bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXAMINE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR NGITURKANA CHRISTIAN CONVERSION TO ISLAM
Authors: Lochodo Malcom Charles 
Published: March 2023

In places that were formerly unfriendly to Muslims, the number of converts has risen dramatically in recent years. Numerous examples may be cited, including the conversion of Christians in South Korea to Islam, as well as native-born Britons. Igboland, the Christian core of Nigeria, is also experiencing this trend, as seen by the proliferation of Islamic schools/institutions, Mosques, and well-off Igbo converts to Islam. While it was formerly thought that the economic motive was driving the majority of Igbo converts to Islam, recent research has shown that this is no longer true. According to Lines Kevin, the intellectual element of Islam is a major draw for Igbo converts today. Since it is often held that the Igbo are concerned with money, it is also commonly held that they converted to Islam to earn more wealth; nevertheless, the findings of the present study would contradict this belief. The practice of people changing their religious affiliation has been going on for centuries, and it remains a fascinating and relevant issue in the modern world. As an example, consider the Ngiturkana people's shift from Christianity to Islam. The purpose of this research is to look at the difficulties and potential benefits of this occurrence, particularly as they pertain to the Ngiturkana people of Kenya. Ngiturkana Christians' decisions to convert to Islam provide several obstacles and possibilities, and it's crucial to have a full picture of the situation. Converting to Islam, on the one hand, may open doors to new spiritual communities and give people a renewed sense of purpose in life. On the other side, converts may face hostility and rejection from loved ones and the public, as well as challenges in locating a welcoming religious group and obtaining necessary religious materials. The goal of this research is to offer a thorough analysis of the difficulties and potential benefits of the Ngiturkana people's decision to convert from Christianity to Islam. The research will look at why people convert, how converts feel, and how the public views conversion. The research aspires to add to the continuing discourse on religious tolerance and variety by providing greater knowledge of this significant phenomenon.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0028/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
ANALYZING THE STRUGGLES OF STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN TANZANIA
Authors: Garaba Athanas M. , Kumar Sandeep 
Published: March 2023

Education aims forever to provide a better life, and still, the aim is the same. However, the meaning of better has changed with time, particularly at the individual, national, and international levels. The changes for the betterment are influenced by many factors, including the country’s educational systems. This study finds a better situation of learning and easy job acquisition by exploring the struggles encountered by students and graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, institutions, and centers in Tanzania and highlighting the possible way forward. The Findings on students’ struggles in learning and struggles in the labor market (of getting jobs) after graduating from TVET colleges or centers of Tanzania are caused explicitly by the existing TVET system. TVET teachers are not well equipped with technological, management, and personal (TMP) skills, pedagogical skills, content knowledge, lack of commitments, poor motivations, and unrealistic technical and vocational policies. Students, parents and employers’ perceptions also contribute to students’ struggle in learning and job attainments. The study mainly answered the questions like why students struggle in learning and why they struggle in the labor market to get jobs. Several themes (thematic analysis) were drawn from the study and addressed/ attempted to answer the raised questions with references to the existing evidence of the Tanzanian context and Africa. The study is purely a qualitative. Lastly, the study strongly advises revamping the existing pedagogy in TVET and TVET policy due to their weaknesses in the educational system. Though, the government should take into consideration all issues noticed.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0058/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
FACTORS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY IN JIANGSU, CHINA
Authors: Xiaoyan Wang , Azam S. M. Ferdous , Tham Jacquline 
Published: March 2023

This study examines the sustainable growth of China’s curriculum management system for higher education. As a literature review, this research examines various aspects of the Chinese curriculum management system for higher education. China, a rapidly developing nation, strives to enhance its educational system. After a thirty-year conflict that inflicted unimaginable suffering, the country must be rebuilt. Higher education is essential for satisfying the needs of the country. The structure of observed learning outcomes may be used to build a curriculum centred on learning outcomes, so enhancing the quality and alignment of national education. Curriculum designers facilitate education within the context of developing methodologies, subject matter, and course selections. Concerns over pedagogy and curriculum among curriculum writers have increased in this era of rapid change. Most importantly, it provides curriculum authors with classroom experience-based data. Curriculum designers and college administrators will profit from the results.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0025/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Epidemiology of COVID-19 in two cities in southern Brazil: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Alexandrino Eduardo Gauze , Meller Fernanda Oliveira , Meucci Rodrigo Dalke , Da Silva Priscila Arruda , Schäfer Antônio Augusto , Dumith Samuel Carvalho 
Published: March 2023

