Advantage Of Resources Research Articles

The Value of Professionalism: Implication for Value for Money in Projects Implemented by Force Account Procurement Method in Tanzania

This study aimed to describe the implication of professionalism on Value for Money (VFM) in the construction projects of higher learning institutions implemented by force account procurement method in Tanzania. Positivism philosophy was employed through collection of quantifiable facts from the force account team members of the selected higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Census approach was used to approach 64 members. The data collected was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression at a confidence interval of 95%. The null hypotheses were rejected implying that knowledge, experience and integrity are the important parameters of professionalism in implementation of force account projects. Consequently, acknowledgement of professionalism in force account projects realizes VFM in construction projects. Practically this study shows how knowledge, experience and integrity of force account team members helps to realize VFM in force account projects in the context of Tanzania. Correspondingly this study has multidisciplinary contribution involving a blend of management, procurement, and project management. Theoretically, the study enlightens professionalism as a resource advantage as stipulated by ResourcesBased View Theory. Also, the study contributes to responsible management goal and that of quality education for all as encouraged by SDGs. This study limited in disclosing the link between professionalism and VFM. Contemporarily, since environmental issue is a global agenda, it is imperative to include it in this study. Also, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) champion the application of Corporate Social Responsibility. Generally, future studies should focus on the application of CSR in force account projects.

The Beneficial Role of Polysaccharide Hydrocolloids in Meat Products: A Review

Polysaccharide hydrocolloids have garnered increasing attention from consumers, experts, and food processing industries due to their advantages of abundant resources, favorable thickening properties, emulsification stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high acceptance as food additives. This review focuses on the application of polysaccharide hydrocolloids and their beneficial roles in meat products by focusing on several commonly used polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, chitosan, starch, sodium alginate, pectin, and carrageenan). Firstly, the recent advancements of polysaccharide hydrocolloids used in meat products are briefly introduced, along with their structure and potential application prospects. Then, the beneficial roles of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are comprehensively summarized and highlighted, including retarding lipid and protein oxidation, enhancing nutritional properties, improving texture and color quality, providing antibacterial activity, monitoring freshness, acting as a cryoprotectant, improving printability, and ensuring security. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are also introduced.

Rapid determination of chemical losses in a microplate bioassay using fluorescence spectroscopy.

The increase in production and innovation of chemicals that humans interface with has enhanced the need for rapid toxicity testing of new and existing chemicals. This need, along with efforts to reduce animal testing, has led to the development of high-throughput bioassays typically conducted in microplates. These bioassays offer time and resource advantages over traditional animal models; however, significant chemical losses can occur in microplates. Current methods for measuring chemical losses in microplates require extensive sample preparation and highly sensitive instruments. We propose the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to measure chemical losses in high-throughput bioassays as a low resource alternative to the existing methods. A fluorescent plate reader was used to develop methods for quantifying the aqueous concentrations of two chemicals, 2-hydroxynaphthalene and acridine, in microwells of a 96-well microplate. A high-throughput, 5 day embryonic zebrafish bioassay was used as the model bioassay for method development. Chemical losses were attributed to a combination of photodegradation, sorption, and uptake by the zebrafish embryos, kinetics of which were derived from a pseudo-first order model. Chemical uptake amount was calculated to be approximately 50% and 21% of the total chemical amount added for 2-hydroxynaphthalene and acridine, respectively. Unexpected cranial deformities were observed in the embryonic zebrafish, suggesting further investigation of potential additive toxicity of the ultraviolet radiation exposure from fluorescence measurements and chemical exposure is needed. Nonetheless, this novel method provides a rapid, low resource approach to measuring chemical losses in microplates that can be extended to a variety of autofluorescent chemicals and microplate-based bioassays.

