bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Fostering Learner Autonomy in Learning English
Authors: Yu Rongmei
Published: November 2020

With the teaching of English being more and more communicative, the tradition teacher-centered approach is facing a big challenge and is being replaced by the learner-centered one. It means that learners will assume greater responsibility for their own English learning. Therefore, fostering learner autonomy is of the utmost importance in the teaching of English. Over the last ten years, fostering learner autonomy has become the chief concern in the field of English language teaching. As a result, many records have been obtained in different studies of learner autonomy. This paper aims at an exploration of fostering learner autonomy in the teaching of English and learners' attitudes, motivation and strategies. Because, serve as three important conditions for learner autonomy in the teaching of English. These conditions will largely influence the learning of learner autonomy. On the basis of the above exploration learner training for fostering learner autonomy, must entail two aspects. Firstly, setting up self-access centers can provide learners with an autonomy-supportive learning environment, which will contribute to enhancing learners' motivation and can strengthen their confidence in their English learning. Secondly, teachers themselves should reconsider their roles in fostering learner autonomy. They should act as facilitators, counselors and resource rather than classroom controllers. In this way, learners can feel more willing to accept responsibility for their own learning and strengthen their ability to do so.
On the Translation Memetics for Archeology Text: A Case Study of the Archaeological Excavations at Royal Cemetery of Haihunhou State in Han Dynasty
Authors: Dai Cheng , Li Yuying
Published: November 2020

Memetics, based on Darwin’s evolutionism, explains the process of cultural evolution from cultural perspective whose core content is the imitation and replication of the form and meaning of memes under the different contexts. Coupled with colorful pictures, The Archaeological Excavations at the Royal Cemetery of Haihunhou State in the Han Dynasty records the most famous archaeological excavations in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China in recent years. This paper studies the dissemination ways in archeology translation in the book and finds out the respective characteristics of genotypic translation and phenotypic translation, so as to examine and explain the translation phenomena from the perspective of translation memetics, aiming to provide a new theoretical direction for the study of archeology text translation.
On the Construction of Integrated English Course with the Purpose of Eliminating “Water Course” and Creating “Gold Course”
Authors: Yu Xiaoli
Published: November 2020

Since it was proposed to eliminate the "water course" and create the "golden course" at the 2018 Education Conference held in Chengdu, the Ministry of Education have issued a series of notification and plan, and various universities have responded with corresponding measures and actions. Under such an educational background, this paper, based on the English teaching base of Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages, considers the construction of the Integrated English course. Based on the discussion of the definition of "gold lesson" and "water lesson", this paper explores the "gold lesson" and "water lesson" in integrated English course, and considers the ways to eliminate "water lessons" and build up "gold lessons" from the different perspectives of teachers and students at multiple levels. Finally, it comes to the conclusion that the construction of integrated English course is a huge and complicated process, which requires the concerted efforts of various parties. However, we will eliminate "water course" and create "gold course" by continuous research, practice, summary and improvement, which will win the battle of course construction.
Review of Literature on Learners' Personality in Language Learning: Focusing on Extrovert and Introvert Learners
Authors: Shehni Maryam Cheraghi , Khezrab Tahereh
Published: November 2020

The improvement in learning English is based on how students are enthusiastic about the subject of English. Learning languages, mainly English, is a great need, even for our primary students who have the responsibility to develop in the globalized world (Muñoz, 2002). These traits are the critical parts of one’s personality because they make him unique, and what psychologists have desired to study and measure in the process of learning English as the foreign or second language. Indeed, the variations between individuals, their learning situations and the contexts where they learn are some features that can illustrate the complexity of learning a foreign language. Conversely, in research on the acquisition of foreign languages, it is essential to consider the differences between individuals, their different ways of learning styles and the environment where they are involved.
Study of Serum IgE levels in Recurrent Respiratory illness in children 6 months to 5 years of age
Authors:   Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Vishwakarma Dr. Rashmi , Sharan Dr. Anita ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Dr. DY Patil Medical, College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Reddy Dr. Priti ,   Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Satyanarayana Dr. K. ,   Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Published: November 2020

