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Geochemistry and source area weathering of soils around Mount Bamboutos (Cameroon Volcanic Line)
Full text linkThis study aimed at investigating the weathering of the source area and the geochemistry of the soils around Mount Bamboutos, West Region, Cameroon. In this study, soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–40 cm. The soil samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significant SiO2 (63.37–73.05 wt.%) content recalculated to an anhydrous basis and adjusted to 100% (SiO2 (adj)) indicates the abundance of quartz and kaolinite in soil samples. The enrichment of Al2O3 (9.98–15.12 wt.%) suggests the presence of aluminosilicate minerals such as clay minerals, muscovite, and feldspars. The considerable Fe2O3 (0.01–11.04 wt.%) content relates to the mechanical erosion of ferrallitic soil or to Fe-source rock weathering. The elevated LaN/YbN levels indicate that the soils were derived from heterogeneous source rocks during weathering. The inverse correlation between SiO2 and Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, and P2O5 indicates the prevalence of heavy minerals, which are likewise influenced by the relative amount of quartz. The positive Ce anomalies may result from the redox conditions. Weathering indices such as the plagioclase index of alteration (PIA: 77.03%–97.75%), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIX: 58.25%–66.83%), chemical weathering index (CIW: 91.31%–99.13%), and chemical index of alternation (CIA: 50%–70%) all signify moderate to intense weathering in the source area, which occurred in hot, humid climatic conditions. This is evidenced by the removal of labile cations (Ca, Na, and K) in relation to stable residual components (Al and Ti). The relatively high Ce anomalies in the soil samples (Ce/Ce* = 0.01 to 7.44; average 2.39) suggest intense chemical weathering
Theoretical speculations versus empirical realities: Assessing the van Ruler model of communication
Full text linkCommunication plays a critical role in the success of organizations across all types and sectors. Following a brief overview that demonstrates the diversity of perspectives about communication within organizations, the validity and generalizability of van Ruler’s four-strategy model, or grid, of organizational communication is examined in this study. A scale based on that model was created and subsequently administered to employees in two Iranian workplace settings. Confirmatory factor analyses failed to support the communication strategies proposed by van Ruler, and in initial exploratory factor analyses (EFAs), further disconfirmation of the model occurred because there were only two factors in the data for both samples. Refined follow-up EFAs challenged the model still further because both samples’ data comprised a single factor. We conclude that compartmentalized conceptions of organizational communication may not always apply, but context-specific communication models might still function effectively in certain organizational cultures, especially where hierarchies or formal structures pertain
Dynamics of a nonlinear multilayer beam structure on elastic foundation: Chaos detection and application to transport engineering technologies
Full text linkThe dynamics of a composite consisting of the nonlinear multilayer beam structure, interacting through elastic intermediate layers, under mobile point loading is investigated. This study finds a direct application in transport engineering technologies, more precisely in railways, where the moving point load is the train, and the multilayer beam, the rails interacting with the ballast, the foundation and base layers. From the Lagrange formulations, the system of damping partial differential equations of the model is found, and by considering the non-dissipative case with weak nonlinearity and constant charge they are used to find the eigen modes and the natural vibration frequencies of the system. Then the dissipative case with nonlinearity is studied, with a particular attention carried on the temporal part, which is reduced to a system of coupled nonlinear differential equations, where the first line is forced. This system of equation is used to determine the equilibrium points, after which they are subsequently solved analytically through the multiple time scale method for harmonic resonance case, showing the formation of hysteresis more and more complex as the number of cells increases. The coupled nonlinear equations of the system is next solved numerically, with the transition of the system towards chaos analyzed through the bifurcation diagram and the maximum Lyapunov exponent, which show strong sensitivity to the coupling parameter λ2 as well as the system frequency. The results show for N = 2 and for some parameters the periodic behavior and the crisis for ω = 0.5. When the frequency is low; that is ω = 0.05 the chaotic band is considerably reduced, chaos appearing around the nonlinearity parameter γ2 = 0.5 and also for γ2 > 0.85. The time trace shows chaotic pulses and bursting type behavior, for some choices of the coupling parameter. The synchronization curves are also plotted and it is shown that q2 doesn’t synchronizes with q1 for some frequencies, while for others parameters, they synchronize, but fairly. For N = 3, the dynamics is more complex and the time traces plots show regular impulse for ω = 0.5 and bursting for weak frequency, ω = 0.05
Integrating environmental policies within aesthetic education: A research on promoting traditional culture in college libraries
No full textThis study explores the importance of integrating environmental policies with aesthetic education. It delves deeply into the ecological wisdom embedded in traditional culture to identify its relevance to modern environmental protection. First, it presents the crucial role those environmental policies play in contemporary society and explains the significance of aesthetic education. From a historical perspective, it then examines traditional views of nature and ecological conservation awareness, proposing ways to apply these insights to current environmental practices. Subsequently, the study develops an aesthetic education system grounded in environmental policies, detailing the principles for curriculum design as well as the development and utilization of teaching resources. Finally, it establishes an evaluation and feedback system to ensure educational effectiveness and suggests continuous improvement strategies. Overall, this research provides new perspectives and practical approaches for integrating environmental protection with aesthetic education.