The first recommendations to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were made without epidemiological information on what would be people’s behaviors in view of the biopsychosocial and physical effects of confinement because of a health emergency with great economic impact. Objective: To determine the incidence of COVID-19; analyze the associated behavioral and sociodemographic factors. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of two cities in southern Brazil. 2,170 individuals aged 18 years or over were interviewed from October 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected in person at the place of residence of the individuals using a questionnaire. Results: The incidence of COVID-19 was 6.8% (95% confidence interval, CI: 5.4; 8.4), and was significantly higher in white people, aged between 18 and 59 years, married, with higher education, higher family income, and who lived in an apartment. The incidence of COVID-19 was associated with diabetes. People who stayed less time at home has a higher incidence (3.7% versus 7.5%). The most reported symptoms were excessive tiredness, reduced smell and taste. Most of the individuals (85%) sought a health facility and less than 5% were hospitalized. Conclusion: Almost one in ten individuals was infected by COVID-19. The incidence was higher for adults (because of being more exposed), individuals from higher socioeconomic level (because of having tested more) and in diabetics. Almost everyone stayed home after being diagnosed with the virus, and the main risk factor was having contact with someone infected.
The Potential of Human Capital Investment in Contributing to Economic Growth: ARDL Approach in the Context of Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Aden Dirir Sadik 
Published: March 2023

Despite 25 years of exceptional progress in human development, there are still significant obstacles to overcome, particularly for underdeveloped nations. Numerous African countries devote substantial support to ensuring quality employment, a skilled workforce, and the building of an inclusive labour market. Hereby, the actual paper investigates the potential of human capital investment in contributing to the economic growth of Eastern and Southern Africa from the period 2001 to 2020. The study also attempts to determine the factors that promote skilled workforces in African countries. To carry on with the examination the study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Granger causality tests. The rationale behind using these models is to capture the long-run and short-run dynamic relationship among the variables and to observe the direction of these relationships. Within this framework, the results exhibited that both during the long run and short run the educational level of individuals, government expenditure in education, and labour tax contribution affect the economic growth of the region. Whereas the Granger causality test establishes a one-way causal relationship between all educational levels and economic growth. The test presented no clear connection between government expenditure on education, labour tax, and GDP. Finally, the research provides evidence about the importance of investing in human capital to promote long-term economic growth. And how the government's efforts and educational system operate in Eastern and Southern Africa, which is a geographic region that is often overlooked.
ALCOHOL-INDUCED LIVER INJURY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EVALUATING LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION.
Authors:   , Mkhize Nontokomalo , Thembane Nokukhanya 
Published: March 2023

Background: Alcohol consumption is a major public health issue that has been linked to liver injury, which can be detected by liver function tests. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in African populations. Objectives: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in a South African population. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients who had undergone liver function tests between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in South Africa were included in the study. The mean values, t-tests, and p-values of liver function tests (TP, TB, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Albumin) of male and female patients were analyzed. The De Ritis ratio was also calculated to assess the degree of liver injury induced by alcohol. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in the mean values of the liver function tests between male and female patients. The De Ritis ratio was greater than 2 in 31% of the patients, indicating liver injury induced by alcohol consumption. Conclusions and Implications: The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of liver function tests in individuals who consume alcohol, particularly in African populations where limited research has been conducted on this topic. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of alcohol on liver function tests and to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced liver disease in African populations. The study provides insight into the effects of alcohol on liver function tests in South Africa and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts to reduce the burden of alcohol-induced liver disease.
Implementation of the elements of practice-oriented training in technical disciplines in a distance format
Authors: Карабанов Ростислав Михайлович 
Published: March 2023

