External Influences Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of corn straw core-based composite films with excellent antioxidant, water vapor barrier, and mechanical properties

Corn straw core (CSC)/cellulose nanofibers (CNF) composite is researched as a food packaging material because of its better anti-ultraviolet (UV) and water vapor barrier properties. However, there are still some challenges, such as insufficient toughness, many gaps or pores inside the film, and a lack of antioxidant properties. To improve these properties, the composite films (CCP-VAE), with excellent anti-UV, antioxidant, blocking bacteria, water vapor barrier, and mechanical properties, were prepared by applying Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd extract (VAE) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO). The interaction of the raw materials and the structure of composite films were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TG, and DSC. Compared to LDPE, PBAT, or PBSeT, the tensile strength of CCP-VAE-1 composite film was improved by 1.17 times, 1.37 times, or 2.75 times, respectively; compared with CNF/CSC, PP, LDPE, PBAT or PBSeT, the puncture load of this film was advanced by 2.59 times, 0.72 times, 0.64 times, 0.81 times or 2.54 times, respectively; the tearing strength of this film, compared with CNF, PP, LDPE, PBAT or PBSeT, was enhanced by 1.49 times, 2.59 times, 4.00 times, 0.89 times or 3.48 times, respectively; furthermore, compared with CNF, PBAT and PLA, the water vapor transmission coefficient (Pwv) of CCP-VAE-1.5/2 films had a lower value. All CCP-VAE composite films also presented excellent UV barriers and wonderful antioxidant properties. In practical packaging tests with fresh garlic and milk, the weight loss and spoilage caused by external influences were effectively prevented by CCP-VAE composite films, which indicated the potential as food packaging.

Radiation-induced modification effects in covalent-network glass formers: Phenomenological description within unified configuration-enthalpy model

Externally-induced modification activated by high-energy excitation such as γ-irradiation from 60Co source is analyzed in chalcogenide glasses in terms of radiation-structural and glass-relaxation metastability, at the example of sulphides (including stoichiometric arsenic trisulphide, As2S3) and selenides. Unified configuration-enthalpy model evolving conjugated configuration-coordinate (free energy in dependence on configuration coordinate) and thermodynamic enthalpy (temperature deviations in enthalpy, configurational entropy or free volume) diagrams is proposed to describe metastability in these glasses under external influences, such as (1) physical ageing, (2) irradiation, (3) thermal annealing, (4) rejuvenation, and their combinations. The model predicts glass stabilization in the ground state composed of partial sub-states related to (i) irradiation, (ii) rejuvenation, (iii) annealing, as well as (iv) ideal-glass deep states, connected by over-barrier jumping and through-barrier tunneling transitions. This model allows an adequate parameterization of optical responses related to metastability in these glasses defined through blue (bleaching) or red (darkening) shift in their optical transmission spectra.

Neural and behavioural correlates of adolescents changing academic self-concept.

Mid-adolescence is an important phase of self-development in various domains including academics as well as for changes in the neural mechanisms underlying the self-concept. Students' academic self-concept (ASC) is affected by educational achievements and social others (such as teachers and peers). To what extent these external influences relate to neural dynamics during adolescents' self- and other-evaluations (i.e. of friends and teachers) which affect ASC over time is currently unclear. The current study aimed to address the question of to what extent the developing ASC is influenced by developmental changes in self- and other-evaluations (friends, teachers) and their underlying neural mechanisms as well as academic achievement. In this interdisciplinary longitudinal fMRI study, forty-seven 13-year-olds (at T1) were instructed to indicate whether positive and negative trait adjectives described themselves (self-evaluations), their teachers, or peers (other-evaluations) at two time points. We investigated how adolescents' academic self-concept is influenced by changes in their academic achievement and self- and other-evaluations (teachers and peers) 1.5-years later. Behaviourally, both, academic achievement and positive teacher evaluations were important to prevent the observed decline in ASC during mid-adolescence. Our fMRI results showed that cortical midline structures were linked to self-evaluation, whereas the precuneus and occipital regions were related to friends- and teacher-evaluation. Here, ASC was predicted by activity changes in the precuneus during friends-evaluations for students with better academic achievement. Our findings indicate that academic achievement and positive teacher-evaluations could prevent the decline in ASC observed in mid-adolescents and that the neural correlates of evaluating close others within the precuneus present an important link to ASC. The current study highlights the importance of educational neuroscience studies to understand the changing ASC during adolescence.

