study of the microbial communities present in them, which are often not suitable for plant growth. This experiment aimed to assess whether the use of plant-specific micro-organisms added to previously biologically treated water could improve the adaptation and growth performance of certain aromatic species. The results were significant and certainly deserve further studies on other horticultural species.
Application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology in forensic science: A review
Authors: Yakubu Magaji Yuguda
Published: June 2023

One of the most important achievements of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is to produce millions of sequences reads in a short period of time, and to produce large sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in fragments of any size. Libraries can be generated from whole genomes or any DNA or RNA region of interest without the need to know its sequence beforehand. In the forensic field, one of the main problems is the limited amount of sample available, as well as its degraded state samples. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, with its high-throughput capacity and low cost, has developed rapidly in recent years and become an important analytical tool for many genomics researchers. New opportunities in the research domain of the forensic studies emerge by using the power of next generation sequencing technology, which can be applied to simultaneously analyzing multiple loci of forensic interest in different genetic materials. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology can also have potential applications in many other aspects of forensic science such as achieving the simultaneous analysis of the standard autosomal DNA (STRs and SNPs), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) database construction, ancestry and phenotypic inferences, monozygotic twin studies, body fluid and species identification, forensic animal, plant and microbiological analyses, mitochondrial DNA, microbiological analysis, epigenetics analysis, MicroRNA analysis, animal and plant DNA analysis and X and Y chromosomal markers. In this study, we review the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of forensic science with the aim of providing a reference for future forensic studies and practice.
Phytochemical and larvicidal evaluation of stem bark of Vernonia amygdalina
Authors: Eberechi Okolie  , Oghenekevwe Ikpan  , Ozadheoghene Eriarie Afieroho
Published: June 2023

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, and several arboviruses, which has led to an increasing disease burden. The development of resistance in mosquitoes has prompted researchers to investigate on biological larvicides that are biodegradable and ecofriendly. This study is aimed at evaluating the larvicidal activity of the stem bark of Vernonia amygdalina using the activity–guided fractionation approach. The powdered stem-bark (300g) was extracted by successive cold maceration first in dichloromethane and then in 70% aqueous ethanol for 72 hours with fresh replacement of solvent after every 24 hours. The extracts were separately concentrated using a rotary evaporator to obtain the dichloromethane extract (DCM) and 70% aqueous ethanol extract (AQE) respectively. The more active AQE was further partitioned with ethyl acetate to obtain the aqueous phase (AQP) and the organic phase (EAP). Larvicidal assay was done following the World Health Organisation protocol with modifications. Dichlorvos (2,3-dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate) was used as a reference larvicidal agent. Phytochemical screening was done using standard phytochemical screening reagents. The result from Larvicidal assay showed that the 70% ethanol extract gave a percentage mortality of 86.5%, at its highest concentration (10mg/ml) and an LC50 of 6.5mg/ml, while the highest percentage mortality recorded from the dichloromethane extract, was found to be 58%, at 10mg/ml. The EAP demonstrated a percentage mortality of 100%, at a concentration of 1mg/ml, while the AQP yielded a percentage mortality of 100% at concentration of 6.5mg/ml. With repect to phytochemical constituents, the crude plant sample contained deoxy sugars, triterpenoids, carbohydyrates, saponin and phenolics. The DCM lacked flavonoids and phenolics, but contained carbohydrates, triterpenoids and deoxy sugars. The AQE lacked free anthraquinones. The AQP contained carbohydrates, saponins, phenolics, whereas the EAP contained deoxy sugars, triterpenoids and flavonoids in addition. In conclusion, the 70% aqueous ethanol extract, as well as its organic and aqueous phases can be developed as bio-larvicides, for vector control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Association between alcohol consumption and overweight in adults: brief notes on biological plausibility
Authors: Luís Paulo Souza e Souza  , Silas Augusto Marquito Rocha
Published: June 2023

