bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION (STAD) TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA SISWA SMP SATU ATAP NEGERI 5 PANGURURAN TAHUN PELAJARAN 2018/2019
Authors: Sinaga Regina Sabariah , Syahputri Julia Eka
Published: March 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika SMP Satu Atap Negeri 5 Panguruan Tahun Pelajaran 2018/2019. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen, dengan rancangan desain penelitian pretest and postest control group design. Instrument yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika yang berbentuk uraian, dengan materi yang diajarkan adalah bentuk aljabar. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Satu Atap Negeri 5 Panguruan, sedangkan sampel dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari dua kelas. Satu kelas sebagai kelompok eksperimen dan satu kelas lagi sebagai kelompok kontrol. Sampel pada kelompok eksperimen berjumlah 25 orang, dan sampel pada kelompok kontrol juga berjumlah 25  orang. Data dalam penelitian ini dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji regresi sederhana. Rata-rata tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika kelas ekperimen sebelum dan sesudah pembelajaran adalah 68,2 dan 80. Sedangkan rata-rata tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika kelas kontrol sebelum dan sesudah pembelajaran adalah 68,6 dan 70,6. Pengujian hipotesis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji-r. Sebelum uji-r dilakukan terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji pendahuluan yaitu uji keberartian dan uji linieritas. Setelah dilakukan perhitungan diperoleh hasil uji keberartian dengan nilai  adalah 26,19 sedangkan nilai  adalah 4,28. Selanjutnya dilakukan perhitungan uji linieritas dengan diperoleh nilai adalah 1,03 sedangkan nilai  adalah 2,66. Setelah uji pendahuluan dilakukan selanjutnya dapat dilakukan perhitungan uji-r untuk mengetahui tingkat kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa sebelum dan sesudah diajar dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) setelah dilakukan perhitungan diperoleh nilai  pada kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa kelas eksperimen adalah 0,721 sedangkan nilai  adalah 0,361. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa SMP Satu Atap Negeri 5 Panguruan Tahun Pelajaran 2018/2019.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS VIII SMP ABDI NEGARA BINJAI
Authors: Sinaga Regina Sabariah , Anjelina Situmorang Siti Rauni
Published: March 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis pengaruh model pembelajaran berbasis masalah terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SMP Abdi Negara Binjai. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian Eksperimen Semu dengan desain penelitian Pretest Postest Control Group Design. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berupa tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa berbentuk uraian sebanyak 5 soal. Berdasarkan hasil uji normalitas diperoleh bahwa kedua populasi berdistribusi normal. Sedangkan hasil uji homogenitas diperoleh bahwa kedua populasi homogen (sama). Temuan hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis masalah mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari nilai rata-rata posttest hasil tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa yang telah diajarkan dengan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah adalah sebesar 79,1 dan nilai rata-rata posttest hasil tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa yang telah diajarkan dengan model pembelajaran konvensional adalah sebesar 63,67 sehingga didapatkan bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis masalah memiliki pengaruh sebesar 0,88 dan berada pada level sangat kuat. Kesimpulan hasil penelitian ini adalah bahwa pembelajaran matematika dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa. Direkomendasikan untuk peneliti selanjutnya penelitian ini hanya fokus pada pokok bahasan bentuk aljabar oleh karena itu untuk dapat  di kembangkan pada pokok bahasan lainnya.
PENGARUH METODE SUGESTI IMAJINATIF TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MENULIS PUISI OLEH SISWA KELAS X SMK SWASTA TAMAN SISWA BINJAI
Authors: Meyrisa Riska , Sebayang Sri Kurnia Hastuti , Afni Khairina
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh metode sugesti imajinatif terhadap kemampuan menulis puisi oleh siswa Kelas X SMK Swasta Taman Siswa Binjai. Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimen dengan populasi penelitian sebanyak 87 siswa kelas X di SMK Swasta Taman Siswa Binjai. Dengan teknik Simple Random Sampling, diperoleh sampel penelitian kelas eksperimen (X TKI 2) dan kelas kontrol (X TKI 1) dengan jumlah sebanyak 23 siswa di masing-masing kelas. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah tes hasil menulis puisi. Hasil uji prasyarat data menyatakan sampel terdistribusi homogen dan normal. Selanjutnya dilakukan uji t satu pihak (α = 0,05). Nilai sig. 2 tailed 0,003  kurang dari 0,05 menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan antara sampel Test dan diketahui bahwa nilai thitung sebesar 3,087 dengan df 44. Adapun nilai ttabel pada df 44 yaitu 2,015. Berdasarkan dari data tersebut yaitu 3,087 > 2,015 maka Ho ditolak dan HA diterima.
Penggunaan Budaya Perusahaan Terhadap SDM Toko Ritel dalam Menghadapi Era Disrupsi
Authors: Rahma Ellysa Lutfia
Published: March 2021

