bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural Influences that Promote Gender Discrimination
Authors: Tindimwebwa Judith 
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the challenges women face to advance in a leadership position in higher learning institutions in Rwanda. The study was based on leadership and change theories. The underrepresentation of women in higher education leadership is a complex socio-cultural issue that was examined through a qualitative research methodology (Yin, 2016). The sources of data for this study came from individual interviews, focus groups, and document reviews. These different instruments helped in the triangulation of data which ensured reliability. From themes that emerged from the study, it was found that to promote gender equality in higher learning institutions in Rwanda, the inflexible cultural mores that discriminate against women must be acknowledged, challenged, and changed. A new model that integrates leadership and change theories should be developed and implemented to challenge cultural mores that promote gender discrimination.
Effect of Asset Reduction on Growth of Small Enterprises in Busia County, Kenya
Authors: Egesa Vivian Musungu , Sitienei C.S. Dr. Kipkorir 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to establish the effect of asset reduction on growth of small enterprises in Busia County, Kenya.
Methodology: Descriptive and explanatory research designs were used in the study. The research targeted 220 management employees of licensed small enterprises operating in Busia County in Kenya. A census was carried out on all management employees in the department because the number was small. Therefore, all 220 management employees of licensed small enterprises operating in Busia County were included in this study. The drop-and-pick method was used by the investigator to manage the surveys. The research collected primary data using a structured questionnaire. The study supervisor reviewed the instrument and suggested any required changes to ensure content validity. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach alpha, the author evaluated the trustworthiness of the data tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated. Data was captured using tables.
Results: Regression of coefficients showed that there is a positive and significant effect of asset reduction and growth of small enterprises.
Conclusion: The study recommended that small enterprises should do replacement of long-term assets since this will enhance their growth. Further, Small enterprises should ensure they often modernize their assets since this enhances the small enterprises' internal operation efficiency and growth. However, firms should not concentrate on disposal of assets since it plays no role in firm growth.
Employing of the Social Media from Faculty Members at Al-Balqa Applied University into E-Learning and the Challenges Faced During the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Nair Natheer sihan m. Abu 
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to reveal the use of social media in e-learning by faculty members at Al-Balqa Applied University and the challenges they faced. During the Corona pandemic, the study population consisted of all faculty members working at Al-Balqa Applied University in all colleges specializations, and academic ranks, and it was applied during the second semester of the academic years 2022-2023. The study sample consisted of (30) faculty members Teaching from Princess Rahma University College at Al-Balqa Applied University. They were selected by a simple random method, and a questionnaire was developed consisting of items distributed over two areas. To achieve the objectives of the study and verify the answers to its questions the researcher used the descriptive survey method, and appropriate statistical methods were used to analyze the data results. The study found that most of faculty members at Al-Balqa Applied University used social media in e-learning during the Corona pandemic. They also directed students toward educational resources through social media. The study intended to develop the administrative systems of Jordanian universities to transform communication with faculty members from traditional communication to electronic communication via social media. Educating university professors about the importance of using social communication in university education.
Assessing the Availability of Digital Learning Infrastructures in NGO-Sponsored and Non-Sponsored Public Primary Schools in Buuri and Isiolo Sub-Counties
Authors: Kinoti Purity Ntinyari , Ikiara Lucy , Ikiugu Johnson 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To assess the availability of digital learning infrastructures in NGO-sponsored and non-sponsored public primary schools in Buuri and Isiolo sub-counties.
Methodology: The study used deductive reasoning and adopted the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 79 public primary schools in the 2 sub-counties, 79 headteachers, 79 ICT teachers, 2,192 Grade 6 learners, and their 79 Grade 6 class teachers. The researcher selected a 20% sample to get 16 schools, 16 headteachers, 16 ICT teachers, and 16 class teachers. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 11 schools with NGO sponsorship while simple random sampling was used to select 5 schools without sponsorship for the comparative sample. Systematic random sampling was used to get a 15% sample from the learners – 329 Grade 6 learners. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklists. Descriptive data was analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation scores, while data from interviews was organized into themes and reported using quotes and narration and reported alongside the findings from descriptive data.
Results: The results of the questionnaire revealed that 79.9% of learners in sponsored schools strongly agreed that their classrooms were built with robust materials compared to only 62.0% in non-sponsored schools. 70.0% of teachers in sponsored schools confirmed these findings strongly agreeing that their classrooms were built of concrete stones with metal doors and windows, compared to 60.0% in non-sponsored schools. This indicates a significant difference in infrastructure quality, with sponsored schools showing better construction (97.4% vs. 70.5%). Simple regression analysis showed that NGO-sponsored schools had lower p-values (p ≤ 0.01 for power availability and digital hardware, p = 0.05 for adequate gadgets) compared to non-sponsored schools (p = 0.05, 0.05, and 0.10 respectively). These results indicate significant differences in infrastructure availability, supporting the rejection of the null hypothesis.