Authors debate that alcohol would be a food, providing calories to those who consume it. And when this consumption is exacerbated, there is a risk of weight gain. When assessing the risk factors for being overweight, especially in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, studies have shown positive, negative, and null associations. In this text, we sought to discuss the evidence of the association between alcohol consumption and overweight in adults. From the analysis, the studies observed the effect of alcohol on both metabolic pathways and the modulation of neurotransmitters that regulate appetite and hunger. The literature has pointed out that light to moderate consumption would not be a risk factor for being overweight, but only excessive consumption would be related. Authors emphasize that people who consume alcohol in a mild to moderate way have better lifestyle habits involving physical exercise and healthier food intake. Thus, they could present better protection against weight gain. Because obesity and overweight are multifactorial diseases, it is difficult to investigate the independent influence of alcohol consumption on the risk of these diseases. It reinforces the importance of studies that analyze and advance in the understanding of the relationship between alcohol consumption and overweight, especially by evaluating the total volume consumed, consumption patterns, and types of drinks so that the results support the creation of strategies for health promotion, prevention and control of these diseases among the population.
Anxiety level among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study using the Hamilton: A scale
Authors: Vidhi Vijaykumar Shah  , Sanjay Kumar  , Takshit Vijaykumar Shah  , Kishor N. Chinchodkar
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Medical education being a stressful course; high levels of anxiety and depression have been studied and documented among medical students all over the globe. Anxiety, being the precursor of depression, needs special attention and screening in Indian medical students. Objectives: To study the level of anxiety in medical students of different academic years. Methodology: A self-reporting questionnaire using ‘Google forms’ format was shared by WhatsApp and emails to undergraduate medical students of college. The questionnaire contained demographic details and Hamilton-A scale to assess the anxiety having maximum score of 56. Written consent was part of questionnaire and only consented forms were accepted. The responses were collected anonymously and analyzed using MS excel 2007 and EpiInfo 7.2 Results: Total 623 students participated in the study, of which 54.4% were male. 73%, students had minimal to mild anxiety, whereas 15% and 13% had mild to moderate and moderate to severe anxiety respectively. Severe anxiety in male students was higher (16.07%) as compared to female students (8.71). Final year medical students (24.11%) and Day Scholars (19.57%) showed highest severe anxiety. Conclusion: Anxiety is prevalent in medical students. Female and final year students reported higher levels on the anxiety score.
Partisipasi Petani Terhadap Ketersediaan Sumberdaya Air Irigasi Aceh Besar
Authors: Mardhiah Ainal , Sari Ola Indira , Fadhla Teuku , Wardani Sari , Nurhayati Nurhayati
Published: June 2023

The participation of farmers who own irrigated paddy fields has an effect on the availability of water resources because the participation of farmers in managing irrigation water resources can help the availability of water in paddy fields even though the availability of water is limited. One of the factors causing the non-optimal distribution of water and the long distance between the water source and the irrigated paddy fields causes an uneven distribution of water in the paddy fields so that some farmers use water pumps to irrigate the paddy fields. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of participation of paddy farmers. irrigation on the availability of water resources in Blang Bintang District, Aceh Besar District. The data analysis model used is Likert scale analysis. The results showed that the average level of participation of irrigated rice farmers on the availability of water resources was in the medium category or 63.82%. This shows that involvement in each activity is only when entering the rice planting season. Based on the partial test (t test) shows that the variables of land area (X1), income (X2), motivation (X3) and experience (X4) partially have no significant effect on the participation of irrigated rice farmers in the availability of water resources in Blang Bintang District, Aceh BesarRegency
Investigation of Total Colostral IgG Produced by Holstein Cows in a Lactation
Authors: KARA Erdal , PİR YAĞCI İlknur , YAGCI Buğrahan Bekir , ELİFOGLU Taha Burak
Published: June 2023

Since dairy cows have greater milk production than beef cows, because of the dilution of IgG colostrum of dairy cows assumed to be of poorer quality compared with beef cows. The objective of the present study was to investigate quality of colostrum and total IgG produced in a lactation by Holstein cows. The average colostrum volume at the first seven milking were measured as 5.42 L, 6.73 L, 8.55 L, 9.26 L, 8.44 L, 9 L, 10.01 L respectively. The average total colostrum produced by cows in the first 3 days period was calculated as 57.41L. The average colostrum IgG concentration were calculated as 90.81 mg/ml, 68.67 mg/ml, 58.40 mg/ml, 37.33 mg/ml, 15.22 mg/ml, 10.7 0mg/ml, 5.9 mg/ml respectively for each milking. In conclusion, enough colostrum and IgG are produced in the first 3 days in Holstein cows for calf feeding. In addition to this, there is huge opportunity that excessive amount of IgG and colostrum could be processed for other by-products.
Oppeja Suomen ensimmäisestä kunnan ekologisesta kompensaatiosta Lahdessa
Authors: Varumo Liisa , Kangas Johanna , Kotilainen Juha , Kullberg Peter , Ojala Elina , Pekkonen Minna , Suokas Sanna , Ollikainen Markku
Published: June 2023