В статье рассматривается комплекс вопросов, связанных с особенностями практической подготовки обучающихся юридического профиля, осваивающих технические учебные дисциплины в дистанционном формате. Предметом статьи выступили организационные и технические аспекты применения дистанционных образовательных технологий для формирования у выпускников вузов профессионально важных компетенций. Цель исследования - определить условия организации и проведения практико-ориентированного образовательного процесса, особенности его реализации в дистанционном формате, технологии обучения техническим дисциплинам при отсутствии непосредственного контакта между обучающимися, преподавателем, техническими средствами. Методологическую основу исследования составили анализ, индукция, системно-структурный метод. На основе обобщенных характеристик практико-ориентированного обучения и вариантов информационно-телекоммуникационных технологий дистанционного обучения рассмотрены примеры возможного использования виртуальных лабораторий исследовательского и вычислительного характера в качестве современных прогрессивных форм организации учебного процесса. Высказанные автором предложения будут способствовать повышению эффективности подготовки специалистов для уголовно-исполнительной системы.
The article deals with a set of issues related to the peculiarities of the practical training of students of a legal profile who master technical academic disciplines in an e-learning format. The subject of the article is the organizational and technical aspects of the use of e-learning technologies for the formation of professionally important competencies among university graduates. The purpose of the study is to determine the conditions for organizing and conducting a practice-oriented educational process, the features of its implementation in a remote format, the technology of teaching technical disciplines in the absence of direct contact between students, a teacher, and technical means. Analysis, induction, and system-structural method made the methodological basis of the study. Based on the generalized characteristics of practice-oriented learning and variants of information and telecommunication technologies for distance learning, examples of the possible use of virtual laboratories of a research and computational nature as modern progressive forms of organizing the educational process are considered. The proposals given by the author will contribute to increasing the efficiency of training specialists for the penitentiary system.
Physical activity as a form of leisure of young people in Warsaw in the context of human capital
Authors: Kowalewski Marcin 
Published: March 2023

Human capital is an important factor in the economic growth of the country, therefore it should be developed and supported. One of the components of human capital is health, which can improve through physical activity. This is especially important for young people who are just shaping their habits.The aim of the article was to examine the preferences of young people in Warsaw in terms of physical activity as a form of leisure activity. It is encouraging that among the respondents there was neither the one person who did not practice any sport. Nearly 37 % of the respondents declared that they take physical activity 1–2 times a week, and 29 % even 3–4 times a week, which should be assessed very positively. The main motive of physical activity among people surveyed were health reasons. Young people of Warsaw are aware of good consequences and willing to take physical activity. Especially popular among them is running and dancing, which certainly is associated with the current fashion.
Entrepreneurship in organic production – an incentive for sustainable rural development
Authors: Terziev Venelin 
Published: March 2023

The implementation of the strategic goals of economic, social and ecological development should start by entrepreneurship encouragement in rural areas for development of agrarian and related activities. The significance of protection of environmental components (soil, water, air, biodiversity, landscape) in global aspect directs the development towards sustainable agriculture, and organic production in particular, and its integration to other activities as tourism development. Current paper discusses entrepreneurship in organic production and trade as one of the main drivers of economic growth, productiveness and innovations in rural regions. Organic production is economically effective, ecologically compatible and socially responsible and it occurs to be an effective entrepreneurial strategy for rural development starting from urban areas demand and embracing not only food or other products but also places for rest, tourism, landscape preservation, protection of nature, culture, infrastructure development, etc., aiming at increase in competitiveness by applying an ecological technology using a new approach – planning, management and control over the production process.
Finerenone (Kerendia)
Authors: CADTH  
Published: March 2023

CADTH recommends that Kerendia be reimbursed by public drug plans as an adjunct to standard-of-care therapy in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and a sustained decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure, if certain conditions are met.
Kerendia should only be covered to treat patients with CKD and T2D, with eGFR levels of at least 25 mL/min/1.73 m2, and have too much albumin in their urine. Kerendia should not be covered for patients with chronic heart failure or who are being treated with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (e.g., spironolactone).
Kerendia should only be reimbursed if prescribed in consultation with a nephrologist with experience in diagnosing and managing patients with CKD and T2D and if the cost of Kerendia is reduced.
A combined gas- and particle-phase analysis of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) from α-pinene ozonolysis
Authors: Zhao Jian , Häkkinen Ella , Graeffe Frans , Krechmer Jordan E. , Canagaratna Manjula R. , Worsnop Douglas R. , Kangasluoma Juha , Ehn Mikael 
Published: March 2023