Conclusion: The conclusion made was that NGO-sponsored schools possess significantly superior digital learning infrastructures compared to their non-sponsored counterparts. The robust construction of classrooms, reliable electricity supply, and the availability of essential wiring and power sockets collectively create an environment that is highly conducive to effective digital literacy programs. This enhanced infrastructure provides a stable foundation for the integration and use of digital technologies in the school. The study recommends that efforts be made to increase NGO sponsorship in public primary schools to increase the chances of learners attending the schools getting access to essential digital skills. This could involve intentional efforts by the Ministry of Education to reach out to NGOs and pursue partnership opportunities in this direction
Effect of Bio-stimulants on Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Kumawat Vikash Kumar , Yadav Raju , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Aravindakshan Kavita 
Published: October 2024

The experiment was carried out at Vegetable Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar (Rajasthan), India during rabi season (2021-2022) on garlic. The experiment consisted of ten treatments of bio-stimulants viz. soil drenching of humic acid @ 4 g/lit. , soil drenching of humic acid @ 6 g/lit., soil drenching of humic acid @ 8 g/lit., soil drenching of seaweed extract @ 4 ml/lit., soil drenching of seaweed extract @ 6 ml/lit., soil drenching of seaweed extract @ 8 ml/lit., soil drenching of vermiwash @ 10 ml/lit., soil drenching of vermiwash @ 20 ml/lit. and soil drenching of vermiwash @ 30 ml/lit.and control and laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The result of the present study clearly indicates that the growth and yield attributes of garlic plants increased with the soil application of different bio-stimulants over control. Growth and yield attributes viz. number of leaves per plant, leaf length, plant height, chlorophyll content of leaves, fresh weight of bulb, bulb diameter, yield of bulb per plot and yield of bulb per hectare increased significantly due to application of humic acid. The maximum value of growth and yield parameters i.e. number of leaves per plant (7.32 and 9.33), length of leaves (48.44 cm and 63.28 cm), plant height (57.38 cm and 69.19 cm) at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively, chlorophyll content (1.87 mg/g), fresh weight of bulb (31.86 g), bulb diameter (4.83 cm), yield of bulb per plot (2.74 kg) and yield of bulb per hectare (212.99 q ha-1) were recorded with soil drenching of humic acid @ 8g/lit. and the minimum value of growth and yield parameters i.e. number of leaves per plant (6.16 and 7.35), length of leaves (34.99 cm and 52.27 cm), plant height (36.83 cm and 49.30 cm) at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively, chlorophyll content (0.57 mg/g), fresh weight of bulb (21.13 g), bulb diameter (3.25 cm), yield of bulb per plot (1.79 kg) and yield of bulb per hectare (141.10 q ha-1) with control.
Utilization of Hibiscus, Tamarind and Carob in Production of Low Calories Healthy Soft Drinks
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmoud Ahmed , Aal Hossam Zein Abdel , Saleh Hend Mohamed 
Published: October 2024

The demand for carbonated beverages is increasing, offering opportunities to develop drinks with significant health benefits. Beverages containing carob, tamarind and hibiscus offer multiple nutritional and functional benefits and can serve as healthy alternatives to other soft drinks on the market. This is particularly important given the high sugar and calorie content of traditional soft drinks, which has been linked to increased issues associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease globally. The focus of the current work is to evaluate low-calorie soft drinks made from hibiscus, tamarind and carob and sweetened with erythritol that cater to diverse consumer segments, including diabetics and health-conscious individuals. Hibiscus, tamarind and carob extracts were sweetened with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g erythritol sugar/200 ml carbonated beverage. The results showed that the alcoholic extract from hibiscus cups gave the highest content of phenols and flavonoids (70.3 mg gallic/g on DW and 7.8 mg catechin/g on DW), followed by carob pod alcoholic extract (19.3 mg gallic/g on DW) and tamarind alcoholic extract (11.6 mg gallic/g on DW). Tamarind gave a higher content of flavonoids (2.3 mg/g) than carob (1.2 mg/g); however, carob pods had the highest antioxidant activity (91.92%), followed by tamarind pulp (87.66%) and hibiscus cups (79.76%). The soft drinks of hibiscus and tamarind sweetened with erythritol at 1.5 g/200 ml gave the best sensory properties compared with control (adjusted by sucrose at 12% brix) and others concentrations used of erythritol sugar at (0.5 and 1.5 g /200 ml carbonated beverage). Carob pods soft drink sweetened with 0.5 g erythritol /200 ml gave the best sensory characteristics compared to the control sample and others concentrations of erythritol sugar at (1 and 1.5 g /200 ml carbonated beverage), which may be due to the high content of sugars in carob. Hibiscus carbonated beverage outperformed tamarind in terms of overall acceptability and carob carbonated beverage was the least acceptable in terms of sensory properties. Carob carbonated beverage recorded the highest antioxidant activity (90.9%) and phenolic content while representing the second highest in terms of flavonoids. Tamarind carbonated beverage ranked second in terms of antioxidant activity (86.0%) and phenolic content although it ranked first in terms of flavonoids. Hibiscus carbonated beverage recorded the lowest content in terms of antioxidant activity (79.36%), phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Hibiscus, tamarind and carob are a great choice for the production of carbonated beverages because they give the beverage desirable nutritional, cosmetic and medicinal qualities. Moreover, the simplicity of production and availability of raw materials allows for the stimulation of the economy by reducing dependence on multinational companies offering unhealthy or industrialized soft drinks.