Suomessa kunnilla ja kaupungeilla on maankäyttäjinä ja maankäytön suunnittelusta vastaavina tahoina merkittävä asema ja vastuu luontokadon pysäyttämisessä. Siihen tarvitaan uusia keinoja jo käytössä olevien lisäksi. Ekologinen kompensaatio on yksi lisäkeino ehkäistä ja vähentää luontokatoa, jota väistämättä syntyy esimerkiksi asumiseen ja liikkumiseen liittyvän rakentamisen ja muun luontoa nakertavan toiminnan myötä. Ekologisessa kompensaatiossa ihmistoiminnan aiheuttama haitta luonnon monimuotoisuudelle hyvitetään parantamalla elinympäristön tilaa tai suojelemalla heikennysuhan alla olevia luontokohteita toisaalla. Lieventämishierarkian mukaan ensisijaista on välttää ja lieventää luonnolle aiheutettavaa haittaa ja käyttää kompensaatiota jäljelle jäävän, väistämättömän luontohaitan hyvittämiseen. Ekologisen kompensaation yhtenä keskeisenä tavoitteena mainitaan usein luonnon monimuotoisuuden kokonaisheikentämättömyys (no net loss of biodiversity)...
COVID-19, design and social needs: an investigation of emerging issues
Authors: Getuli Vito , D'Ascenzi Eleonora , Mecca Saverio
Published: June 2023

The global public health crisis generated by the spread of COVID-19 has revealed – and is still showing – the strong correlation between two apparently disparate fields of research: built environment and health. Although in this time of emergency, the science of architecture could offer a remarkable contribution to rethinking new living and working spaces, the ongoing pandemic has, in terms of people’s well-being, disclosed the weaknesses of a vast number of architectural design choices implemented until now. Hence, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the users’ space fulfilment has been herein explored and analysed through a systematic literature review process for collecting data and exploring gaps and opportunities revealed in this period. The COVID-19 pandemic and especially the quarantine constrictions have revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with the quality of living space as well as the lack of flexibility and adaptability. This study has outlined the main critical aspects to be considered for shaping and re-building new ways of living in a post-COVID-19 society. Thus, rather than focusing on specific future solutions, this study aims to collect the main issues and planning opportunities by showing the need for a valuable transdisciplinary approach that could address people’s demands, especially from a sociological, anthropological, psychological and health perspective.
Design and Analysis of the Hexagonal-Shaped Antenna with Multi-Band Feature for WLAN, WiMAX, and LTE Applications
Authors: Abdulhussein Alaa , Khalaf Wasan , Abdulhussein Nooralhuda , Ibrahim Awad Eman , Mohammed Ali Ali
Published: June 2023

Developing and researching antenna designs are analogous to excavating in an undiscovered mine. This paper proposes a multi-band antenna with a new hexagonal ring shape, theoretically designed, developed, and analyzed using a CST before being manufactured. The antenna has undergone six changes to provide the best performance. The results of the surface current distribution and the electric field distribution on the surface of the hexagonal patch were theoretically analyzed and studied. The sequential approach taken to determine the most effective design is logical, and prevents deviation from the work direction. After comparing the six theoretical results, the fifth model proved to be the best for making a prototype. Measured results represent that the proposed antenna can operate well in three bands with a return loss of -11.24 dB at 2.9 GHz, -25.99 dB at 4.9 GHz, and -21.26 dB at 5.4 GH. This type of antenna belongs to various wireless communication systems, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Effect of Organic / Inorganic Gate Materials on the Organic Field-Effect Transistors Performance
Authors: N.Hashim Zainab , T. Abdullah Estabraq
Published: June 2023

The choice of gate dielectric materials is fundamental for organic field effect transistors (OFET), integrated circuits, and several electronic applications. The operation of the OFET depends on two essential parameters: the insulation between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode and the capacitance of the insulator. In this work, the electrical behavior of a pentacene-based OFET with a top contact / bottom gate was studied. Organic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and inorganic hafnium oxide (HfO2) were chosen as gate dielectric materials to lower the operation voltage to achieve the next generation of electronic applications. In this study, the performance of the OFET was studied using monolayer and bilayer gate insulators. To model and analyze a device's electrical properties, MATLAB was used. Two main parameters were studied: switching ratio (Ion/Ioff) and subthreshold swing (SS), as well as the effect of dielectric capacitance on the gate dielectric materials. The PVA/HfO2 bilayer gate dielectric gave the best results in Ion/Ioff ratio, SS and transconductance of 9.05´10-7, -1.52, and -4.99 x10-5A/V respectively, which is because the dielectric capacitance has increased.
Evaluasi Dana Talangan Haji Dalam Kajian Fiqh
Authors: Pratami Arifa
Published: June 2023

Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa sebuah produk tentu memiliki sisi positif dan negatif, begitu juga produk dana talangan haji sesuai fatwa Dewan Syariah Nasional (DSN) Nomor: 29/DSNMUI/ VI/2002, tentang pembiayaan pengurusan haji kepada nasabah, lembaga keuangan syariah (LKS) dapat memperoleh imbalan atau jasa (ujroh) dengan menggunakan prinsip Ijarah sesuai fatwa DSN-MUI nomor 9/DSN-MUI/IV/2000. Apabila diperlukan bisa menggunakan prinsip Al-Qardh 19/DSN-MUI/IV/2001.Pembiayaan untuk dana talangan haji ini pada dasarnya menggunakan akad Qard dan Ijarah, pembiayaan ini adalah pinjaman kebajikan atau lunak tanpa imbalan. Gabungan antara akad qardh dengan akad ijarah. Sebagian transaksi utang terkadang disyaratkan dengan akad ijarah. Disebutkan dalam hadis dari Abdullah bin Amr bin Ash radhiyallahu ‘anhuma.Banyak pendapat yang kurang setuju dengan produk dana talangan haji terutama akad yang digunakan pada pembiayaan ini sehingga masih menjadi prokontra sebagian kalangan.
BISNIS DAN PASAR DALAM SEJARAH ISLAM
Authors: Rahman Abdul
Published: June 2023

Sejarah panjang dalam hidup Muhammad sebagai seorang pebisnis dalam sektor perdagangan memberikan suri teladan bagi umat manusia secara umum. Julukan al-amin yang disandang beliau merupakan bukti bahwa Muhammad orang yang sudah diakui kredibelitasnya di masyarakat Arab sebagai sosok yang luar biasa. Muhammad memang pribadi yang kompleks, selain predikatnya sebagai orang jujur beliau peroleh, ia juga sebagai seorang nabi dan rasul. Predikat Muhammad sebagai al-amin, menjadi modal utama dan rahasia sukses beliau menjalankan aktifitas dagangnya. Tercatat dalam berbagai literatur bahwa sejak kecil Muhammad sudah terkondisikan oleh alam dan keadaan keluarga maupun masyarakat sebagai seorang pejuang. Berangkat dari kepribadian beliau maka lahirlah tuntunan atau teladan yang bisa dijadikan masyarakat di zaman sekarang untuk sebagai pelajaran. Jujur dalam menjelaskan produk merupakan etika bisnis yang selalu dilakukannya. Kejujuran Muhammad sudah diakui, beliau adalah manusia yang paling jujur di dunia. Beliau selalu mengatakan dengan jujur produk/barang yang didagangkannya, jika barang itu rusak atau jelek, beliau akan mengatakan kerusakan atau kejelekan barang tersebut. Sangat jarang pedagang yang berani berkata jujur perihal kualitas barang dagangannya.
ANALISIS PENGARUH SERTIFIKAT PRODUK HALAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN MINAT BELI KONSUMEN HERBAL NETWORK INTERNATIONAL-HERBA PENAWAR ALWAHIDA INDONESIA
Authors: Tumangger Ahmad Muhsin , Nasution Ahmad Adib , Jamaluddin Jamaluddin
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk analisis pengaruh sertifikat produk halal dalam meningkatkan minat beli konsumen herbal network international-herba penawar alwahida Indonesia. Variabel yang digunakan penelitian ini yaitu srtifikat produk halal (X), dan minat masyarakat membeli produk HNI-HPAI (Y). Pada Penelitian ini metode yang digunakan adalah jenis penelitian dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sumber data yang digunakan adalah data primer. Responden yang dijadikan sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 50 orang. Proses analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakaan metode analisis regresi linear berganda dengan bantuan SPSS 21 untuk mendapatkan gambaran umum tentang hubungan antara satu variabel dengan variabel lainnya.
PENGARUH WORD OF MOUTH, CITRA PERUSAHAAN DAN KEPERCAYAAN TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN JASA BPRS GEBU PRIMA MEDAN
Authors: Adha Raju , Nasution Ahmad Adib , Bakar Abu
Published: June 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui beberapa hal yaitu pengaruh Word of Mouth keputusan pembelian jasa, pengaruh citra perusahaan terhadap keputusan pembelian jasa, pengaruh kepercayaan terhadap keputusan pembelian jasa, dan pengaruh Word of Mouth, citra perusahaan dan kepercayaan terhadap keputusan pembelian jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. Teknik penelitian yang digunakan melalui teknik nonprobability sampling. Sampling yang akan digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling dengan kriteria responden menjadi nasabah BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu angket (kuesioner) dan teknik analisis data menggunakan SPSS (Statistical Package For The Sosial Sciences) untuk menguji empat hipotesis yang diajukan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 1) Variabel Word of Mouth berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusaan pembelian jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan, didasarkan pada hasil uji t sebesar, nilai thitung sebesar 2.206 ttabel 1,677, hal ini berarti semakin tinggi Word of Mouth maka akan meningkatkan keputusan nasabah membeli jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. 2) Variabel Citra Perusahaan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusaan pembelian jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan, didasarkan pada hasil uji t sebesar, nilai thitung sebesar 2.568 ttabel 1,677. Hal ini berarti semakin baik citra perusahaan BPRS Gebu Prima Medan maka akan meningkatkan keputusan nasabah membeli jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. 3) Variabel Kepercayaam berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusaan pembelian jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan, didasarkan pada hasil uji t sebesar 3.709 ttabel 1,677. Hal ini berarti semakin baik tinggi kepercayaan nasabah terhadap BPRS Gebu Prima Medan maka akan meningkatkan keputusan nasabah membeli jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. Variabel word of mouth, citra perusahaan dan kepercayaan secara bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan nasabah membeli jasa pada BPRS Gebu Prima Medan. Hal ini didasarkan pada hasil uji F (Fhitung Ftabel = 47.008 2.807).
PENGARUH PENGELOLAAN HARTA WAKAF TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT DI DESA SELOK ACEH KECAMATAN SINGKIL
Authors: Radasari Fitri , Nasution Ahmad Adib , Effendi Syamsul
Published: June 2023