Objective: The present study was undertaken to study the serum IgE levels in recurrent respiratorytract illnesses in children greater than 6 months to less than 5 years of age and to find thecorrelation between them. Methods: This was a prospective observational cross-sectional study. Thestudy was undertaken to determine the correlation of serum IgE levels with recurrent respiratorytract illness. A total of 99 children were included in this study. 2ml of blood was drawn by peripheralvenous phlebotomy in airtight screw-capped plastic vials for measuring serum IgE levels. The SerumIgE level is assessed by chemiluminescence. Results: Out of 99 children, 48 children had elevatedserum IgE levels and 51 had normal serum IgE levels. Serum IgE levels were significantly higher(66.07%) in males as compared to females (25.58%) with a p-value of 0.0003 (<0.05). Theelevation of serum IgE levels was 48.48% in all children (48 out of 99 children). It’s noticed that thenumber of children suffering from RRTI and the number of children with elevated serum IgE levelsincreased with increasing age. There is a significant increase in serum IgE levels from 10.00% ininfancy to 64.10% in the 49-60th month. Conclusion: This study showed an increasing number ofchildren with recurrent respiratory tract illness and serum IgE levels with increasing age. Males,preterm and bottle-fed babies are more prone. There was a significant role in a family history ofrecurrent respiratory tract illness in children with elevated serum IgE levels.
Baranchick-type Estimators of a Multivariate Normal Mean Under the General Quadratic Loss Function
Authors: Hamdaoui Abdenour , Benkhaled Abdelkader , Terbeche Mekki
Published: November 2020

The problem of estimating the mean of a multivariate normal distribution by different types of shrinkage estimators is investigated. We established the minimaxity of Baranchick-type estimators for identity covariance matrix and the matrix associated to the loss function is diagonal. In particular the class of James-Stein estimator is presented. The general situation for both matrices cited above is discussed
Exergetic Analysis of Cogeneration Energy Sources
Authors: Bibikov Dmitriy R. , Poley Anton K. , Kulik Alexander V.
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the method of thermal and exergetic analysis of cogeneration energy sources on the example of the gas turbine unit LM6000PF (GTU-CHPP «Vostochnaya»). The purpose of the conducted exergetic analysis is to determine the most advantageous method for evaluating the performance of equipment in terms of thermodynamic efficiency. The comparison of GTU efficiency values obtained by calculation using the methods of thermal and exergetic analysis is performed. A special feature of the exergetic analysis is the use of an additional indicator as exergy along with energy indicator. In the analysis, the efficiency of using the energy of the fuel burned in the GTU combustion chamber and the working bodies of the gas cycle for the production of electrical and thermal energy is assessed by comparing the actually accomplished work with the exergy of the process
Thermal Efficiency of a Solar Air-Heating Collector with a Metal Chip Absorber
Authors: Uzbekov Mirsoli O. , Tukhtasinov Azamat G.
Published: November 2020

It is known that one of the main issues of heat transfer in complex designs of solar air-heating collectors is the problem of determining the coefficient of convective heat transfer in some parts of absorbers. The article studies the processes of heat transfer occurring in a solar air-heating collector with an absorber, which is a system of metal flow chips and a V-shaped surface. A description of the design of a solar air-heating collector with a metal chip absorber is given. The absorber allows us to increase the contact surface between the coolant and the absorber. The experimental procedure and the results are presented. The experiments have shown that within the range of 850 – 950 W / m2 of direct incident solar radiation density, the average heating of coolant is 17.5 °C; within the range of 650 – 750 W / m2, it is 14.1 °C; within the range of 450 – 550 W / m2, it measures 10.1 °C. The maximum coolant heating is 27 °C which is equal to the output collector temperature 60 °C. The average heating of the coolant is 14 °C, which corresponds to the average output temperature of 45 °C. According to the data obtained in the experiment, empirical formulas are concluded. They are presented in the form of the dependence Nu = f (Re), it is aimed at determining the heat transfer coefficient of flow metal chips and V-shaped absorbers of a solar air-heating collector. The dependence of the absorbers heat transfer from metal flow chips and the V-shaped surface of the solar air-heating collector on the Re numbers within the range of 103÷104 is shown. A formula is derived that allows us to compare the effectiveness of absorbers of various types with a flat absorber of a solar air-heating collector
The Assessment of the Operational State of Traction Power Transformers by means of Decision Tables with Fuzzy Input Parameters
Authors: Tremyasov Vladimir A. , Belov Vladislav G.
Published: November 2020