Innovations in Drug Delivery: From Microtechnology to Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Mustafa Muhammad Abid , Rasheed Namra , Ghauri Hamza , Shahzad Muhammad Obaidullah , Hamza Ameer , Rafique Muhammad Hasnat , Nasir Minahil , Siddique Mavra , Gill Wasta Aslam , Tayyab Syed Taimoor 
Published: October 2024

Drug delivery systems are developed to maximize drug efficacy and minimize side effects. As drug delivery technologies improve, the drug becomes safer and more comfortable for patients to use. The study on advanced drug delivery systems aims to increase patient compliance, decrease adverse effects, and improve treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the goal of these systems is to deliver drugs to particular body tissues or cells in a targeted manner, which should enhance treatment outcomes. During the last seven decades, extraordinary progress has been made in drug delivery technologies, such as systems for long-term delivery for months and years, localized delivery, and targeted delivery. In this review, we explain the general principles of several advanced drug delivery systems, their introduction objective, components, mechanism, functioning principle, and application. The implantable polymeric drug delivery system, cardiac pacemaker, prefilled dual chamber device, closed-loop insulin delivery system, hepatic infusion pumps, MEMS devices, inhaled insulin devices, and hydrogel-forming microneedles are among the medical devices that are being discussed in this article as being at the forefront of technological innovation in medicine. For a variety of medical diseases, these devices provide minimally invasive procedures, real-time monitoring, and more accurate drug delivery. The scope of medical treatment and monitoring procedures is changing due to the integration of cutting-edge materials and technology. By increasing convenience, decreasing adverse effects, and increasing efficacy, these cutting-edge solutions directly help patients. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced drug delivery systems has demonstrated promising results in enhancing patient compliance and treatment outcomes. By increasing the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of pharmaceuticals, these systems have the potential to transform the fields of drug delivery and personalized medicine. However, the field also faces challenges in overcoming physicochemical barriers and biological unknowns. Challenges facing the advanced drug delivery systems industry include complicated formulation requirements, regulatory obstacles, and the need for new technologies to enhance patient outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. Strict intellectual property rules and competition from generic drug manufacturers can also directly hinder the expansion and financial success of businesses in this field. To progress, the field should focus on translatable research ideas, develop realistic goals, and most importantly, diversify technologies. This emphasis on diversity will inspire new ideas and approaches, leading to the development of more effective, patient-friendly drug delivery systems.
SAPS‐Associated Explosive Brightening on the Duskside: A New Type of Onset‐Like Disturbance
Authors: Henderson M. G. , Morley S. K. , Kepko L. E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractQuasiperiodic energetic particle injections have been observed at geosynchronous orbit on the duskside during a steady magnetospheric convection event. We examine high‐resolution auroral imager data and ground magnetometer data associated with the first of these injections and conclude that it was not associated with classical substorm signatures. It is proposed that these injections are caused by the explosive nonlinear growth of a shear flow‐ballooning instability in the region where subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) also occur. It is suggested that interchange will occur preferentially in the low‐conductivity SAPS region since the magnetic Richardson number is lowest there and the “line‐tying” effect will also be least stabilizing there. We propose that the observed particle injection signatures and auroral morphology constitute a new type of SAPS‐associated explosive “onset‐like” disturbance that can occur during intervals of strong convection.