Waqf is an important institution in Islamic teachings, the management of waqf property is a strategic step to develop the assets of the ummah for the economic prosperity of the Islamic ummah. In Law No. 41 of 2004, various forms of rules for managing waqf assets are explained and reaffirmed by government regulation No. 42 of 2006 which clearly prioritizes the management of waqf assets. This study aims, firstly, to determine the management of waqf assets that occurred in Selok Aceh Village, Singkil District, secondly, to determine Nazir's position in the management of waqf assets, and thirdly, to find out the facts that support and hinder the management of waqf assets. This research is a quantitative research. The place and location that is the object of this research is in Selok Aceh Village, Singkil District. Data sources are classified into two, namely primary which includes field studies by conducting direct interviews related to the management of waqf assets, while secondary data in the form of books, journals and others related to waqf. Data analysis uses four steps, first data collection, second data reduction, third data exposure, fourth conclusion. The results of this study conclude that the management of waqf assets in Selok Aceh Village, Singkil District has not been maximized because the abandoned waqf assets have not been developed and have not been preserved in the sense that they have not been certified
PENGARUH SERTIFIKAT HALAL TERHADAP MINAT DAN KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN KOSMETIK WARDAH DI KECAMATAN BARUMUN
Authors: Nasution Pebriani , Effendi Syamsul , Agustami Eli
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of halal certificates (X) on interest and purchasing decisions (Y) with a population of 22,042 people. From this population, a sample of 100 people was taken from residents in Barumun District. This type of research is quantitative descriptive where the relationship between the variables to the object under study is more cause and effect, so that in this research there are independent and dependent variables. The independent variable in this study is Halal Certificate, while the dependent variable is Wardah Cosmetics Purchase Interest and Decision in Barumun District. the data collection technique used is by using a questionnaire given to each respondent. The data is processed using SPSS Version 26.0 For Windows. The data analysis technique used is simple linear regression, with the formula Y=a+Bx+e. To find out how much influence the halal certificate has on the interest and purchasing decisions of Wardah cosmetics in Barumun District, a comparison technique of tcount with ttable is used for tcount ttable, thus Ha is accepted because tcount ttable. From the results of the validity test and questionnaire reliability test, each statement item is declared valid and reliable if rcount is greater than rtable with Cronbach's Alpha value 0.60. And obtained the Regression equation Y = 14,185 + 1,560 X + e, meaning that every 1% increase in Halal Certificate will cause an increase in Interest and Purchase Decision by 1,560%. While the value of the determinant coefficient (r2) was obtained at 0.805 or 80.5%, therefore it can be concluded that interest and purchasing decisions or independent variables have a significant effect on Wardah Cosmetics Halal Certificate or Bound Variables in Barumun District by 80.5%
Role of Port Tugs in Ship-Borne Emissions: An Analysis in Izmit Bay-TURKIYE
Authors: Ergüven Orhan , Bayırhan İrşad , Deniz Cengiz , Gazioğlu Cem
Published: June 2023

Thanks to the awareness created by the concrete effects of global warming and climatic irregularities, concepts such as carbon emissions, polluting gases, internal combustion engines, energy efficiency are gaining more and more importance in our lives globally. In this context, the maritime sector, which provides the transfer of 90% of global trade, has become the center of attention with its ships boasting huge machinery and has also been a subject of exhaust emission studies. The fact that approximately 70% of ship emissions occur in coastal areas requires more scrutiny of ships operating in these areas. Providing docking and departing services for ports, having small hull sizes compared to other ships but featuring big machinery in terms of power output (kW), port tugboats are a serious source of emissions. As a first in this literature, the present study aimed to make a 3-month emission inventory of port tugs in Izmit Bay, where Turkey’s largest shipping activities take place, and to compare it with emission studies for other ships. In the study period, port tugs’ emissions of CO2, NOX, SOX, VOC, PM, CO were calculated to be 7,398.88 tonnes, 121.09 tonnes, 66.43 tonnes, 2.13 tonnes, 4.27 tonnes, and 5.77 tonnes, respectively. This suggests that port tugs have a significant place among ship types in terms of producing exhaust emissions.
Performance of STBC Based MIMO-OFDM Using Pilot-aided Channel Estimation
Authors: Idan Sarah Saleh , Al-Haddad Mohammed Kasim
Published: June 2023