Exploring Jordanian university lecturers’ TPACK knowledge: Integrating ICT for teaching English pronunciation

This study investigates the technological knowledge (TK) of university lecturers in Jordan concerning the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) tools in teaching English pronunciation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate lecturers’ understanding and use of ICT for pronunciation instruction. The findings indicate moderate competence in technology integration, with nearly half of the participants feeling confident in using ICT for pronunciation teaching. However, a significant percentage reported insufficient knowledge, especially in selecting effective tools. Analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in TK based on gender or teaching experience, suggesting these factors do not influence technological competence. Challenges included limited access to specialized pronunciation software and a reliance on basic tools like PowerPoint and interactive whiteboards. Thematic analysis of interview data highlighted obstacles such as a lack of ICT training, unfamiliarity with pronunciation-specific tools, and difficulties in evaluating tool effectiveness. Many lecturers expressed a need for advanced resources and training, while others relied on peer support to address gaps. This study emphasizes the necessity for enhanced resources and targeted training initiatives to improve ICT integration in pronunciation teaching. Future research should explore strategies to strengthen lecturers’ TK, particularly regarding ICT’s role in higher education contexts.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN TRAINING LAWYERS FOR UKRAINE'S EUROPEAN FUTURE

As Ukraine progresses toward European Union (EU) integration, the transformation of its legal education system has become a pivotal aspect of its alignment with EU standards. The training of legal professionals capable of navigating both Ukrainian and EU legal systems is essential to the implementation of directives, fostering cross-border cooperation, and maintaining the rule of law. However, this process faces challenges including the legacy of Ukraine's post-Soviet legal education, resource constraints, and the need for rapid modernization. By adopting international best practices, fostering partnerships, and integrating modern technologies, Ukraine has the opportunity to create a legal education framework that meets EU demands and empowers its lawyers to thrive in global contexts. This article aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities in training lawyers for Ukraine’s European future. It seeks to compare Ukraine’s legal education practices with those in EU countries, identify critical gaps, and propose actionable reforms to align Ukraine’s legal training systems with EU standards. A comparative analysis methodology is employed, drawing insights from literature, policy documents, and case studies of EU member states and transitioning nations. The study systematically examines disparities in curriculum content, teaching methods, practical skill development, faculty expertise, resource access, ethical training, and employment market alignment. Both qualitative and quantitative data inform the recommendations for reform. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Ukraine and EU countries in legal education systems. Key findings include Ukraine’s reliance on outdated curricula, limited practical training opportunities, inadequate faculty development, and fragmented ethical training. Conversely, EU countries emphasize dynamic, interdisciplinary curricula, robust practical skill development, and integrated ethical considerations, supported by advanced resources and technology. Despite these challenges, Ukraine's EU integration provides a unique opportunity to modernize its legal education system through international collaboration, leveraging technology, and implementing market-aligned reforms. Future studies should explore the long-term impact of implemented reforms on Ukraine’s legal system and investigate strategies for sustaining educational alignment with rapidly evolving EU standards.

Ecotourism proposal for the Las Ventanas property of the Mineral del Chico National Park in Hidalgo, Mexico

Alternative ecotourism contributes to the care and preservation of a nation's natural and cultural heritage and constitutes a response to the growing and constant environmental degradation of many sites and their attractions. The objective of this proposal is to elaborate an ecotourism project as a means to take advantage of the available unused resources, according to the geographical and productive characteristics of the site, based on the principles of sustainability, as an economic alternative to the owners of the site for the generation of income and improvement of their quality of life. The proposal presents a methodology that can be reproduced for the design and implementation of an ecotourism plan and is an alternative for the diversification of activities in the rural sector. The economic-financial evaluation of projects determines the main indicators of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Benefit-Cost Ratio and Payback Period of the investment. The results indicate that the ecotourism model is economically and financially acceptable for the main indicators calculated at a discount rate of 15% over a 5-year investment recovery period.