Today, we are faced with various changes in the fields of technology, culture, and economy,this is called the Disruption Era, which makes us have to be ready to adapt to existingconditions. This condition also affects Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which areincluded in the important foundations of the Indonesian economy, one of which is in the retail business sector which is the most attractive field for entrepreneurs to start their business, because that is why retail businesses always experience developments in society, both in modern and traditional forms. Therefore, entrepreneurs must prepare various strategies in maintaining their business, starting from providing good service, providing quality goods, providing appropriate prices, and so on. This study uses a case study at Toko Pelangi Jaya in discussing the strategy of retail stores to maintain their business in the era of disruption by managing their employees through existing corporative culture values. By using qualitative research methods, this study will be presented in a descriptive form based on observations and interviews that have been conducted.
18-49 Yaş Arası Evli Kadınların Kontraseptif Yöntem Kullanma Tercihleri ve Bırakma Nedenleri
Authors: KAYA Zehra , HOTUN ŞAHİN Nevin , DEMİRCİ Fatma Nur
Published: March 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the contraceptive preferences of married women between the ages of 18-49 and the causes of contraceptive discontinuation.
Methods: The research was conducted descriptive type with 200 married women who applied to a Family Health Service between March-July 2019. The data were collected through the participant introduction form created by the researchers.
Results: It was determined that the mean age of the women was 35.80 ± 7.35, 93% of them used a contraceptive (modern method: 63.9%, traditional method: 36.02. It was found that the withdrawal and condom were the most preferred contraceptives by women due to the ease of use (46.2% -37.5%) and the IUD because of high protection (62.5%). It was found that 22.5% of the women were not satisfied with the contraceptive they used, and 56.5% of them discontinued using contraceptive. It was determined that condom was discontinued due to partner request (discomfort) (82.5%), combined oral contraceptive and IUD due to health problems (48.5% -70%), and withdrawal due to unwanted pregnancy (60%). A statistically significant relationship was found between the use of the method and economic status, unwanted pregnancy, and counseling (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Among the reasons for women to prefer a contraceptive are mostly; ease of use and high protection. Women discontinued using the contraceptive method or methods they used many times due to health problems, unwanted pregnancy, and desire to become pregnant. Therefore, contraception counseling should be provided to couples by health professionals in order to increase the effective use of contraceptive methods.
XMM Observation of the Supernova Remnant J0454-6713 and the Adjacent N9 Superbubble
Authors: Seward Frederick D. , Foster Adam R. , Smith Randall K. , Points Sean D.
Published: March 2021

The Large Magellanic Cloud supernova remnant J0454-6713 abutting the H ii region N9 has been observed with XMM-Newton. Two groups of lines from Fe xvii account for half the emission and lines from Fe xviii, O vii, and O viii are also clearly detected with the XMM RGS. Isothermal equilibrium fits of the EPIC spectra reproduce the basic spectral form and show little variation throughout the remnant but are insensitive to the lines from the high-temperature ions. These are overwhelmed in the EPIC cameras by the dominant Fe xvii radiation and the EPIC best-fit spectra do not agree with the RGS data. Uncertainties in the atomic data used to determine Fe-line strength present a further complication which inhibits a good EPIC spectral fit. We build a two-temperature model which does fit both RGS and EPIC results and propose that the high-T component is from SN debris and the low from heated material in the H ii region. The high ratio of Fe emission to that from O requires the remnant to be the product of a Type Ia supernova and points to a deflagration–detonation origin. Weak X-ray emission from the N9 superbubble is detected and briefly discussed. The abundance of Ne in N9 material seems higher than average for the LMC in both the superbubble spectrum and the low-temperature component of the remnant RGS spectrum.
Harmonic Electron Cyclotron Maser Emission Excited by Energetic Electrons Traveling inside a Coronal Loop
Authors: Yousefzadeh Mehdi , Ning Hao , Chen Yao
Published: March 2021

A complete understanding of solar radio bursts requires developing numerical techniques that can connect large-scale activities with kinetic plasma processes. As a starting point, this study presents a numerical scheme combining three different techniques: (1) extrapolation of the magnetic field overlying a specific active region in order to derive the background field, (2) guiding-center simulation of the dynamics of millions of particles within a selected loop to reveal the integral velocity distribution function (VDF) around certain sections of the loop, and (3) particle-in-cell simulation of kinetic instabilities driven by energetic electrons initiated by the obtained distributions. Scattering effects at various levels (weak, moderate, and strong) due to wave turbulence-particle interaction are considered using prescribed timescales of scattering. It was found that the obtained VDFs contain strip-like and loss-cone features with positive gradient, and both features are capable of driving electron cyclotron maser emission, which is a viable radiation mechanism for some solar radio bursts, in particular, solar radio spikes. The strip-like feature is important in driving the harmonic X mode, while the loss-cone feature can be important in driving the fundamental X mode. In the weak-scattering case, the rate of energy conversion from energetic electrons to X2 can reach up to

, where

is the initial kinetic energy of energetic electrons. The study demonstrates a novel way of exciting the X2 mode in the corona during solar flares and provides new sight into how escaping radiation can be generated within a coronal loop.
Dissecting the Energy Budget of a Gamma-Ray Burst Fireball
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wang Yu , Li Liang
Published: March 2021