Many studies have been published to address the growing issues in wireless communication systems. Space-Time Block Coding (STBC) is an effective and practical MIMO-OFDM application that can address such issues. It is a powerful tool for increasing wireless performance by coding data symbols and transmitting diversity using several antennas. The most significant challenge is to recover the transmitted signal through a time-varying multipath fading channel and obtain a precise channel estimation to recover the transmitted information symbols. This work considers different pilot patterns for channel estimation and equalization in MIMO-OFDM systems. The pilot patterns fall under two general types: comb and block types, with a proper arrangement suitable to the multiple transmit antennas. The two main channel estimation methods, LS and MMSE, are compared by evaluating performance in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER) to analyze the performance of pilot-aided channel estimation for 2x2 and 4x4 MIMO arrangements utilizing LTE parameters and the effects of modifying different numbers of OFDM subcarriers under different channel models It has been discussed, a 4x4 system performs better than a 2x2 system in terms of BER with an acceptable amount of additional complexity.
A Control Program for Hydropower Operation Based on Minimizing the Principal Stress Values on the Dam Body: Mosul Dam Case Study
Authors: Al-Fatlawi Hussain Ali , Salih Ameen Ameen Mohammed
Published: June 2023

This study examines the vibrations produced by hydropower operations to improve embankment dam safety. This study consists of two parts: In the first part, ANSYS-CFX was used to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) finite volume (FV) model to simulate a vertical Francis turbine unit in the Mosul hydropower plant. The pressure pattern result of the turbine model was transformed into the dam body to show how the turbine unit's operation affects the dam's stability. The upstream reservoir conditions, various flow rates, and fully open inlet gates were considered. In the second part of this study, a 3-D FE Mosul dam model was simulated using an ANSYS program. The operational turbine model's water pressure pattern is conveyed to the dam's turbine-shared zone. The maximal and minimal upstream reservoir water levels were investigated. A control program was created depending on the principle stress model results collected from the operation of the hydropower plant with the minimum principal stress on the dam body. This research suggests an enhanced turbine operating system, reducing stress on the dam body and increasing dam operation life.
Fault Location of Doukan-Erbil 132kv Double Transmission Lines Using Artificial Neural Network ANN
Authors: Mahmoud Pishtiwan Kamal , Fattah Ammin Abbas
Published: June 2023