 
Rhizobium pusense associated with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), in Cuba
Full text linkIntroduction: For many years, chickpeas were considered a restricted host species for nodulation, although recent studies describe greater bacterial diversity associated with the crop, allowing for increased knowledge of this symbiosis to obtain isolates that are efficient in their contribution. Objective: To characterize and identify an isolate obtained from chickpea plant nodules and evaluate its effectiveness under field conditions. Materials and methods: The research was conducted in the laboratories of two centers: the Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical “Alejandro de Humboldt”, Cuba, and the Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Mexico. The research was also conducted under field conditions in two campaigns during 2018 and 2020 to demonstrate its effectiveness in crop interaction at the first center. Isolate R3 was identified at the taxonomic level by sequencing four genes. A completely randomized design was used for laboratory experiments, while plant trials were conducted using a randomized block design. The results were subjected to an analysis of variance and the means were compared according to the Tukey test (p < 0.05). Results: Isolate R3 showed variability in its morphophysiological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Furthermore, it responded significantly differently than the other treatments in the growth and yield indicators evaluated in chickpeas. Conclusions: Rhizobium pusense was identified for the first time in Cuba associated with chickpea nodules. The strain showed positive growth at pH levels between 5.5 and 9.0 and temperatures ranging from 29 °C to 38 °C, demonstrating its tolerance to these factors. Its inoculation in chickpeas stimulated nodule formation and increased yield variables
Assessing water quality in the Godavari River, Nashik: A study on specific gravity and surface tension variations
Full text linkThe Godavari River flows year-round, being a perennial watercourse, providing a steady water supply. However, rising pollution threatens its water quality. Without regular pollution control, it may face a decline similar to the River Nandini, which vanished in the 1940s along with its surrounding forest. Thus, this study investigated the specific gravity and surface tension of various water samples collected near the Victoria Bridge on the Godavari River to assess the impact of different contaminants. Samples analyzed include pure water, polluted water, saline water, water with detergent, slightly muddy water, and slightly ashy water, which might contain gold particles or gold dust in it. The findings reveal that saline water exhibited the highest specific gravity (1.025 g/cm3), while pure water maintained a specific gravity of 1.000 g/cm3. At point 1, the surface tension ranged from 31 to 42 mN/m. For point 2, it fell between 49 and 55 mN/m. Point 3 showed a range of 49 to 60 mN/m, while at point 4, it varied from 49 to 57 mN/m. Lastly, point 5 exhibited surface tension values between 49 and 56 mN/m at Victoria Bridge. Surface tension measurements ranged from 55 to 70 mN/m at all five points—point 1 through point 5 each displayed values within this consistent interval at Tapovan Bridge and a point near Dasak Bridge. Thus, surface tension measurements indicated that contaminants such as detergents and organic pollutants significantly reduce water’s surface tension, affecting the transport and fate of pollutants. The average suspended particle mass (mg) was found to be about 13.4 (mg). These results emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and remediation efforts to maintain water quality, especially under extreme climatic conditions
Society 5.0 in the cloud: Harnessing the power of modern information technologies
Full text linkIn the rapidly evolving technological landscape, modern innovations such as blockchain (BC), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are playing a pivotal role in realizing the vision of Society 5.0. This concept envisions a harmonious integration of physical, digital, and human elements to create a sustainable and progressive future. Emerging technologies like robotics, biotechnology, quantum computing, 5G/6G networks, smart cities, and the metaverse are expected to further amplify the impact of Society 5.0, driving transformative changes across industries and societal structures. The integration of BC, AI, and IoT within cloud-based frameworks offers a robust solution to enhance security, privacy, and data management. The integration of blockchain, AI, and IoT within a cloud-based framework offers a transformative solution to address the challenges of modern societies. By leveraging these technologies, the proposed platform aims to create a secure, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem that enhances quality of life and drives progress toward the vision of Society 5.0. This approach not only tackles current societal issues but also paves the way for a more interconnected and innovative future. This article introduces a platform that seamlessly combines these technologies to provide a secure and reliable foundation for data collection, sharing, and analysis while enabling the development of smart applications that improve efficiency, productivity, and overall quality of life (QoL)