Frequency and Causes of Dental Complaints in the Yazd Medical Council Organization between 2017 and 2022

Introduction: Currently, even with the extensive and advanced resources available in dentistry, patient dissatisfaction and complaints have increasingly become more prevalent. To acquire accurate and practical data for enhancing dental services’ quality and reducing the expenses linked to complaints, research must be performed to explore dental grievances. This research sought to identify the rate and reasons behind complaints made against dentists to the healthcare system from 2017 to 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional research entailed gathering existing data and examining complaint records from dentists at the Yazd Medical Council Organization. The information was gathered through observation and by filling out applicable checklists. Subsequently, thedata underwent analysis through SPSS version 16, utilizing with a chi-square test and Spearman correlation. The threshold for statistical significance was established at p≤ 0.05. Results: According to the results obtained, the majority of complaints were directed towards general dentists, especially males. Over fifty percent of the individuals who filed complaints were female. The most frequent types of dental issues were associated with surgery, endodontic, and prosthetic care. In 52.9 percent of the cases, dentists were deemed guilty, primarily due to complaints related to malpractice. Conclusion: Dental practitioners must increase their knowledge regarding case selection and dental management to improve their practice.

Integrating Bioinformatics and Genomic Tools for Sustainable Crop Improvement: A Review

Sustainable crop improvement is a crucial endeavor that aims to develop crops capable of maintaining or increasing yields while minimizing negative environmental impacts and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. As the global population continues to grow, and agricultural land becomes increasingly limited, there is an urgent need for innovative and efficient approaches to enhance crop productivity and ensure food security. In this context, the integration of bioinformatics and molecular breeding has emerged as a powerful tool for sustainable crop improvement. Bioinformatics plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of sustainable crop improvement by enabling the efficient analysis and interpretation of vast amounts of genomic data. Advanced bioinformatics tools and resources allow researchers to mine and exploit the wealth of information generated by high-throughput sequencing technologies, facilitating the identification of key genes, molecular markers, and regulatory networks associated with desirable agronomic traits. By leveraging these insights, breeders can develop targeted strategies for crop improvement that are both efficient and environmentally sustainable. The application of bioinformatics in sustainable crop improvement has yielded significant successes in various areas. For instance, bioinformatics approaches have been instrumental in identifying genes conferring resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, as well as biotic stresses caused by pests and pathogens. By incorporating these resistance genes into elite crop varieties through molecular breeding techniques like marker-assisted selection and genome editing, researchers have developed crops that are more resilient to environmental challenges, thereby reducing the need for chemical inputs and promoting sustainable agriculture. Moreover, bioinformatics has facilitated the development of nutrient-efficient crops that require fewer fertilizers, thus minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. Genomic data analysis has also enabled the identification of genes controlling yield and quality traits, allowing for the creation of crops with enhanced nutritional value and improved agronomic performance. Additionally, bioinformatics has played a crucial role in the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity in crop breeding programs, ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. he integration of bioinformatics and molecular breeding techniques has revolutionized the field of sustainable crop improvement. By harnessing the power of genomic data and applying precise breeding approaches, researchers can develop crops that are better suited to the challenges of a changing climate and the needs of a growing population. This synergistic application of bioinformatics and molecular breeding holds immense potential for enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing environmental impacts, and ultimately contributing to global food security in a sustainable manner.

Competitiveness of Pepper Commodity as a Flagship Product to Compete In The Global Market

Pepper is one of the spices that has an important function in the global food industry. Although Indonesia is one of the major pepper producers, it faces considerable challenges from competing countries such as Vietnam and Brazil. This study aims to evaluate the competitiveness of Indonesian pepper in the global market, identify factors that affect export performance, and provide strategic recommendations to improve Indonesia's position in the international market. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach to evaluate the competitiveness of Indonesian pepper. Secondary data used are export statistics and global commodity market reports. The Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Export Product Dynamic (EPD) methods were used to analyze pepper export performance. The results showed that Indonesia experienced a decline in participation in the global value chain of pepper, with a decrease in exports from 29,692 tons in 2019 to 12,945 tons in 2022. Although Indonesia has an advantage in natural resources, it faces challenges from competing countries that have lower production costs and more efficient farming systems. Indonesia's pepper competitiveness is influenced by several factors such as product quality, innovation, and government policy support. Cooperation between the government and farmers is essential to improve the competitiveness of pepper in the international market. This study confirms that although Indonesia has great potential in pepper production, the existing challenges require serious attention. Improving Indonesia's pepper competitiveness requires the application of modern agricultural technology, product diversification, as well as stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.