Transmission lines are generally subjected to faults, so it is advantageous to determine these faults as quickly as possible. This study uses an Artificial Neural Network technique to locate a fault as soon as it happens on the Doukan-Erbil of 132kv double Transmission lines network. CYME 7.1-Programming/Simulink utilized simulation to model the suggested network. A multilayer perceptron feed-forward artificial neural network with a back propagation learning algorithm is used for the intelligence locator's training, testing, assessment, and validation. Voltages and currents were applied as inputs during the neural network's training. The pre-fault and post-fault values determined the scaled values. The neural network's performance was evaluated, and tests were run. Line-to-ground faults were examined. The study demonstrates how effective, rapid, and precise this method is at locating faults. The neural network's performance was examined, and tests were run on it. The overall performance of the mean square error in the trained network execution was 0.11792 at 35 epochs. The correlation coefficient at the entire target was 0.99987 percent of an error on the Doukan-Erbil double transmission lines.
Analysis of Traditional and Fuzzy Quality Control Charts to Improve Short-Run Production in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Jabbar Reyam Raheem , Alkhafaji Ahmed Abdulrasool Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Quality control charts are limited to controlling one characteristic of a production process, and it needs a large amount of data to determine control limits to control the process. Another limitation of the traditional control chart is that it doesn’t deal with the vague data environment. The fuzzy control charts work with the uncertainty that exists in the data. Also, the fuzzy control charts investigate the random variations found between the samples. In modern industries, productivity is often of different designs and a small volume that depends on the market need for demand (short-run production) implemented in the same type of machines to the production units. In such cases, it is difficult to determine the control limits for the operations carried out on the same machines. This work aims to compare the traditional control charts and the fuzzy control charts for short-run production. In the traditional case, the data collected were processed using the (Minitab 21) software. It was found that the fuzzy control charts were more flexible and accurate in determining the control limits of the machine under study. The traditional deviation from nominal control charts showed false alarm of observation (15) as out-of-control, while the fuzzy (DNOM) showed that these observations were under control. Also, the standard deviation of the process was dropped from (σ =0.209041) to (σ =0.204401) after using the fuzzy control chart.
Investigating Object Orientation Effects Across 18 Languages
Authors: Chen Sau-Chin , Buchanan Erin Michelle , Kekecs Zoltan , Miller Jeremy K. , Szabelska Anna , Aczel Balazs , Bernabeu Pablo , Forscher Patrick S. , Szuts Attila , Vally Zahir , Al-Hoorie Ali H. , Helmy Mai , Silva Caio Santos Alves da , da Silva Luana Oliveira , Moraes Yago Luksevicius , Hsu Rafael Ming Chi Santos , Mafra Anthonieta Looman , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Varella Marco Antonio Correa , Dixson Barnaby , Peters Kim Olivia , Steffens Niklas K , Ghasemi Omid , Roberts Andrew , Ross Robert M , Stephen Ian D , Milyavskaya Marina , Wang Kelly , Werner Kaitlyn M. , Holford Dawn Liu , Sirota Miroslav , Evans Thomas Rhys , Lynott Dermot , Lane Bethany M. , Riis Danny , Williams Glenn Patrick , Tan Chrystalle B. Y. , Foo Alicia , Janssen Steve M. J. , Arinze Nwadiogo Chisom , Ndukaihe Izuchukwu Lawrence Gabriel , Moreau David , Jurosic Brianna , Leach Brynna , Lewis Savannah C , Mallik Peter Robert , Schmidt Kathleen , Chopik William J. , Vaughn Leigh Ann , Li Manyu , Levitan Carmel , Storage Daniel , Batres Carlota , Enachescu Janina , Olsen Jerome , Voracek Martin , Lamm Claus , Pronizius Ekaterina , Ripp Tilli , Röer Jan Philipp , Schnepper Roxane , Papadatou-Pastou Marietta , Mokady Aviv , Reggev Niv , Chandel Priyanka , Kujur Pratibha , Pande Babita , Parganiha Arti , Parveen Noorshama , Pradhan Sraddha , Singh Margaret Messiah , Korbmacher Max , Kunst Jonas R. , Tamnes Christian K. , Woelfert Frederike , Klevjer Kristoffer , Martiny Sarah E. , Pfuhl Gerit , Adamus Sylwia , Barzykowski Krystian , Filip Katarzyna , Arriaga Patricia , Gvozdenović Vasilije , Kovic Vanja , Chen Zhong , Gao Fei , Li Lisa , Bavolar Jozef , Hricova Monika , Kačmár Pavol , Adamkovic Matus , Babincak Peter , Baník Gabriel , Ropovik Ivan , Zambrano Danilo , Solas Sara Álvarez , Manley Harry , Suavansri Panita , Kung Chun-Chia , Özdoğru Asil Ali , Solak Çağlar , Söylemez Sinem , Çoksan Sami , Dalgar Ilker , Elsherif Mahmoud Medhat , Vasileva Martina , Mlakic Vinka , Oberzaucher Elisabeth , Stieger Stefan , Volsa Selina , Zickfeld Janis , Chartier Christopher R.
Published: June 2023

Mental simulation theories of language comprehension propose that people automatically create mental representations of objects mentioned in sentences. Mental representation is often measured with the sentence-picture verification task, wherein participants first read a sentence that implies the object property (i.e., shape and orientation). Participants then respond to an image of an object by indicating whether it was an object from the sentence or not. Previous studies have shown matching advantages for shape, but findings concerning object orientation have not been robust across languages. This registered report investigated the match advantage of object orientation across 18 languages in nearly 4,000 participants. The preregistered analysis revealed no compelling evidence for a match advantage across languages. Additionally, the match advantage was not predicted by mental rotation scores. Overall, the results did not support current mental simulation theories.
Evaluation of the Cost of Hygiene and Asepsis in the Dental Consultation and Treatment Center
Authors: Lamia Bouchghel , Dounia Sarfi , Loubna Rhaimi , Mouna Hamza , Sofia Haitami , Ihsane Ben Yahya
Published: June 2023

Our study’s main goal is to assess the overall cost of asepsis and hygiene procedures across all divisions of the dental consultation and treatment center. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to meet this goal, and data were gathered using a questionnaire customized for the investigation. Software called SPSS was used for the data analysis. The findings of our survey have drawn attention to the significant expense incurred by the Casablanca Dental Consultation and Treatment Center (CDCT) in order to adhere to the various asepsis and hygiene recommendations. Each CDCT department is equipped with various methods for patient protection, consumables they will need, pre-disinfection, packaging, and sterilization equipment. When compared to other departments, some, like conservative dentistry and assistant and joint prosthesis, use more gloves than others. The CDCT can continue to improve the standard and cost of hygiene by applying recommendations, being organized rigorously, respecting the asepsis chain, and having management expertise.
Microplastics as a Serious Challenge in Marine Environment
Authors: Karimy Hasan
Published: June 2023