Bow Shock Generator Current Systems: MMS Observations of Possible Current Closure
Authors: Hamrin M. , Gunell H. , Lindkvist J. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Ergun R. E. , Giles B. L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe use data from the first two dayside seasons of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission to study current systems associated with quasi‐perpendicular bow shocks of generator type. We have analyzed 154 MMS bow shock crossings near the equatorial plane. We compute the current density during the crossings and conclude that the component perpendicular to the shock normal (J⊥) is consistent with a pileup of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) inside the magnetosheath. For predominantly southward IMF, we observe a component Jn parallel (antiparallel) to the normal for GSM Y > 0 (<0), and oppositely directed for northward IMF. This indicates current closure across the equatorial magnetosheath, and it is observed for IMF clock angles near 0∘ and 180∘. To our knowledge, these are the first observational evidence for bow shock current closure across the magnetosheath. Since we observe no clear signatures of |J⊥| decreasing toward large |Y| we suggest that the main region of current closure is further tailward, outside MMS probing region. For IMF clock angles near 90∘, we find indications of the current system being tilted toward the north‐south direction, obtaining a significant Jz component, and we suggest that the current closes off the equatorial plane at higher latitudes where the spacecraft are not probing. The observations are complicated for several reasons. For example, variations in the solar wind and the magnetospheric currents and loads affect the closure, and Jn is distributed over large regions, making it difficult to resolve inside the magnetosheath proper.
Ice‐Shelf Melt Response to Changing Winds and Glacier Dynamics in the Amundsen Sea Sector, Antarctica
Authors: Donat‐Magnin Marion , Jourdain Nicolas C. , Spence Paul , Le Sommer Julien , Gallée Hubert , Durand Gaël 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIt has been suggested that the coastal Southern Ocean subsurface may warm over the 21st century in response to strengthening and poleward shifting winds, with potential adverse effects on West Antarctic glaciers. However, using a 1/12° ocean regional model that includes ice‐shelf cavities, we find a more complex response to changing winds in the Amundsen Sea. Simulated offshore subsurface waters get colder under strengthened and poleward shifted winds representative of the SAM projected trend. The buoyancy‐driven circulation induced by ice‐shelf melt transports this cold offshore anomaly onto the continental shelf, leading to cooling and decreased melt below 450 m. In the vicinity of ice‐shelf fronts, Ekman pumping contributes to raise the isotherms in response to changing winds. This effect overwhelms the horizontal transport of colder offshore waters at intermediate depths (between 200 and 450 m), and therefore increases melt rates in the upper part of the ice‐shelf cavities, which reinforces the buoyancy‐driven circulation and further contributes to raise the isotherms. Then, prescribing an extreme grounding line retreat projected for 2100, the total melt rates simulated underneath Thwaites and Pine Island are multiplied by 2.5. Such increase is explained by a larger ocean/ice interface exposed to CDW, which is then amplified by a stronger melt‐induced circulation along the ice draft. Our main conclusions are that (1) outputs from ocean models that do not represent ice shelf cavities (e.g., CMIP5 models) should not be directly used to predict the thermal forcing of future ice shelf cavities; (2) coupled ocean/ice sheet models with a velocity‐dependent melt formulation are needed for future projections of glaciers experiencing a significant grounding line retreat.
The Superstatistical Nature and Interoccurrence Time of Atmospheric Mercury Concentration Fluctuations
Authors: Carbone F. , Bruno A. G. , Naccarato A. , De Simone F. , Gencarelli C. N. , Sprovieri F. , Hedgecock I. M. , Landis M. S. , Skov H. , Pfaffhuber K. A. , Read K. A. , Martin L. , Angot H. , Dommergue A. , Magand O. , Pirrone N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe probability density function (PDF) of the time intervals between subsequent extreme events in atmospheric Hg0concentration data series from different latitudes has been investigated. The Hg0dynamic possesses a long‐term memory autocorrelation function. Above a fixed thresholdQin the data, the PDFs of the interoccurrence time of the Hg0data are well described by a Tsallis q‐exponential function. This PDF behavior has been explained in the framework of superstatistics, where the competition between multiple mesoscopic processes affects the macroscopic dynamics. An extensive parameterμ, encompassing all possible fluctuations related to mesoscopic phenomena, has been identified. It follows aχ2distribution, indicative of the superstatistical nature of the overall process. Shuffling the data series destroys the long‐term memory, the distributions become independent ofQ, and the PDFs collapse on to the same exponential distribution. The possible central role of atmospheric turbulence on extreme events in the Hg0data is highlighted.