Peeling back the artichoke leaves: symbolism and origin stories in Jewish-Roman Cuisine

ABSTRACT Jewish-Roman cuisine, the traditional food of one of Europe’s longest-standing Jewish communities, is among Italy’s most distinctive hyper-local repertoires. Gastronomes increasingly acknowledge the importance of Jewish foodways for Italian cuisine, but a few famous “signature dishes” often dominate popular ideas of Jewish food in Italy. In Rome, carciofi alla giudìa – deep-fried “Jewish-style” artichokes – have long been used to symbolize the diverse and complex Jewish-Roman tradition. Blending ethnographic methods with discourse analysis, I ask how and why carciofi alla giudìa occupy this role, and what this means for contemporary Jewish-Roman identity. I then examine a selection of “origin stories” behind other dishes in the Jewish-Roman tradition, arguing that going beyond the near-ubiquitous artichoke can complicate and enrich our understanding of Jewish-Roman history, culture, and identity. Rather than attempting to prove or disprove these stories, I analyze them as tools for self-fashioning. I identify a variety of characteristics that these narratives are used to communicate: including ancient roots; resilience and resourcefulness; and an openness to new arrivals and external influences. Finally, I interrogate the relationship between the Jewish-Roman tradition and the city’s cuisine at large, arguing that this too has important repercussions for Roman and Jewish-Roman self-perception and identity.

Navigating Democracy: Challenges and Triumphs in the Western Balkans

This paper delves into the multifaceted journey towards democracy in the Western Balkans, examining the interplay of historical legacies, contemporary challenges, and external influences. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the region's transition from authoritarianism to inclusive governance, acknowledging the complexities inherent in such a transformation. Focused on unraveling the complexities of multiethnic societies, the exploration scrutinizes the consequences of nationalism and the delicate balance required for stability. The role of external actors, notably the European Union, is critically assessed, revealing both opportunities for progress and constraints on regional autonomy. From the unresolved tensions between modernism and nationalism to the pursuit of democratic ideals, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the ongoing democratic evolution in the Western Balkans. Through a comprehensive analysis, it becomes evident that the region's journey is characterized by a resilient spirit, navigating challenges, and celebrating incremental triumphs on the path toward a democratic destiny.

Curriculum Development for Aqidah Moral Subjects in Madrasas

The curriculum is a crucial element in enhancing the quality of education. The curriculum is a cohesive structure consisting of interconnected components that mutually reinforce one other. The curriculum comprises objectives, instructional materials, procedures, and evaluation. Within this system, the curriculum will progress towards an educational objective by collaborative efforts among all of its sub-systems. In the event that one of the curriculum variables malfunctions, the curriculum system will operate at a suboptimal level. Furthermore, the execution of the curriculum necessitated meticulous planning and organization of all its components. Curriculum development aligns the existing curriculum with desired educational objectives, drawing from external and internal influences, in order to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the future. The purpose of this study is to explain the process of developing the curriculum for the Aqidah Akhlak subject, as outlined in the Minister of Religion's Decree (KMA) number 183. This decree pertains to the curriculum for Islamic religious education and Arabic, while KMA number 184 of 2019 provides guidelines for curriculum implementation in madrasas. The aim is to create an innovative curriculum that is legally supported and serves as a framework for development. The features of madrasas include the cultivation of character, the promotion of moral fortitude, the provision of anti-corruption instruction, and the fostering of religious moderation.