Today, the production of plastic materials has multiplied with the growth of the population and the development of industry in the world. Microplastics are released into the sea environment as a result of the decomposition of plastic materials and are carried into the water by wind or waves. Unlike small inorganic particles in seawater, microplastics increase the concentration of organic pollutants by splitting. Microplastics are ingested by marine life and have adverse effects on them. The potential degradation of these substances in the marine ecosystem is still being quantitatively evaluated and modelled. Due to the increasing levels of pollution by plastics in the seas, a better understanding of the effects of microplastics in the ocean food web is of great importance.
Nature Communications-published study with unapproved euthanasia of rats pulled
Authors: Rats-Bard AI
Published: June 2023

The retraction notice also states that some animals were inappropriately removed from analyses, which could have affected the results of the study.
Authors victimized by forger vindicated by publisher
Authors: Innocent-Bard AI
Published: June 2023

The attorney representing one of the affected authors, who had no involvement in the papers, contacted the publishers and requested that their client's name be removed.
NIH-approved grants to faked data
Authors: Investigator-Bard AI
Published: June 2023

The U.S. Office of Research Integrity (ORI) investigated the allegations and found that Ren had committed research misconduct.
The phenomenon of Cancel Culture Its Effects on Individuals Within Ordinary Segments of Society
Authors: Rahmawati Sheila Dwi , Dwiyanti Alvia Rahma
Published: June 2023

Cancel culture has become a popular phenomenon recently. When a celebrity is involved in controversy or scandal, they will get hate and experience canceled culture whether in social media or in the entertainment industry. The term " cancel culture" itself according to dictionary.com refers to the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. Cancel culture is generally discussed as being performed on social media in the form of group shaming. Cancel culture is not only implemented to celebrities or public figures, but every person who causes a controversy or detrimental behavior can experience a canceled culture in society as a social punishment that they have to endure for their whole life.
Water Resources Management and Applications using GIS: An Overview
Authors: Yahya Bashar Munieer , Ahmed Khansaa Abdulelah , Salih Akram Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Due to the extensive use of geographic information system (GIS) concepts, planning and design for water resources are evolving. The effects of human activity are all around us in some places, and water resources are getting harder to find. In this situation, evaluating these resources, estimating consequences, and developing plans to lessen impacts and enhance sustainability while utilizing the finest technology available are all important. While geographic information systems (GIS) offer the best tools for managing water resources and other related issues like drought and flood risk, remote sensing offers the essential data for managing these resources. Also, GIS can be integrated with many techniques like artificial intelligence models and hydrological models. This paper aims to present a comprehensive survey of the best practices and uses of GIS technologies in water resources engineering includes, water resources mapping, rainfall-runoff measurements, flood forecasting, irrigation management, water quality and drought monitoring.
Hollywood movies can’t save papers with faked data
Authors: HollyBard AI
Published: June 2023

Hao Li, a computer scientist whose work on visual effects has been credited in major Hollywood movies, will soon lose two papers after a publisher’s investigation found falsification of data in the articles.
Corruption Prevention at the Village Level: A Study of the Legal Cadre Training and Formation Model
Authors: Herlinda Erna , Ningsih Suria , Tidman Melanie M.
Published: June 2023

Corruption in the management of village finances is an action that can harm both the finances and the economy of the state or the village. Therefore, village officials must receive guidance on clean and corruption-free governance, collusion and nepotism. In this regard, the role of the community is needed to exercise social control over the practice of government. This article aims to address the management of village finances based on legislation, the factors that make corruption prevention important, and the role of the community in corruption prevention through legal training for cadres in Galang Suka Village, Deli Sedang Regency. This study uses normative and empirical legal research that is expected to produce academic studies that are useful for governance, especially in the prevention of corruption in Galang Suka Village, Deli Sedang Regency. This research is conducted in two stages. First, conducting a study of normative law. Second, conducting a study on the implementation of regulations on village financial management. The results of the study indicate that the Deli Serdang Regency Government has implemented several policies, including a large budget allocation, fixed income and allowances for the head and village officials. The factors that cause corruption in village funds are the lack of community involvement in the planning and supervision of village funds. Community participation in overseeing the use of village funds is one of the keys to the success of utilizing village funds.
Artificial Energy General Intelligence AEGI
Authors: Alfarisi Omar
Published: June 2023

Artificial Energy General Intelligence (AEGI) is a natural progression of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that caters to the energy industry. It is crucial to optimize the entire value chain involved in generating, transporting, and storing energy for the betterment of humanity, the environment, industry, and the scientific community. Most research efforts focus on a specific area of the value chain, leading to a disconnect between multiple disciplines and hindering effective problem-solving. AEGI proposes integrating the learning from each discipline in the energy sector to create an optimal solution that simultaneously addresses multiple objectives. This integration is more complex than solving each discipline's challenges separately, but achieving a sustainable and efficient energy system is necessary.