The jet composition and radiative efficiency of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are poorly constrained from the data. If the jet composition is matter-dominated (i.e., a fireball), the GRB prompt emission spectra would include a dominant thermal component originating from the fireball photosphere and a nonthermal component presumably originating from internal shocks whose radii are greater than the photosphere radius. We propose a method to directly dissect the GRB fireball energy budget into three components and measure their values by combining the prompt emission and early afterglow data. The measured parameters include the initial dimensionless specific enthalpy density (η), bulk Lorentz factors at the photosphere radius (Γph) and before fireball deceleration (Γ0), the amount of mass loading (M), and the GRB radiative efficiency (η

γ
). All the parameters can be derived from the data for a GRB with a dominant thermal spectral component, a deceleration bump feature in the early afterglow lightcurve, and a measured redshift. The results only weakly depend on the density n of the interstellar medium when the composition

parameter (typically unity) is specified.
Superiority of Purple Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to Green Okra in Insulin Resistance and Pancreatic β Cell Improvement in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tyagita Nurina , Mahati Endang , Safitri Azizah Hikma
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Antidiabetic medicinal plants are increasingly used in the treatment of diabetes as they are generally assumed to pro-duce minimal side effects. Okra is a quercetin-containing plant which can induce pancreas regeneration and has antidiabetic effect. There has been a lot of research that demonstrate that purple okra contains more quercetin than green okra.

Aim: To demonstrate the advantages of purple okra over green okra on the diabetic markers improvement in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Fifteen male 2-month-old Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with 65 mg streptozotocin and 110 mg niacinamide. Their blood glucose levels were measured three days after the injection. The induction of diabetes was deemed  successful if the glucose level of the rats got higher than 250 mg/dL, and then such rats were considered diabetic. The diabetic rats were divided into three groups: an acarbose group, a purple okra powder group, and a green okra powder group. The latter two were given, respectively, purple and green okra powder for 28 days. Blood serum was taken to examine the fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-B and GLUT-4 levels. Pancreas was examined histologically for damage using hematoxylin eosin staining. 

Results: Fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-B, and GLUT-4 levels of diabetic rats that received purple okra powder (p<0.05) were better than those of the rats that received green okra powder. The least damage (p<0.05) to pancreatic beta cells was found in the purple okra powder group.

Conclusions: Purple okra is superior to green okra in terms of improving the diabetic markers of rats.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV - Anaesthetic Considerations
Authors: Kazakov Dimitar , Pavlov Georgi , Stefanov Chavdar
Published: March 2021

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare disorder that occurs due to genetic defect in the collagen synthesis. The vascular subtype of EDS (type IV) is defined by characteristic facial features, translucent skin, easy bruising, and spontaneous arterial rupture and visceral perforation of such organs as the uterus and intestines, with possible life-threatening consequences. We report a case of a 15-year-old male patient with no past medical history undergoing emergency laparotomy after a spontaneous sigmoid colon perforation. Post-operatively and during the ICU stay complications developed and several revision operations and invasive procedures were necessary. A chest CT angiography revealed a right subclavian artery aneurysm, which was treated by an endovascular stent grafting. Taking into consideration the family history and clinical presentation EDS type IV was discussed as a possible cause of the patient’s condition. DNA analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Due to the lack of evidence-based recommendations the anaesthetic management of these patients is still challenging.
Taste Masking of Granulated Acetaminophen by Water Insoluble Ethylcellulose Coating
Authors: Bansal Amit , Krieg Brian , Sharma Navneet , McGinnis James , Bhatia Inderdeep , Paz Carlos
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Bitter tasting of drugs leads to non-compliance especially in the case of pediatric patients due to their inability to swal-low medication. 

Aim: In this study, we aimed to mask the bitter taste of acetaminophen (APAP) particles through coating. 

Materials and methods: A pH independent water insoluble ethylcellulose polymer was used to coat the APAP. The coating of water insoluble ethylcellulose on APAP can have a significant impact on the dissolution profile. Various grades of APAP were used for coating; fine grade, Compap L90% having wide particle size distribution (PSD), and a special granular (SG) APAP 1680 having narrow PSD. Coating was performed using top spray (Vector) for Compap L90% and SG APAP 1680 grade of APAP. 

Results: Bitter taste of SG APAP was masked after spraying dispersion equivalent to a weight gain of 10% compared to 35% used for Compap L90%. Using bottom spray (Wurster coater, GPCP 2.0), coating was performed on SG APAP 1680 grade of APAP by spraying aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose (Surelease) equivalent to a weight gain of 10%. The scalability of the top spray process was also evaluated in GPCG 30 and bitter taste was masked by using Surelease dispersion equivalent to a weight gain of 6%. Coated APAP was examined for particle size (PS), particle size distribution (PSD), flowability, and drug release profile. Dissolution was performed using USP apparatus 2 and 4 in phosphate buffer and evaluated for mechanism of drug release. Particle size obtained for coated SG APAP 1680 via top and bottom spray process was 404 µm d(90) and 487 µm d(90) respectively. 

Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrated the potential of Surelease dispersion in taste masking. The use of SG APAP 1680 having narrow PSD allowed taste masking to achieve at low weight gain without greatly affecting the dissolution profile.
Twenty-five Years of Journal of Universal Computer Science: A Bibliometric Overview
Authors: Baloian Nelson , Pino José A. , Zurita Gustavo , Lobos-Ossandón Valeria , Maurer Hermann
Published: March 2021

The Journal of Universal Computer Science is a monthly peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal covering all aspects of computer science, launched in 1994, so becoming twenty-five years old in 2019. In order to celebrate its anniversary, this study presents a bibliometric overview of the leading publication and citation trends occurring in the journal. The aim of the work is to identify the most relevant authors, institutions, countries, and analyze their evolution through time. The article uses the Web of Science Core Collection citations and the ACM Computing Classification System in order to search for the bibliographic information. Our study also develops a graphical mapping of the bibliometric material by using the visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer. With this software, the work analyzes bibliographic coupling, citation and co-citation analysis, co-authorship, and co-occurrence of keywords. The results underline the significant growth of the journal through time and its international diversity having publications from countries all over the world and covering a wide range of categories which confirms the “universal” character of the journal.
Trajnostne prakse v turizmu – kako jih prepoznati? // Sustainable tourism practices - how can we recognise them?
Authors: Razpotnik Visković Nika
Published: March 2021

V članku predstavljamo mehanizme za prepoznavanje trajnostnih praks v turizmu: standard, certificiranje, označevanje, nagrajevanje ter vključevanje v mreže oziroma združenja. Pojasniti želimo, kakšne so razlike med njimi, kaj posamezen mehanizem sporoča turističnim ponudnikom in obiskovalcem ter opozoriti na terminološke variacije, ki se pojavljajo v znanstveni literaturi in strokovnih virih. Omenjene mehanizme želimo predstaviti tudi na konkretnih uveljavljenih primerih iz slovenskega turizma ter opozoriti na dva dodatna vira informacij o trajnostnih praksah, vse bolj prisotna na trgu turistične industrije: vsebine, ki jih oblikujejo uporabniki, ter znamčenje. //
 
The article presents mechanisms for identifying sustainable tourism practices: standard, certification, labelling, awarding and networking. We aim to clarify the differences among them, explain what each mechanism communicates to tourism providers and visitors, and show some terminological variations that occur in scientific literature and professional sources. We also aim to present these mechanisms with concrete examples from Slovenian tourism, and point out two additional sources of information linked to sustainable practices in the tourism industry market: user-generated content and branding.
Slovenski eksonimi skozi prizmo prvega slovenskega pravopisa // Slovenian exonyms through the lens of the first Slovenian normative guide
Authors: Geršič Matjaž
Published: March 2021

Članek z vidika eksonimov analizira prvi slovenski pravopis v slovenskem jeziku, ki ga je leta 1899 izdal Fran Levec. Analiza je pokazala, da se je Levec eksonimov zelo dobro zavedal, čeprav zanje še ni uporabil terminologije, ki jo poznamo danes. Osredinil se je predvsem na eksonime v okolici slovenskega jezikovnega območja, predvsem na matično državo Avstro-Ogrsko in sosednje dežele. V pravopisu pa ni nobenih imen iz nelatiničnih pisav in imen v latinici zunaj Evrope. Članek na koncu navaja slovenske eksonime, ki jih temeljna strokovna literatura doslej še ni obravnavala in bi jih bilo smiselno vključiti v Slovar slovenskih eksonimov. //
 
This article analyses the first Slovenian normative guide, published by Fran Levec in 1899, from the perspective of exonyms. The analysis shows that Levec was well acquainted with exonyms, even though he did not yet apply the same terminology as used today to describe them. He primarily focused on exonyms close to the Slovenian linguistic area, especially those in Austria-Hungary and neighboring countries. However, the normative guide does not include any names in non-Roman scripts or any Roman-script names of places outside Europe. The article concludes with a list of Slovenian exonyms that have not yet been examined in seminal specialist literature and that should be included in Slovar slovenskih eksonimov (Dictionary of Slovenian Exonyms).
A Community Area Perspective of Real Estate and Crime in Chicago
Authors: Samarin Mikhail , Sharma Madhuri
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the relationships between crime-types and property values in the community areas of Chicago. Using a variety of unconventional web-based data sources, the authors use correlations, mapping, and regression analyses to find that while crime generally associates negatively with property values, not all crime-types have similar effects. Lower incidence of violent crimes and sex offenders in neighborhoods can have pronounced positive impacts on property values whereas certain types of property crimes gravitate toward neighborhoods with expensive homes. Further, crime rates may be similar or even higher than those in cheaper/disadvantaged areas. These types of offenses do not necessarily follow the price-dropping effect like other crime-types do on housing values. However, property crimes such as thefts do not follow this trend. They, thus, recommend that property crime alone should not be a factor when making decisions concerning home buying and/or where to live.
Efficient Energy Conservation and Faulty Node Detection on Machine Learning-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Amarasimha T.  , Rao V. Srinivasa
Published: March 2021