Study of hydrothermal processes in ice-layers subgrade under constant temperature and dynamic loading

The presence of ice-layers in the subgrade soils makes the hydrothermal state of road subgrade built in island permafrost regions more susceptible to external environmental influences. In order to deepen the study of the ice-layers subgrade, a hydrothermal study of subgrade under constant temperature and dynamic loading was carried out. It was found that dynamic loading can change the temperature, moisture and pore water pressure distribution. Under dynamic loading, the hydrothermal and pore water pressure state of the soil in the upper part of the ice layer changed significantly at the beginning of the test. The application of dynamic loads alters the spatial distribution of pore water pressure in the soil, resulting in pressure differences between different areas, which affects the migration of moisture and ultimately leads to the formation of areas with higher moisture content in the area below the load. However, the reduction in soil temperature will weaken the effect of the load, therefore, the temperature of the soil should be controlled for frozen subgrade with ice-layers to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the soil.

Gut microbiome diversity and function during hibernation and spring emergence in an aquatic frog.

The gut microbiota maintains a deeply symbiotic relationship with host physiology, intricately engaging with both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) factors. Anurans, especially those in temperate regions, face the dual challenges of significant external influences like hibernation and complex internal variances tied to different life histories. In our research, we sought to determine whether different life stages (juvenile versus adult) of the Japanese wrinkled frog (Glandirana rugosa) lead to distinct shifts in gut bacterial communities during winter (hibernation) and its subsequent transition to spring. As hypothesized, we observed a more pronounced variability in the gut bacterial diversity and abundance in juvenile frogs compared to their adult counterparts. This suggests that the gut environment may be more resilient or stable in adult frogs during their hibernation period. However, this pronounced difference was confined to the winter season; by spring, the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria in both juvenile and adult frogs aligned closely. Specifically, the variance in gut bacterial diversity and composition between winter and spring appears to mirror the frogs' ecological adaptations. During the hibernation period, a dominance of Proteobacteria suggests an emphasis on supporting intracellular transport and maintaining homeostasis, as opposed to active metabolism in the frogs. Conversely, come spring, an uptick in bacterial diversity coupled with a dominance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes points to an upsurge in metabolic activity post-hibernation, favoring enhanced nutrient assimilation and energy metabolism. Our findings highlight that the relationship between the gut microbiome and its host is dynamic and bidirectional. However, the extent to which changes in gut bacterial diversity and composition contribute to enhancing hibernation physiology in frogs remains an open question, warranting further investigation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union Integration Process: Systemic Limitations to Progress in the Rule of Law

This paper critically examines the systemic limitations impeding the progress of the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) from the perspective of the European Union (EU). Despite significant efforts and investments by the EU to foster democratic governance and the rule of law in B&H, progress has been inconsistent and fraught with challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of policy documents, legal frameworks, and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, this paper identifies three primary systemic barriers: entrenched ethno-political divisions, the complexities of the post-conflict legal landscape, and the intricate governance structure of B&H. The article also explores how these barriers are exacerbated by external influences and internal political dynamics, which often hinder both EU efforts and the local adoption of necessary reforms. Additionally, the research delves into the EU’s policy approach towards B&H, assessing its effectiveness in addressing these systemic issues. The paper argues that EU strategy in this field needs to be more attuned to the specific political and social context of B&H that is also marked by an ongoing peace process, i.e. implementation of the Dayton Peace Accord (DPA), as the two processes increasingly end up in a friction due to different priorities and mandates in B&H. The findings contribute to broader understanding of deficiencies of systemic processes and their impact on democratization in post-conflict societies, particularly in the B&H. Results of the analysis focuses on the the need for a more nuanced and context-sensitive approach in promoting the rule of law and democratic reforms in B&H.

Development of a Mathematical Model of the Distribution of the Temperature Field in the Material of the Protective Coating of Pipe Metal Based on Low Molecular Weight Oligodiene During its Heat Treatment

Statement of the problem. The process of vulcanization of the material of the protective coating of pipe metal based on low molecular weight oligodiene is possible only when creating and maintaining the specified temperature conditions in terms of the volume of vulcanizate. To study the regularities of the distribution of temperature fields in the vulcanized coating and to ensure the necessary temperature conditions of heat treatment, taking into account the influence of external influences, it became necessary to develop a mathematical model of the distribution of the temperature field in the protective coating material during its heat treatment using induction heating. Results. A mathematical model of the distribution of the temperature field in the vulcanized coating of pipe metal based on low molecular weight oligodiene has been developed. Conclusions. The conducted computational experiment using a mathematical model of the distribution of the temperature field made it possible to determine compliance with the temperature regime of vulcanization of the protective coating material over the entire volume of vulcanizate under certain boundary conditions.