Artificial Intelligence Tools Applied to Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Today, the world is in a process of continuous change, and the digital era has positively influenced education by revolutionizing the traditional approach through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The aim of this paper is to analyze how AI is transforming teaching and learning processes. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted, selecting 33 articles that addressed the research topic from various perspectives. To summarize the information, the PRISMA methodology was used, which involved an exhaustive search in academic databases, the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies, and a detailed analysis of the chosen articles, developed between 2019 and 2024, which contained relevant characteristics for the study. In parallel, specific research questions were established to guide the review, addressing pedagogical, practical, ethical, and social aspects related to the integration of AI in education. The results highlighted the potential benefits of AI in learning personalization, teaching efficiency, and access to advanced educational resources. In addition, challenges in AI implementation were identified, such as the generation of incorrect information and biases in training data. It is concluded that AI can improve personalization of learning, teaching efficiency, and access to advanced resources, but it is crucial to address ethical challenges such as data privacy, equity in access to technology, transparency of algorithms, and impact on students’ autonomy and critical thinking.

Pengembangan Potensi Lokal Pesisir Dalam Pengelolaan Untuk Meningkatkan Pendapatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Studi Kasus Desa Lubuk Tukkobaru Tapanuli Tengah

This activity aims to take advantage of the natural resources of Lubuk Tukko Baru Village, namely fish which can be used as the main raw material for making a product such as shredded fish and can be used by residents as a product that can generate profits to meet their daily needs and increase income for help the economy. The method used is Analysis of Village Conditions and Potential and conducting counseling and conducting direct training with the surrounding community, especially mothers in Lubuk Tukko Baru Village. The results of the activity show that there is a positive response from the community in the Lubuk Tukko Baru Village area in counseling and After the fish floss making training, the community also knows the economic value of the practice of making fish floss and should be used as an additional source of income for the people of Lubuk Tukko Baru Village. Apart from offline marketing, online marketing is also very helpful and a solution to increase income. housewives in the Lubuk Tukko Baru Village area. executor of Community Service Program (KKN) at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra in Lubuk Tukko Baru Village, Pandan sub-district, Central Tapanuli Regency, Lubuk Tukko Baru Village Community Lack of knowledge in the utilization of Natural Resources (SDA) which are very abundant in their village but with the implementation of counseling and training on making shredded fish showed that the enthusiasm of the villagers who took part in the program was very good.

Longitudinal studies: focus on trajectory analysis in kidney diseases.

Longitudinal cohort studies are pivotal in medical research for understanding disease progression over time. These studies track a group of individuals across multiple time points, enabling the identification of risk factors and the evaluation of interventions. Traditional methods like linear mixed models, generalized estimating equations, and survival analysis often fall short in capturing the complex, non-linear patterns of disease progression. Trajectory analysis, a statistical technique that identifies distinct paths within longitudinal data, offers a more nuanced approach. This review delves into the methodological foundations of trajectory analysis, including data preparation, model selection, parameter estimation, model evaluation, and interpretation. It highlights the advantages of trajectory analysis, such as its ability to capture heterogeneity, handle various data types, and enhance predictive power. The application of trajectory analysis in nephrology, particularly in chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy, demonstrates its utility in identifying distinct subgroups with different disease trajectories. Studies have shown that trajectory analysis can uncover patterns of renal function decline and proteinuria progression, providing insights that inform personalized treatment strategies. Despite its strengths, trajectory analysis requires advanced statistical knowledge, computational resources, and large sample sizes, which can be barriers for some researchers. Nevertheless, its ability to reveal complex disease patterns and improve predictive accuracy makes it a valuable tool in longitudinal studies. This review underscores the potential of trajectory analysis to enhance our understanding of disease progression and improve patient outcomes in nephrology and beyond.