Wireless sensor networks are used in machine learning for data communication and classification. Sensor nodes in network suffer from low battery power, so it is necessary to reduce energy consumption. One way of decreasing energy utilization is reducing the information transmitted by an advanced machine learning process called support vector machine. Further, nodes in WSN malfunction upon the occurrence of malicious activities. To overcome these issues, energy conserving and faulty node detection WSN is proposed. SVM optimizes data to be transmitted via one-hop transmission. It sends only the extreme points of data instead of transmitting whole information. This will reduce transmitting energy and accumulate excess energy for future purpose. Moreover, malfunction nodes are identified to overcome difficulties on data processing. Since each node transmits data to nearby nodes, the misbehaving nodes are detected based on transmission speed. The experimental results show that proposed algorithm provides better results in terms of reduced energy consumption and faulty node detection.
Twitting for Talent by Linking Social Media to Employer Branding in Talent Management
Authors: Pandita Deepika
Published: March 2021

This paper reconnoiters and gives importance to how social networking has been tactically applied as a current means by many companies for branding their companies and inventive talent acquisition approaches in India. This research backs to the arenas of the domain talent management and has crucial suggestions for industry practitioners concerning the practicality of social network websites (SNWs) to organizational branding, talent management. Interviews were taken, which was a qualitative way of getting responses from 78 focussed group discussion with HR professionals working in information technology companies (IT). Later the data was analysed to their talent acquisition techniques that endorse the increasing consumption of (SNWs) social networking websites as part of their talent strategy.
The Impact of Perceived Organizational Support on Employee Engagement
Authors: Sihag Priyanka
Published: March 2021

In the current challenging and competitive environment, the perceived support from the organization has a large impact on employee perception, attitude, work behavior, and employee return to the organization. The present study investigates whether perceived organizational support (POS) contribute to the level of employee engagement (EE) for middle level IT professionals in Indian context. Four hundred twenty samples (i.e., IT professionals working at middle level) were collected from different IT industry located in India by using online survey questionnaires. The data collected was further analyzed using regression analysis, factor analysis, reliability and validity analysis, SEM (structural equation modeling), and model fit indices analysis. Results of all analyses revealed a positive and strong relationship between POS and EE. Furthermore, a fit model was explored between POS and EE with their factors. This study would assist practitioners of human resources and organizational development in improving the positive attitude and commitment towards the work of employees.
Skills Development Factors of Information Technology Competency Among External Auditors
Authors: Alsabahi Mokhtar Abdulhakim , Bahador Ku Maisurah Ku , Saat Rafeah Mat
Published: March 2021

This study examines the skill development factors influencing Information Technology (IT) competency in respect of external auditors. It applies the human capital theory (HCT) as the underpinning theory to develop the research framework. A questionnaire is administered to 328 external auditors in public and private audit companies in Yemen. Data are analysed via the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to examine the posited research hypotheses. The PLS-SEM approach reveals that self-direct learning is the strongest factor that influences the IT competency of auditors. This is followed by accounting education that records a significant positive effect on IT competency. The originality of this study is the application of the quantitative method to investigate the factors that influence IT competency among external auditors in developing countries, such as Yemen, who are facing the issue of low level IT competency in doing their tasks. The results underpin new and extensive inputs into skills and enlarge the emergent literature related to skills and competency development in IT.
Sharing VM Resources With Using Prediction of Future User Requests for an Efficient Load Balancing in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Elrotub Mousa , Bali Ahmed , Gherbi Abdelouahed
Published: March 2021

The problem of balancing user requests in cloud computing is becoming more serious due to the variation of workloads. Load balancing and allocation processes still need more optimizing methodologies and models to improve performance and increase the quality of service. This article describes a solution to balance user workload efficiently by proposing a model that allows each virtual machine (VM) to maximize the serving number of requests based on its capacity. The model measures VMs' capacity as a percentage and maps groups of user requests to appropriate active virtual machines. Finding the expected patterns from a big data repository, such as log data, and using some machine learning techniques can make the prediction more efficiently. The work is implemented and evaluated using some performance metrics, and the results are compared with other research. The evaluation shows the efficiency of the proposed approach in distributing user workload and improving results.
Mutual assistance of nucleus accumbens cannabinoid receptor-1 and orexin receptor-2 in response to nicotine
Authors: Fartootzadeh Reza , Alaei Hojjatallah , Reisi Parham
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) express both orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R). Orexin and cannabinoid regulate the addictive properties of nicotine. In this study, the effect of the CB1R blockade on the electrical activity of NAc neurons in response to nicotine, and its probable interaction with the OX2R in this event, within this area, were examined via the single-unit recording.

Experimental approach:

The spontaneous firing rate of NAc was initially recorded for 15 min, and then 5 min before subcutaneous injection of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg)/saline, AM251 and TCS-OX2-29 were injected into the NAc. Neuronal responses were recorded for 70 min, after nicotine administration.