Formal education in Nauru: A Pacific development assistance story

Formal education in Nauru can only be fully understood in the light of the external influences, mostly Australian in origin, acting upon it as a small island state in the Central Pacific. Australia's influence began in the early 1900s as a leading stakeholder in Nauru's lucrative phosphate reserves. In the last few decades Nauru's dramatic economic decline has meant it has come into the orbit of Australia's official development assistance (ODA) to the Pacific region. However, Australia has ties to Nauru that go beyond mere economic and development assistance, for example, the country is a crucial site in Australia's own immigration policy and the offshore processing of asylum seekers bound for Australia. Geopolitically, Nauru is also important to Australia as one of a decreasing number of Taiwan‐loyal Pacific nations in the face of China's increasing assertiveness in the region. The nature of the relationship with Nauru has meant that for many decades Australia has provided an almost exclusive conduit of educational ideas, values, beliefs and practices flowing into the country to uniquely shape formal education provision. The purpose of this article is twofold. Firstly, via a synthesis of research literature and debate, it critiques the long‐running, primarily, Australia‐facing relationship Nauru has in terms of the educational assistance it receives, including the Nauru Education Program, a significant Australian development assistance initiative about to commence through to 2030. Secondly, with a basis in the advocacy literature of the Rethinking Pacific Education Initiative, the article highlights the possibility of a much more Pacific regionally facing Nauru over the next few decades as a result of relatively recent regional instrumentalities such as the Pacific Island Forum's 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Імовірнісні моделі подання знань для підтримки прийняття рішень в умовах ризику та невизначеності на прикладі галузі охорони атмосферного повітря

In order to systematize and integrate the acquired experience necessary for decision-making in conditions of war and man-made danger, as well as for the purpose of controlling emissions of greenhouse gases or other harmful substances, knowledge presentation models have been de-veloped that take into account both the results of the analysis of available data and probabilistic assessments of the state safety of man-made enterprises and adjacent territories. In order to im-prove the decision-making process, a number of probabilistic models are considered, which are based on the calculation of subjective probability estimates regarding the occurrence of danger-ous events and forecasting the corresponding risks. Factors of various nature are considered during modeling: external influences, concentrations of harmful substances, greenhouse gas emissions, indicators of the state of safety of man-made productions, efficiency of equipment, accounting of violations, and other indicators. Also, the knowledge system provides for calcu-lating the risks of dangerous events, the probability of which increases under the interaction of two or a number of hazardous factors. On the basis of the conducted research, an algorithm for building and the structure of a probabilistic model of knowledge focused on software implementation in the decision-making support system for managing the safety of man-made enterprises that pose threats to the popula-tion and the natural environment has been developed.

Nurturing Empowering Perceptions: Exploring High School Girls' Perspectives on Gender Equity in Formal Educational Context and Factors Beyond

The primary objective of this article is to conduct an in-depth analysis of multiple factors-cultural, religious, and educational—that shape the perceptions of gender equality among female high school students. Focusing specifically on this demographic sample enables a nuanced exploration into how adolescence interacts with these factors to influence their perspectives on gender roles and expectations. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, going beyond the traditional educational paradigms, to include a variety of external influences such as familial backgrounds, religious texts, sociocultural norms, and the overall school environment. The research aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on gender equality by enriching our understanding of how societal attitudes permeate classroom walls to shape young girls' viewpoints. By doing so, this study aspires to unearth the implicit and explicit messages received by female students that sustain gender imbalances. This serves the dual purpose of not only highlighting these influencing variables but also leveraging this knowledge to develop targeted interventions. The ultimate goal of this research is to formulate insightful strategies that promote a more equitable and empowering perception of girls and, by extension, women in society. These strategies will be rooted in the findings, which delineate the complex relationship between culture, religion, and education in shaping these perspectives. Thus, the research provides practical insights that could serve as foundational elements for fostering a more inclusive and empowering socio-educational environment for female students and women in the future.