The impact of public transportation accessibility on apartment prices in Shiraz: A comparative study in a developing urban context
Full text linkPublic transportation accessibility can significantly affect real estate prices. However, the extent of this impact can greatly vary depending on the specific urban context. This study investigates the impact of accessibility to public transportation on apartment prices in two distinct districts of Shiraz, Iran: District 1, which has the highest vehicle ownership per capita, and District 8, which has the lowest. Using 182 transactions from District 1 and 65 transactions from District 8, a hedonic pricing model was employed to analyze data on apartment prices, area, age, number of bedrooms, and distances to the nearest bus stop, subway station, park, hospital, school, and the Central Business District. The findings revealed distinct patterns across the districts. In District 8, where vehicle ownership per capita is low, accessibility to bus stops significantly influenced apartment prices. Conversely, accessibility to subway stations did not significantly impact apartment prices in either district, nor did bus stop accessibility in District 1. This study underscores the varying influence of public transportation accessibility on property prices in different urban contexts, particularly in relation to vehicle ownership levels
The impact of governance and economic factors on Biocracy in the committed countries in COP28
Full text linkBiocracy refers to a system of governance and decision-making that prioritizes the well-being and health of living systems, including ecosystems, species, and human communities. Biocracy promotes holistic, participatory, and adaptive management, integrating science, traditional knowledge, and collective decision-making. The goal is to cultivate a mutually enriching relationship between humans and the natural world. As a result, all human actions have an impact on Biocracy. This study covers annual data from 2010 to 2022 for a group of member countries of the COP28 with the percentage of emissions reduction needed to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius target by 2030 among current top emitters and employs the tobit panel model with a limited dependent variable (LDV). The primary economic variables that substantially influence Biocracy are GDP growth, foreign investment, inflation rate, employment, trade-related variables (exports and imports), and governance. The results indicate that the governance index and imports variable have the most significant positive effect on Biocracy, and the elasticity of governance has the largest impact on Biocracy among all the variables studied. The study’s objective is to identify strategies to enhance Biocracy without hindering economic growth, with an emphasis on the role of good governance
Fractal behavior accompanied by the complex-conjugated power-law exponents discovered in living systems: Analysis of the temporal evolution of impedance in silkworm cocoons
Full text linkIn this paper, we continue using the theoretical model describing 3D-branching systems that is applied to describe the living system, such as the silkworm butterfly cocoons (Bombyx mori). The proposed fitting function that follows from the applied model allows us to describe completely with high accuracy (the fitting error is less than 0.1%) the whole stage of the temporal evolution of the silkworm cocoons in room conditions (during 13 days of the experiment the lowest temperature noted was 27 ℃ and the highest temperature was 29 ℃) and with relative humidity located in the interval [Hmin 54% £ H £ 76% Hmax] during 13 days (13 November 2023 to 25 November 2023) of the impedance measurements. The selection of this biological object is related to the fact that all possible conducting channels formed inside the given cocoon have 3D structures. Analysis of the measured impedance data shows that the measurements at the beginning of each day have a monotone character, while each measurement after the first measurement of each day has chaotic behavior. It means that during the night a cocoon “has a rest”. After this resting period, the applied voltage disturbs internal processes that are reflected in the behavior of the measured impedance. It has an oscillating character. These oscillations reflect the “regrouping” of conducting channels that take place inside the measured cocoon