Findings/Results:

Nicotine excited the NAc neurons significantly and intra-NAc microinjection of AM251 (25 and 125 ng/rat), as a selective CB1R antagonist, prevented the nicotine-induced increases of NAc neuronal responses. Moreover, microinjection of AM251 (125 ng/rat), before saline injection, could not affect the percentage of change of the neuronal response. Finally, simultaneous intra-NAc administration of the effective or ineffective doses of AM251 and TCS-OX2-29 (a selective antagonist of OX2R) prevented the nicotine- induced increases of NAc neuronal responses, so that there was a significant difference between the group received ineffective doses of both antagonists and the AM251 ineffective dose.

Conclusion and implications:

The results suggest that the CB1R can modulate the NAc reaction to the nicotine, and it can be concluded that there is a potential interplay between the OX2R and CB1R in the NAc, in relation to nicotine.
Expression of cyclin D1, p21, and estrogen receptor alpha in aflatoxin G1-induced disturbance in testicular tissue of albino mice
Authors: Zamir-Nasta Toraj , Pazhouhi Mona , Ghanbari Ali , Abdolmaleki Amir , Jalili Cyrus
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:

Aflatoxin (AF) is a mycotoxin produced by various strains of the Aspergillus family. AFG1 as one of the most important types is highly found in cereals and grains. AF affects sperm production or even its quality. This study was designed to test the effects of AFG1 on mice testicular tissue.

Experimental approach:

Twenty-four Albino mice were divided into four groups of 6 each; a control group (0.2 mL corn oil and ethanol), three treatment groups with different periods (20 μg/kg AFG1 for 7, 15, and 35 consecutive days). All treatments were applied intraperitoneally. Biosynthesis of cyclin D1, p21, and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Levels of cyclin D1, p21, and ERα mRNA were evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Tubular differentiation index (TDI), reproductive index (RI), and spermiogenesis indices were also analyzed.

Findings/Results:

AFG1 increased the percentage of seminiferous tubules with negative TDI, RI, and SPI compared to the control group (P < 0.05). RT-PCR and IHC analyses illustrated time-dependent enhancement in p21 expression and cyclin D1 biosynthesis in AFG1-treated groups significantly (P < 0.05). While the protein and mRNA levels of ERα were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusion and implications:

The chronic exposure to AFG1 reduced the expression and synthesis of ERα, increased the expression and synthesis of p21 and cyclin D1, impaired apoptosis, which in turn could impair spermatogenesis.
Effects of intrathecal and intracerebroventricular microinjection of kaempferol on pain
Authors: Jabbari Sajjad , Bananej Maryam , Zarei Mohammad , Komaki Alireza , Hajikhani Ramin
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:

Kaempferol (KM), a flavonoid, has an anti-inflammatory and anticancer effect and prevents many metabolic diseases. Nonetheless, very few studies have been done on the antinociceptive effects of KM. This research aimed at assessing the involvement of opioids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, and inflammatory mediators in the antinociceptive effects of KM in male Wistar rats.

Experimental approach:

The intracerebroventricular and/or intrathecal administration of the compounds was done for examining their central impacts on the thermal and chemical pain by the tail-flick and formalin paw tests. For assessing the role of opioid and GABA receptors in the possible antinociceptive effects of KM, several antagonists were used. Also, a rotarod test was carried out for assessing motor performance.

Findings/Results:

The intracerebroventricular and/or intrathecal microinjections of KM (40 μg/rat) had partially antinociceptive effects in the tail-flick test in rats (P < 0.05). In the formalin paw model, the intrathecal microinjection of KM had antinociceptive effects in phase 1 (20 and 40 μg/rat; P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and phase 2 (20 and 40 μg/rat; P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Using naloxonazine and/or bicuculline approved the involvement of opioid and GABA receptors in the central antinociceptive effects of KM, respectively. Moreover, KM reduced the expression levels of caspase 6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. The antinociceptive effects of KM were not linked to variations in the locomotor activity.

Conclusion and implications:

It can be concluded that KM has remarkable antinociceptive effects at a spinal level, which is associated with the presence of the inflammatory state. These impacts were undetectable following injections in the lateral ventricle. The possible mechanisms of KM antinociception are possibly linked to various modulatory pathways, including opioid and GABA receptors.
Biodontics
Authors: Kumar P. Aravind , K.L Keerthi , D Jayasri , B Tejaswini
Published: March 2021

Regeneration can be done by stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth. Teeth that are formed from stem cells are denoted to as “tissue-engineered” teeth. In dentistry, mesenchymal stem cell-like populations were identified from both dental and nondental tissues has offered sensational opportunities for the application of tissue engineering as well as gene based therapies. These methods have the possibility to lead toward the growth of new approaches for regenerative periodontal therapy. Biodontics is the practice of dentistry that leads to the promotion of repair, restoration, and replacement of dental, oral, and craniofacial structures with natural biological materials of cellular source and it will substitute xenodontics, the practice of dentistry that uses external materials (e.g., metals and plastics) for this purpose.
A Realist Synthesis of Community-Based Interventions in Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Pérez Dennis , Robert Emilie , Pérez Elsury Johanna , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Lefèvre Pierre , Ridde Valéry
Published: March 2021