The paper deals with the decision tables method in order to assess the state of traction substation transformers and to make control decisions. This approach allows us to evaluate the state of a substation power transformer with the changes in diagnostic parameters that were determined by means of a fuzzy set theory
Application of GIS Technologies to Improve the Efficiency of HPP Cascades Simulation Model
Authors: Arestova Anna Yu. , Mitrofanov Sergey V. , Rusina Anastasiya G. , Kolesnikov Alexey A.
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the calculation algorithm for water-energy regime of a hydroelectric power stations cascade. The block diagram of the algorithm is given for implementing the simulation model and automating the process of regime calculating. The proposed algorithm allows to evaluate the efficiency of the cascade operation, as well as to optimize the regime according to various criteria. Additionally, an option is proposed to integrate GIS monitoring data into the calculation algorithm. The sources and characteristics of Earth remote sensing data that can be used to build the model are presented
AGE AND ORIGIN OF FLINT TOOLS OF THE MEZHYRICHCHIA GEOARCHEOLOGICAL MONUMENT (KANIV DNIEPER LOWLAND)
Authors: Bortnyk S. , Pohorilchuk N. , Kovtoniuk O.
Published: November 2020

The article clarifies the stratigraphic binding and origin of silicon nodules, which served as the main raw material for the manufacture of tools for mammoth hunters of the Mezhyrich Late Paleolithic site. In archaeological publications, these nodules are often mentioned to be confined to the "Vyrzhikovsky layer" (the Albian layer of the Lower Cretaceous), which was formed under continental conditions and consists of sand-clay (kaolin, in particular) deposits. The analysis of the necessary conditions and possible mechanisms for the formation of silicon nodules indicates the erroneousness of such ideas. Most likely, the source of silicon raw materials was the marine deposits of the Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous), or, in accordance with the modern stratigraphic division of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sequence, deposits of the Burim suite (upper Albian – lower Cenomanian). The paleogeographic setting, sedimentological conditions and lithological composition of the "Vyrzhikovsky layer" did not ensure the formation of silicon nodules in it in the form of inclusions. The latter are diagenetic in origin and could only form in the thickness of carbonate rocks, free of clay minerals. The region of Kaniv dislocations was the optimal region from the silicon production point of view, which was determined: firstly, by the tectonic dislocation of the sedimentary sequence, which contributed to the removal of deposits containing silicon nodules in the thickness of younger rocks; secondly,the erosion activity of temporary streams, which brought these deposits to the level of the denudation cut-off. The most convenient place for collecting flints was not the outcrop of bedrock in ravines but the cones of their removal, which overlook the floodplains of the Dnipro and Ros'. The possibility of collecting flint in the immediate vicinity of the Mezhirich site, in the ravines and gullies between the Ros and Rosava rivers, does not find confirmation, since the chalk deposits here lie much lower than the local erosion base and are not exposed by ravines. Therefore, the leading role in the formation of the raw material supply of the Late Paleolithic site of Mezhirich was played by the region adjacent to the Kaniv mountains of the alluvial-proluvial plain.
FORM OF SEISMIC HORIZON ON TIME SECTION AND REFLECTED WAVE COMMON SHOT POINT TRAVEL TIME CURVE IN TRANSITION ZONE FOR THE CASE OF COMPLICATION OF TARGET HORIZON COVER BY FAULT
Authors: Ahmadov T.
Published: November 2020

The paper is devoted to study of reflection pattern (seismic horizon) and CSP travel time curve of reflected wave when the base of seismic oscillations receivers is within transition zone, i.e. the portion of base is in one flank while the other part is already in the next flank. The equation has been derived for travel time curve of zero-offset survey, i.e. reflection pattern) for the case when target horizon cover is complicated by fault. The other equation derived is the equation of traveltime curve of CSP of reflected wave, which upgoing rays are refracted on the fault line. For this, we have used the equation of traveltime curve of normal reflections refracted on the fault line.