Pengaruh Tasawuf Akhlaki terhadap Prilaku Sosial Mahasiswa Program Studi Aqidah dan Filsafat Islam Angkatan 2019 Fakultas Ushuluddin dan Studi Islam UINSU Medan

The topic was brought up by the researcher as a student's encounter with moral Sufism, which is defined by social behavior. Some pupils behave badly in social situations. Students today tend to undervalue moral ideals, which leads them to believe that social interaction in the classroom and in society is unimportant. They also prefer to disregard their responsibilities, which they should fulfill. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how Moral Sufism affects the social behavior of students enrolled in the 2019 class of the Islamic Aqidah and Philosophy Study Program at the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Studies, University of the Nija. The author's primary data source for this study was informants, who were gathered using a qualitative approach method. Specifically, students enrolled in the 2019 Aqidah and Islamic philosophy study program. The data gathering method used in this study is based on references from multiple Sufism moral texts, as well as on the findings of interviews and field observations. According to the study's findings, moral sufism encourages students to act in a way that is socially responsible for people around them by attempting to achieve equilibrium in the forms of social conduct that are already prevalent, such as in the classroom, family, and community. Moral Sufism's moral principles serve as a form of control and discipline, ensuring that students' higher education experiences remain unblemished by external influences.

Problems Of Environmental Biosafety in Its Parasitic Pollution

The profound civilizational shift of recent decades has increased the anthropogenic impact on the biosphere and complicated the environmental situation. Human impacts on the environment lead to a sharp disruption of the evolutionarily established balance of ecosystems at different levels, including parasitic ones. Parasitic systems in modern farming conditions respond to external influences with a complex of reactions, a significant part of which are unstudied. This problem relates to the field of ecology and combines theoretical and practical aspects of solving the problem of environmental biosafety during parasitic contamination.

NAVIGATING RISKS: HOW EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS SHAPE NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN VIETNAM'S COMMERCIAL BANKS

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to analyze the factors influencing Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in Vietnam's banking sector. It aims to shift the focus from traditional perspectives centered on macroeconomic indicators towards considering external environmental factors, such as global economic shifts, digital transformation, and industry-specific changes. Moreover, it seeks to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NPL dynamics in Vietnamese commercial banks.
 
 Methods: The study employs empirical data collected from various Vietnamese commercial banks. Robust statistical methods are applied to analyze the data and explore the relationships between external environmental factors and NPLs. The research challenges conventional risk assessment models by advocating for a more comprehensive approach that integrates a broader spectrum of external influences beyond internal and macroeconomic variables.
 
 Results: The findings of the study suggest that external environmental factors, including global economic shifts, digital transformation, and industry-specific changes, significantly affect NPLs in Vietnam's banking sector. The analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of NPLs, especially under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to traditional perspectives, the research underscores the importance of considering a wider range of factors in assessing and managing NPL risk.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of NPL dynamics in Vietnam's banking sector. The research highlights the need for banking executives and policymakers to adopt dynamic risk management strategies that account for external environmental factors. By recognizing the influence of global economic shifts, digital transformation, and industry-specific changes, stakeholders can enhance banking resilience and stability in emerging markets like Vietnam. The study underscores the importance of embracing a holistic approach to risk management in an era characterized by rapid global changes and uncertainties.

Association of child weight with attendance at a healthy lifestyle service among women with obesity during pregnancy.