Randomized control trials have provided evidence that some community-based interventions (CBIs) work in vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Conversely, there is limited evidence on how well those CBIs succeed in producing specific outcomes in different contexts. To conduct a realist synthesis for knowledge translation on this topic, we examined the extent to which realist concepts (context, mechanisms, and outcomes) and their relationships are present in the existing literature on CBIs for VBDs. Articles on CBIs were identified from prior scoping reviews of health interventions for VBDs. Content of the articles was extracted verbatim if it referred either to realist concepts or CBI features. The number of articles and the average number of words extracted per category per CBI were quantified. Content of the articles was scrutinized to inductively gather qualitative evidence on the interactions between realist concepts. We reviewed 41 articles on 17 CBIs from 12 countries. The average number of words used for mechanisms was much lower than those used for outcomes and context (309,474, and 836, respectively). The average number of words used for mechanisms increased when a CBI was described in three or more articles. There were more extensive accounts on CBI features than on mechanisms. It was difficult to gather evidence on the interactions among realist concepts from the content of the articles. Scarce reporting on mechanisms in published articles limits conducting a realist synthesis of CBIs in VBDs. More transdisciplinary research that goes beyond the biomedical paradigm is needed to boost the development of intervention mechanisms in this field.
Procedimiento para la gestión de la internacionalización de la educación superior.
Authors: Macazana Fernández Dante Manuel , Romero Diaz Alejandra Dulvina , Vargas Quispe Guillermo , Sito Justiniano Luz Marina , Salamanca Chura Edith Cristina
Published: March 2021

La internacionalización es considerada como una de las tendencias actuales de la educación superior, y está vinculada con el desarrollo científico técnico, apoyada en las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones, mirada que apunta a la “sociedad global” y a la “sociedad del conocimiento”. El objetivo de la investigación consiste en proponer un procedimiento general para la gestión la internacionalización de la educación superior, fundamentado en la necesidad de socializar y motivar a los docentes y autoridades sobre la importancia de la internacionalización para el logro de la calidad de los procesos sustantivos y de apoyo; así como un elemento clave en el logro de la excelencia universitaria. Internacionalizarse es la vía que tienen las instituciones de educación superior para abrirse al mundo.
El liderazgo directivo y la calidad de los aprendizajes estudiantes egresados de las instituciones educativas de la red 13 - UGEL – 04, Comas.
Authors: Espinoza Garro Elsa Esther , Ramírez Cruz. Verónica Edith , Vildoso Villegas Jesahel Yanette , Berrocal Villegas Salomón
Published: March 2021

La investigación tuvo como propósito “El liderazgo directivo y la calidad de los aprendizajes de los estudiantes que egresan de las instituciones educativas de la Red Educativa N° 13 de la UGEL 04 de Comas”, en función de mejorar la calidad de la educación y demostrar la importancia del trabajo de los directores como principales gestores de la calidad de los egresados. Para validar las hipótesis se utilizó el coeficiente de Pearson con prueba estadística de correlación y los resultados afirman con un 95% de probabilidad que el liderazgo directivo se relaciona con la mejora de la calidad de los estudiantes egresados. La correlación conjunta fue de 0.949.
Conocimiento sobre suicidio en adolescentes de la Unidad Educativa Aníbal Salgado Ruiz del Cantón Tisaleo.
Authors: González Chico María Gabriela , Viteri Rodríguez Juan Alberto , Suárez Naranjo Carlos Sebastián
Published: March 2021

El suicidio es el acto de quitarse deliberadamente la propia vida. Los niños y adolescentes que se presentan para recibir atención médica con conducta suicida requieren una cantidad variable de intervención médica, social y psiquiátrica, dependiendo de la seriedad de su intención, sus factores de riesgo subyacentes y su sistema de apoyo emocional. El presente artículo se basa en un proyecto de vinculación que realizó la carrera de Medicina de UNIANDES, con lo cual se identificó el nivel de conocimiento que tenían los adolescentes sobre el suicidio, con lo cual se pudo realizar una intervención tanto por parte de los docentes de la Unidad educativa como de nuestros tutores del proyecto como de nuestros estudiantes de la carrera.
Tendencias en la Enseñanza de la Geografía Cultural en México, una perspectiva desde los SEGEM, 1982 – 2019.
Authors: Carreto Bernal Fernando , González Pérez Raúl
Published: March 2021

Como parte del estudio sobre los eventos académicos especializados en la educación y enseñanza de la disciplina geográfica, el objetivo del presente artículo es dar a conocer las Tendencias de la Enseñanza de la Geografía Cultural en México, identificados a partir de los Simposios de la Enseñanza de la Geografía, (SEGEM), celebrados de 1982 al 2019. A partir de construir la base datos en SPSS de los 11 eventos celebrados en cuatro décadas, se integran 955 participaciones, clasificados con el método de tendencias, en paradigmas temáticos, orientaciones disciplinarias y enfoques metodológicos, destacando como paradigmas temáticos de la Geografía Cultural: la educación, los programas de estudio y las prácticas de campo, desde disciplinas geográficas, pedagógicas y didácticas, con distintos enfoques metodológicos.
Evaluación multianual de las variables climatológicas y su relación con el balance hídrico para el cultivo de maíz duro.
Authors: Lucas Zambrano Mario Enmanuel , Chavarría Párraga Jesús Enrique , Duicela Guambi Luis Alberto
Published: March 2021