Based on derived formulae we have calculated traveltime curves of CSP for various models of environment. Analysis of these models has shown that while passing through seismic waves receiver base over the faulted zone the travel time curve is divided into two cuts with differing curvature and various time offsets relative to each other depending on velocity section difference from the fault line leading to the impression that these two cuts are not the sections of the same travel time curve.
FORMATION OF HYDROGEOLOGICAL-RECLAMATION SITUATION ON THE RICE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OF THE DANUBE RIVER AND WAYS OF INCREASING THEIR ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WEATHER AND CLIMATE RISKS
Authors: Rokochinskiy A. , Turchenyuk V. , Volk P. , Prikhodko N. , Frolenkova N. , Shevchenko O.
Published: November 2020

The analysis of the main reasons for the unsatisfactory hydrogeological-reclamation state of the Danubian rice irrigation systems was carried out and the ways of its improvement due to the increase of drainage ability of irrigated lands of rice systems were considered. On the saline lands of the rice systems of the Danube delta drainage network is the main means of active and directed influence on the water-salt regime of the reclaimed area, formation of the regime of groundwater level, both in the growing season and in the not irrigated period for rice and attendant crops. Drainage network is essentially a determining factor in the formation of productivity of agricultural lands. An analysis of the efficiency of the drainage operation on the rice systems of the Danube Delta has shown that drainage built in accordance with the design standards that were in force at the time of construction does not provide uniform drainage ability in the area and the soil profile of rice fields. This is one of the main reasons for their unsatisfactory hydrogeological-reclamation state and reducing the yield of rice and attendant crops. By conducting optimization calculations according to the expense indicator, taking into account that optimal vertical filtration rate for the Danubian rice irrigation systems is at the level of 6...8 mm/day the optimal distance between the drains – 100 m was determined. Constructive improvement of existing rice systems with the drainage network in the form of open drains and distances between them – 250...500 m can be accomplished through the installation of additional separate closed drain-collectors. These drain-collectors are appropriate to arrange along the checks, with the set distance. For reducing the value of the vertical filtration rate in the drainage zone where it reaches 25 mm/day it is advisable to practice maintaining of water levels in the drainage network. Consequently, it is possible to achieve a reduction of the filtration rate to 4…5 mm/day. Developed measures and corresponding reconstruction of rice systems will enable to maintenance of satisfactory hydrological and hydrogeological regimes,ensure uniform salinity of soils during the cultivation of flooded rice, create favorable conditions for oxidation-reducing processes and maintenance of favorable ecological-reclamation state on the system.
SILICON CONTENT, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS OF THE KHMELNYTSKY REGION OF UKRAINE
Authors: Tonkha O. , Bukova O. , Pikovska O. , Fedosiy I. , Menshov O. , Shepel A.
Published: November 2020

Silicon plays the significant role in the growth and development of plants, their resistance to stress conditions. However, there is limited research on the content of various forms of silicon in soils, the relationship with soil cations, which is particularly relevant in the context of intensive agriculture and climate aridization in Ukraine. The purpose of the present study was to determine the content of silicon compounds of different mobility in the arable soils of the Khmelnytsky region, the spatial variation of these parameters, and to detect the dependence between the content of silicon compounds and soil particle size. The study was performed at the area of LLC "Lotivka Elit" of Shepetivka district of Khmelnitsky region in field crop rotation. We determined for soil samples: particle size distribution and content of fractions of granulometric elements of different sizes, pH of salt extraction (1,0 M KCl solution), humus content, calcium and magnesium exchangeable compounds by extraction with 1,0 M KCl solution. The results showed that the content of silicon compounds in soils depends on the particle size distribution of soil, the value of exchangeable acidity, humus content, and the composition of exchangeable cations.
EFL TEACHER CANDIDATES’ INNER CIRCLE ENGLISH PREFERENCES AND THE FACTORS BEHIND THEM
Authors: Solmaz Osman
Published: November 2020

The goal of the present study was to investigate English language teacher candidates’ Inner Circle English variety (i.e., British and American English) preferences through their language use in pronunciation, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar and to examine individuals’ opinions on the factors affecting their English variety adoption preferences in the context of Turkey. Following the adaption of the instrument employed, the data was garnered from 158 pre-service English language teachers enrolled in an English teacher education program at a state university in Turkey. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests and descriptive statistics were conducted for the quantitative data analysis, while content analysis was used for the analysis of the qualitative data. The results indicated that English language teacher candidates exhibited a strong preference for American English with respect to pronunciation and vocabulary while neither variety had an overall prevalence for spelling and grammar. Furthermore, the factors contributing to the adoption of an English variant consisted of elements such as perceived easiness of a variety, exposure to popular culture and media, attitudes towards a particular variety, and in-class factors including teachers and materials. Following the discussion in relation to the literature, the study is concluded with pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research.
Extradition clauses in multilateral international treaties: international legal aspects
Authors: Kantur Ruslan A.
Published: November 2020