Research on the route of aesthetic education practice to encourage excellent traditional culture in college libraries

As social growth and educational concepts continue to evolve, college libraries, as hubs of cultural innovation and inheritance, are crucial in advancing the practice of great traditional culture aesthetic teaching. Based on the special status and resource advantages of college libraries, this paper explores the paths and approaches colleges libraries take in advancing the practice of aesthetic education of excellent traditional culture by combining the connotation and characteristics of excellent traditional culture. With a study of the research and case studies that concentrate on the planning of cultural events, the development of collection resources, and the use of digital innovation, it suggests a workable path. The goal is to give university libraries theoretical direction and useful references so they can carry out the aesthetic education of superior traditional culture.

State-owned enterprises shareholders and innovation of private enterprises: Evidence from China

Innovation is the main driving force that enables private enterprises to transform and upgrade. Moreover, it can boost firms' market competitiveness. As an important form of mixed-ownership reform, the relationship between state-owned enterprises shareholders (SOEs shareholders) and private firms' innovation has been widely followed. We empirically studied the impact of SOEs shareholders on private firms' innovation using financial data on nonfinancial private enterprises listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares market from 2007 to 2019. The findings indicate that SOEs shareholders improve the innovation inputs and outputs of private firms. Heterogeneity analyses show that the facilitating effect of SOEs shareholders on private firms' innovation is highly pronounced in growth stage firms, high-tech industries and macroenvironments with great economic policy uncertainty. Moreover, the resource and governance effects of SOEs shareholders on private enterprises' innovation are fully discussed. In terms of the resource effect, SOEs shareholders reduce the level of financial constraints and weaken the dependence of innovation on the role of liquidity reserves of financial assets. This outcome is mainly reflected in trade credit financing and equity financing. In terms of the governance effect, the governance mechanism of SOEs shareholders, which affects private enterprises' innovation, has not played an effective role at this stage. An expanded analysis shows that SOEs shareholders effectively enhance private firms' performance. Therefore, the government should attach importance to the resource advantages brought by SOEs shareholders. We helped to clarify the relationship and mechanism between SOEs shareholders and private firms’ innovation. We also provided empirical evidence that shows that private enterprises can participate in mixed ownership reforms and achieve high-quality development.

The science of animal welfare in the One Health-One Welfare agenda: local solutions for global challenges.

In recent years, the importance of working holistically on the global One Health and One Welfare agendas has become evident. The success of these policies in addressing shared challenges depends on a science-based global strategy for animal welfare that allows local efforts to resolve conflicts related to how human beings take advantage of natural resources, including domestic and wild animals. These policies need to be developed jointly by the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. They should be based on scientific evidence, gathered from existing information and through transdisciplinary research, to quantify synergies and trade-offs between environmental, social, economic and animal welfare criteria. This approach will make it possible to articulate and implement local policies and solutions associating animal welfare with efficient and sustainable livestock production, biodiversity conservation and disease prevention, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, economic and rural development, biomedical research based on ethical principles, and responsible animal ownership.

Exploration of advanced omics tools and resources for the improvement of industrial oil crops.

The rapid advancement in the field of omics approaches plays a crucial role in the development of improved industrial oil crops. Industrial oil crops are important for many sectors like food processing, biofuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making them indispensable contributors to global economies and these crops serve as vital elements in a multitude of industrial processes. Significant improvements in genomics have revolutionized the agricultural sector, particularly in the realm of oil crops. Cutting-edge advancements have facilitated the efficient sequencing of genomes for key commercial oil crops. This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of the genetic makeup of these crops but also empowers breeders with invaluable insights for targeted genetic manipulation and breeding programs. Moreover, integrating transcriptomics with genomic data has assisted in a new era of precision agriculture. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in traits of interest, such as oil content, yield potential, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Proteomics methods are instrumental in deciphering the intricacies of protein structure, interactions, and function, while metabolomics and ionomics shed light on the intricate network of metabolites and ions within biological systems. Each omics discipline offers unique insights, and their integration holds the promise of enriching our understanding and furnishing invaluable insights for enhancing oil crops. This review delves into the efficacy and constraints of various omics approaches in the context of refining industrial oil crops. Moreover, it underscores the importance of multi-omics strategies and explores their convergence with genetic engineering techniques to cultivate superior oil crop varieties.