El cantón Bolívar presenta gran actividad agrícola de Zea mays, teniendo como limitante la disponibilidad de humedad en el suelo; razón por la cual es necesario buscar herramientas para poder modelar sistemas de balance hídricos, haciendo uso de datos multianuales de la estación meteorológica de la ESPAM MFL- Calceta Cod. M1230, donde se cuantificarán las variables de la ecuación de balance de masa. Mediante datos estadísticos se analiza qué modelo es el que más se ajusta para calcular el rendimiento del cultivo y los factores que se ven en el intervenido. Los datos climáticos al ser fenómenos naturales no se pueden controlar, pero si ir llevando una base de datos del comportamiento a través de los años.
Clinico-pathological Analysis of Cervical Pap Smear in Patients Attending Gynecology OPD of a Medical College
Authors: Tamrakar Renuka , Ranabhat Sabin , Shrestha Madhu , Poudel Sandesh , Shrestha Sabita , Khanal Bandana , Joshi Rakshya , Sharma Basant , Khatri Dhan Bahadur , Lamichhane Janak
Published: March 2021

Background: Cervical cancer ranks the most common cancer among Nepalese women. Cervical and vaginal infections constitute the most common gynecological problems. Through Pap smear screening, early diagnosis, follow up and treatment, morbidity and mortality can be reduced by 70% and 80% respectively. 

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to know the incidence of abnormal cervical epithelial lesions and cervico-vaginal infections. It was carried out in the Outpatient Department of Gynecology at Chitwan Medical College from April 2018 to March 2019. The data were collected and standard statistical analysis done using Microsoft Excel 2007. 

Results: The most prevalent cervical epithelial cell abnormality was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (3.43%) whereas the least common was low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (0.21%). The most prevalent cervical vaginal infection was Bacterial vaginosis (12.30%) whereas the least prevalent was Trichomoniasis (0.29%). The majority of the women with epithelial cell abnormality were in the age group of 31-40 years whereas the lowest number in the age group less than 20 years. The highest prevalence of cervical vaginal infection was in the reproductive age group (31-50 years) and the lowest in the age above 51 years. Most of the patients had multiple symptoms like vaginal discharge, genital itching, whereas only (20.17%) visited for routine screening. 

Conclusion: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and Bacterial vaginosis were the most common finding in Pap smear test representing abnormal cytology of cervix and cervicovaginal infection respectively.
A global optimization technique for modeling and control of permanent magnet synchronous motor drive
Authors: Ganguli Souvik , Kumar Abhimanyu , Kaur Gagandeep , Sarkar Prasanta , S Suman Rajest
Published: March 2021

In this paper, model order reduction and controller design of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive has been carried out with the help of a firefly-based hybrid metaheuristic algorithm in the complex delta domain. Two relatively new algorithms, namely, the firefly technique and an adaptive version of the flower pollination method are combined to develop an effective global optimization approach. Originally, the permanent magnet synchronous motor drive constituting speed and current controllers yields a higher-order system reduced to a lower-order model via an identification approach applied in signal processing techniques. The reduced-order model, cascaded with a PI controller is then matched with a reference model approximately to estimate the unknown controller parameters. The tuned controller parameters using the delta operator method almost resemble those obtained by the continuous-time system. Thus, a unified framework of controller design for the drive system is also established. Thus, the hybrid intelligent algorithm is employed for order reduction and controller parameter estimation of PMSM drives. A case study can also be considered for the speed control of switched reluctance and brushless motor drives are widely predominant in several domestic and industrial applications.
Spatial Data Mining Methods Databases and Statistics Point of Views
Authors: R Regin , S Suman Rajest , Singh Bhopendra
Published: March 2021

This article reviews the approaches used in data mining to perform a geographical study of regional datasets coupled with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Firstly, we can look at the functions of data mining used by such data and then illustrate their precision compared to their classic data use. We will further explain the research conducted in this sector and point out that two separate methods exist: one is focused on space database learning while the other is based on space statistics. Finally, we will address the key distinctions between these two methods and their similar features.
"Every Word is True": Stories of our Experiences in a Qualitative Research Course
Authors: Richards Janet
Published: March 2021

There is a sparse body of literature about students' and instructors' experiences in graduate qualitative courses. In this study, 11 doctoral students and one instructor employed a narrative framework to uncover our perceived truths about our experiences as we interacted, studied, pondered, and journeyed through a qualitative research methods course. Data were my chronologically ordered notes documenting my thinking and perceptions about my students and me and the doctoral students' chronologically ordered e-mail stories to their peers and to me. The inquiry illuminated the doctoral students' growth as researchers and highlighted the power of shared stories. Our narratives captured our lives, and illuminated our joys, worries, intentions, and beliefs.