The article focuses upon the legal sense of extradition clauses in multilateral criminal law treaties. The methodology of the article embraces both general methods, such as analysis and synthesis, and specific ones, such as comparative, statistical, and linguistic methods. A multi-pronged evaluation of the clause is performed, with particular scrutiny given to the different kinds of authentic English- and Russian-language wording intrinsic to this type of treaty. Such clauses are prone to have a direct effect and are subject to implementation by state parties to an international treaty, along with its substantive norms. In some cases, an extradition clause is considered a substitute for a special extradition treaty, notwithstanding the deficiency of the presumption of inclusion of crimes criminalized by the conventions in bilateral extradition treaties. Irrespective of the salient virtues inherent in such clauses (for instance, the absence of the necessity to elaborate and conclude a special extradition treaty; the procurement of enforcing substantive norms; the existence of legal mechanisms provided for in such conventions by dint of which state parties are entitled to resort to international judicial organs, in case of any dispute concerning the application or interpretation of a treaty), the shortcomings, among which are a narrow range of crimes to which the clause relates, and a set of legal hindrances connected with the implementation process, are unequivocal.
Categories of “integration” and “disintegration” in international law: modern conceptual approaches
Authors: Galushko Dmitriy V.
Published: November 2020

The importance of the category of integration in the modern system of international relations can hardly be overestimated. The science of international law is no exception, and its development has recently been largely conditioned by the ongoing integration processes between states, the main subjects of international law. The very international legal doctrine has developed many approaches to the characteristics of its essential characteristics, including integration. Despite the objective nature of integration, its development in the context recent disintegration events that have taken place in the international arena and given rise to crisis phenomena (the first of which is, of course, the process of Britains withdrawal from the European Union), predetermine the relevance as well as the theoretical and practical significance of this article. The methodological basis of the work includes well-known general and specific methods of scientific research. The purpose and objectives of the article are to study the relevant problems and the essence of integration and disintegration processes in the international arena, characterize the main doctrinal approaches to them, and identify general trends as well as the essential characteristics and main features of these phenomena.
Criminality in Liechtenstein
Authors: Trefilov Alexander A. , Borodulkina Ekaterina S.
Published: November 2020

The authors of this article, on the basis of statistical, normative, and doctrinal sources (mainly German-speaking), examine the main features of crime in the Principality of Liechtenstein, which is located between Switzerland and Austria: 1) the predominance of drug trafficking; 2) criminal acts committed by foreigners as a significant share of crime Liechtenstein; 3) a sufficiently high crime detection rate. Further, the authors analyze crime prevention and deterrence measures in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The views of the reigning Prince Hans Adam II on illegal drug trafficking are considered. The issue of combating criminally punishable acts in the financial sphere (legalization of criminal income, financing of criminal activity, illegal banking activities, etc.), as well as the legal status of the financial intelligence Unit (Financial Intelligence Unit) is also touched upon. The opinion of ordinary people (carriers of ordinary legal consciousness) about the level of crime in Liechtenstein is studied via Internet forums.
Mapping the use of Online Health Information Sources using Webometrics
Authors: Shakti Ghosh Shiv , Das Arijit
Published: November 2020

A number of health information sources exist on the web and the number is growing. Some studies have tried to comment on the outreach of the websites by calculating the impact factor of the websites. Some studies have also assessed the quality of the information being disseminated. In this study, popular health related information sources have been assessed by using different kinds of data.
Assessment of Highly Cited Articles: A Study of Emerald Journals
Authors: Mushtaq Muzamil , Zia Sadaf
Published: November 2020

The main aim of the study was to assess the contents of the highly cited articles of select Emerald LIS journals and to find the reasons behind the high rate of citations and hence their quality. There are a total of 36 journals in the field of Library and Information Science in Emerald Insight database out of which 21 journals are indexed in web of science. The study examines only 8 journals based on the subscription and availability of the archives in the campus so that there is a uniformity in the years assessed. Besides, the present study analyzed only the 30 highly cited articles (of the eight selected journals) using web of science database and assessed the reasons and quality of these highly cited articles on different parameters based on the content analysis of the full texts of the articles. It was revealed that the ‘Library Hi Tech’ journal has the highest number of cited articles and all the selected journals have highest number of cited articles in the year 2015 except the journal ‘Performance Measurement and Metric’. It was also evident that number of highly cited papers are contributed by USA and more importantly produced by single authors. Most of the cited articles are published with social media as subject area and adopted survey method to conduct the study. Further analysis of the results shows that maximum number of the cited papers is without literature review, hypotheses and research questions. They have cited references ranging from 21–30 and have mentioned their findings, discussion and conclusion separately.
Disassembling the Software Architecture of Digital Libraries: Getting More Out of the Building Blocks
Authors: Bainbridge David
Published: November 2020