Abstract. Highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) are important for the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which poses serious health risks and exerts great influence on Earth's climate. However, the speciation of particle-phase HOMs and its relationship with gas-phase HOM formation has been limited by the lack of suitable analytical techniques. Here, combining a novel particle evaporation inlet, the VIA (Vaporization Inlet for Aerosols), with a nitrate chemical ionization mass spectrometer (NO3-CIMS), gas- and particle-phase HOM products of α-pinene ozonolysis were studied under different conditions. Within the 50 min residence time of our Teflon chamber, we observed enhancement of C16–C19 HOM dimers in particles compared to the HOMs that were condensing. In particular, gas-phase dimer formation was considerably suppressed in experiments with the addition of CO or NO, but dimers still made up a considerable fraction of the observed SOA. In addition to the generally shorter carbon skeletons of the particle-phase dimers (i.e., C16–C19) compared to the gas phase (C19–C20), average O/C ratios of the HOMs (especially in the dimer range) also decreased slightly in the particle phase. C17H26Oz compounds, which have often been reported by previous offline measurements, dominate the particle-phase HOM mass spectra in α-pinene ozonolysis experiments. Our results indicate that these C17 compounds might be related to
particle-phase processes within 1 h after HOM condensation. However,
the new VIA–NO3-CIMS system used in this work will require more
detailed characterization to better understand how the thermal desorption
and wall effects may modify the measured particle-phase HOM distributions.
Nevertheless, organic nitrate, for example, measured by this novel
VIA–NO3-CIMS system was consistent with the measurements of an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS), showing the capability of this system as a promising technique for particle-phase HOM measurements. Taken together, we believe that this system is a promising technique for combined online gas- and particle-phase HOM measurements.
Pemanfaatan Batu Sungai Pucak dengan Filler Abu Sekam Padi untuk Lapis AC-BC
Authors: Pude Rio Patrick Febryan , Mangontan Robert , Alpius  
Published: March 2023

Perkerasan jalan merupakan faktor penting yang mendukung perkembangan infrastruktur transportasi. Campuran aspal beton pada jalan perlu diperkuat dengan bahan pengisi untuk meningkatkan kekuatan campuran aspal. Oleh karena itu, bahan pengisi alternatif yang lebih murah seperti abu sekam padi dapat digunakan dalam campuran aspal. Penelitian ini bertujuan agar dapat memahami serta mengetahui karakteristik campuran lapis AC-BC yang menggunakan agregat dari Sungai Pucak dengan substitusi filler abu sekam padi. Metodologi penelitian ini dirancang untuk mengetahui pemanfaatan limbah abu sekam padi sebagai bahan pengisi pada campuran lapis AC - BC. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini mencakup uji berat jenis filler abu sekam padi yang dilanjutkan dengan perancangan komposisi campuran AC-BC dengan substitusi filler abu sekam padi kemudian dilanjutkan dengan pengujian Marshall Konvensional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa benda uji dengan kadar abu sekam padi 0% - 75% yang menggunakan kadar aspal 5,00% memenuhi Spesifikasi Umum Bina Marga 2018. Dari hasil pengujian tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa abu sekam padi dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai substitusi parsial filler semen untuk lapis AC-BC dimana semua persyaratan yang tercantum dalam Spesifikasi Umum Bina Marga 2018 telah dipenuhi.
Pengaruh Silica Fume dan Pecahan Batu Marmer Sebagai Bahan Subtitusi Pada Campuran Beton
Authors: Julmile Elli Mercy , Phengkarsa Frans , Tonapa Suryanto Rapang 
Published: March 2023

Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan silica fume dan pecahan batu marmer sebagai bahan subtitusi pada campuran beton pada kuat tarik belah, kuat lentur beton dan kuat tekan. Pengujian benda uji yakni kuat tarik belah, kuat lentur, dan kuat tekan. Pada penelitian ini direncanakan mutu beton yaitu 25 MPa.Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh nilai kuat tekan beton untuk variasi pecahan batu marmer sebesar 50% dan Silica Fume 0%, 10%, 12,5% dan 15% yaitu sebesar 25,175 MPa, 25,832 MPa, 24,606 MPa dan 24,229 MPa, pengujian kuat tarik belah untuk variasi pecahan batu marmer sebesar 50% dan Silica Fume 0%, 10%, 12,5% dan 15% adalah sebesar 1,886 MPa, 1,909 MPa, 1,862 MPa dan 1,815 MPa, uji kuat lentur untuk variasi pecahan batu marmer sebesar 50% dan Silica Fume 0%, 10%, 12,5% dan 15% yaitu sebesar 25,175 MPa, 25,832 MPa, 24,606 MPa dan 24,229 MPa. Pengaruh substitusi pecahan batu marmer sebagai agregat kasar sebesar 50% serta substitusi silica fume sebagai semen dengan variasi 0%, 10%, 12,5% dan 15% pada nilai kuat tekan, kuat tarik belah, dan kuat lentur beton didapatkan nilai maksimal subtitusi silica fume pada variasi 10% dan mengalami penurunan kekuatan diatas variasi silica fume 10%, makin tinggi persentase substitusi silica fume maka kekuatan beton makin rendah.