Women with obesity during pregnancy are at increased risk of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and other maternal and infant adverse outcomes, which all potentially increase childhood obesity. This study explored infant weight outcomes for women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m² who were offered an antenatal healthy lifestyle service. A retrospective cohort study, including linking data from two separate health care Trusts, was undertaken. Data werecollected from maternity records for women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 referred to an antenatal healthy lifestyle service from 2009 to 2015. The respective child's weight outcome data was additionally collected from health and National Child Measurement Programme records. Univariate logistic regression determined the odds of childhood overweight, obesity and severe obesity according to attendance at the antenatal healthy lifestyle service, GWG and sociodemographic characteristics. Factors significant (p < 0.05) within the univariate analysis were entered into multiple logistic regression models. Among women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m², 30.4% of their children were obese at school entry and 13.3% severely obese. Healthy lifestyle service attendance was not associated with childhood overweight or obesity at any point within the univariate analysis. At school age multiple regression analysis showed the odds of overweight and obesity increased with excessive GWG and the odds of obesity decreased with a parent in a professional occupation, additionally having a mother who smoked in pregnancy increased severe obesity. Women should be supported to optimise their BMI before pregnancy. Additionally, rather than exclusively focusing on changing an individual's behaviour, future interventions should consider external influences such as the woman's family, friendsand sociodemographic background.

Reorganization of the manufacturing system of engineering enterprises: the emergency period

The manufacturing system of the majority of domestic engineering enterprises is built on the basis of long-term contracts with suppliers of the materials and tools, and currently is in an unstable condition. This determines the acuteness of the problem of reorganization of the manufacturing system. To tackle this problem the authors solved the following tasks. The enterprises were classified into groups which possess specific opportunities to adapt to the external environment. The authors identified the basic prerequisites for reorganization of the national manufacturing system among which of great importance are external financial and logistical restrictions, greatly increased demand of the national economy in various complicated technical facilities and spare parts, and the general instability. Withdrawal of foreign investors from the Russian market has created conditions to expand the market share of the domestic companies and increase their output. The authors suppose that the projects on the reorganization of the domestic enterprises of the engineering complex should be based on flexible manufacturing systems capable of integrating into production lines and responding promptly to external influences.

Online food advertisements and the role of emotions in adolescents’ food choices

AbstractAdolescence is a critical period for future health outcomes. Food habits and cognitive development are underway, and it is a period of heightened sensitivity to external influences and emotional shifts. We experimentally test the individual and combined influence of food advertisements and emotional primes (i.e., positive, negative, neutral) on adolescent food choices. Participants completed a food choice task selecting five snacks out of twenty healthy and unhealthy options in an online experiment. Prior to the food choice, we randomized whether adolescents were exposed to unhealthy food or non‐food online advertisements. To induce experimental variation in adolescents’ emotions, they were assigned to watch two, two‐minute film clips validated to elicit the targeted emotion. The online food advertisement did not significantly impact food choices, except that Black and Hispanic groups selected a higher share of calories from unhealthy foods. Participants in a negative emotional state selected more unhealthy sweet snacks. Finally, we find only weak evidence that a positive emotional state amplified the impact of food advertisements on the nutritional quality of food selection. Together, results suggest that while a negative emotional state drives food choices, this pattern occurs independently from food advertisement exposure.

The variability in nociceptive flexion reflex threshold measurement is mostly caused by probabilistic effects of the estimation algorithms: a simulation study

Objectives The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) and its threshold are frequently used to investigate spinal nociception in humans. Since this threshold (NFRT) is a probabilistic measure, specific algorithms are used for NFRT estimation based on the stochastic occurrence of reflexes at different stimulus intensities. We used a validated simulation model of the NFR to investigate the amount of NFRT measurement variability induced by different estimation algorithms in a steady setting of reduced external influences. Methods We simulated the behavior of different estimation algorithms in subjects with an artificially steady baseline NFRT variability (standard deviation: 0 mA) or low baseline NFRT variability (standard deviation: 0.156 mA), equaling a quiet experimental setting. The obtained data were analyzed for NFRT measurement variability caused by the algorithms compared to the baseline variability reflecting other physiological influences. Results The standard deviation of the NFRT estimated by the different algorithms ranged between 0.381 and 3.464 mA with 96.8% to 99.6% of the measurement variability attributed to the algorithm used. Out of the investigated algorithms the dynamic staircase algorithm was most precise. Conclusion The NFRT measurement variability observed during quiet and steady experimental sessions is mostly caused by the properties of the estimation algorithms, due to the probabilistic nature of the reflex occurrence. Our results give reference for choosing the optimal estimation algorithm to improve measurement precision.