Strategi Pendidikan Kemandirian dan Keterampilan (PKK) dalam Membentuk Karakter Siswa di MI Nurul Huda Sedengan Mijen

Education in Indonesia has progressed along with the changing times. The changing times that are increasingly sophisticated require human resources to be more advanced. One way to create advanced human resources is to form human character as early as possible starting from elementary school with independence and skills education. The purpose of this research is to find out the objectives of Independence and Skills Education and what is carried out by schools in implementation. The research method used is a qualitative method. Data collection techniques use interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the analysis show that the implementation of PKK at MI Nurul Huda Sedan Mijen has a positive influence in shaping the character of students, fostering traits such as responsibility, resilience, and creativity. These results underscore the importance of an education system that not only prioritizes academic achievement but also the cultivation of life skills and ethical values that are essential for the holistic growth of students. Recommendations are given to further strengthen the program, through increased collaboration with stakeholders and the integration of innovative teaching methods

The Role and Importance of Empowering Rural Communities for Rural Development in Afghanistan

Empowerment in Afghanistan’s rural areas has the potential to significantly transform rural residents' knowledge, attitudes, and work practices. Empowerment is fundamental for achieving development, as progress without empowering marginalized Afghan communities is often deemed unattainable. Empowering rural communities can be understood as a process of enhancing individuals' capacities to utilize their autonomy and mobilize local resources in productive and innovative ways within their communities. Any community development initiative rooted in local resources should aim to reduce poverty in diverse rural settings. Therefore, to foster local development and advancement, it is imperative to focus on empowering these communities by harnessing their talents and capabilities and utilizing natural, social, and advanced technological resources. This approach paves the way for community flourishing and sustainable development. This study aims to formulate strategies for managing rural empowerment aligned with sustainable development. Using a qualitative content analysis of relevant sources, data were collected through document analysis. The research revisits past studies and theories, synthesizing them to introduce the background of empowerment while tracing the trajectory of research surrounding the necessity of empowerment with a sustainable rural development approach.

The Five Pillars of Acute Right Ventricular Heart Failure Therapy: Can We Keep the Pediment in Balance?

Acute right ventricular heart failure (aRHF), a long-neglected aspect of heart disease, has recently gained attention due to an improved understanding of its pathophysiology and the development of tailored therapeutic strategies. The therapeutic approach is now built on several pillars that aim to support the stable clinical condition of the patient, starting with the central pillar of etiological or specific therapy and extending to various aspects related to hemodynamic support, ventilation support, fluid optimization, and, when necessary, advanced resources such as right ventricular assist devices (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-ECMO, Impella RP, or ProtekDuo). This five-pillar approach summarizes the different facets of contemporary treatment for aRHF, although some aspects related to their use are still being clarified.

NIGERIA’S SECURITY DYNAMICS AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

This review paper delves into the 'security dynamics in Nigeria, and the fight against crime', elucidating the current state of criminal activities in Nigeria, which have reached unprecedented levels, particularly with the emergence of social media and other sophisticated technological tools. Nevertheless, the paper aims to leverage these advanced technological resources for intelligence gathering to combat crime effectively. It correlates the nature of criminal activities and their evolution with the intergenerational differences present in our society today, highlighting how these differences have also impacted the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in addressing crime in Nigeria. The recommendations put forth in this paper emphasize the significance of inter-agency cooperation, advocating for the integration of advanced intelligence-gathering mechanisms into the operational frameworks of security agencies to expedite crime prevention. Additionally, the discussion on recommendations entails investing in community policing, enhancing security protocols, and enacting reforms, among other proposals.