This article is the second in a series of three publications that reflect on the boundaries and perceptions of what we think of when we hear the term Digital Libraries, with reference to our mainstream digital library systems. In this second article we look at how the existing building blocks of these digital library software architectures can be re-purposed - with only a modest amount of work - to better support interoperability. We do so through two key developments that show what is possible when this thinking is applied to the open source Greenstone software architecture, supported by several examples of it in use. The first key development focuses on the document ingest phase of the digital library, and shows how it can be transformed into an exchange centre for other digital library systems. The second key development builds on top of the ingest developments of the first, and targets interoperability within the runtime system. It demonstrates how a proxying technique can be used to provide a ready-to-use interactive workflow and end-user experience crafted for one digital library architecture (Greenstone), but applies it to another (Fedora).
Population Density and Urbanization: Global Research Trend Analysis through the Lens of Scopus and Web of Science
Authors: Dutta Bidyarthi
Published: November 2020

In the last few decades, the steep rise in India’s urban population has caused rapid changes in population pattern. The main reason for this change is migration from rural to urban areas. Due to land crisis, cities like Mumbai and Kolkata are experiencing vertical growth, which causes change in population density. The ongoing process of urbanization impacts environmental, demographic, and socioeconomic heterogeneity issues. The municipal areas of cities should have basic amenities like electricity, roads, drinking water, communication, health and access to education. Here lies the question of urban planning. This paper has three distinct objectives. It aims to examine: (a) The genesis and growth of global research on urbanization and population density as reflected in two major citation databases, viz. Scopus and Web of Science; (b) The different facets of urbanization and population density research, through the two citation databases. (c) The essential bibliographic components like authorship pattern, source distribution pattern, keyword distribution pattern etc. of research output.
An Analysis of Research Contributions of Tumkur University Based on JGate Plus (JCCC)
Authors: Raviivvenkat B. , Subash Reddy B.
Published: November 2020

This study evaluates the research output of Tumkur University using J-Gate Custom Content for Consortium (JCCC). The research papers indexed in JGate Plus were considered for the analysis. Some scientometric indicators have been examined to have a better understanding of the growth and current status of the research output of the University.
E-Resources: The Millennium Users' Expectations
Authors: Prafulla Andhe , Chowdappa N.
Published: November 2020

This paper highlights the link between the fifth law of library science "library/information is a growing organism” and the third law" every book/e-resource its reader/user", referring to user expectations. User expectations are growing and the reader/user" is lost between the mountain of information requiring changes in Library services and resources.
MOOCs in Library and Information Science in India: An Analytical Study
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K. , Kabra Neelam
Published: November 2020

Government of India’s teaching learning portal, Study of Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) has become fully operational for offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the country. There is a faster growth in the number of courses being offered in different disciplines for varied groups of students through MOOCs. Library and Information Science (LIS) MOOCs are of different level, namely, school level, post school level, master's level, and a course for continuing education for working librarians and LIS teachers working in universities and colleges. The present paper gives an overview of the courses being offered on SWAYAM platform in the subject of Library and Information Science. MOOC on 'Digital Library' was the first LIS course offered during September 2016 – March 2017. In all 13 MOOCs (with 34 course offerings) were announced and completed until June 2019. More than 26000 students enrolled for library and information science courses during this period.
Quality of Work Life for Library and Information Science Professionals in University Libraries of Kerala: An Investigative Study
Authors: Naseer A.
Published: November 2020

The study examines Quality of Work Life (QWL) of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals. Respondents are two hundred and sixty-six LIS professionals working in the eight state universities in Kerala. The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze QWL of LIS professionals in the universities. Data was collected through census method using a structured questionnaire. QWL of LIS professionals was measured using a modified QWL scale constructed based on Walton’s QWL dimensions. The study finds that the LIS professionals working in the universities of Kerala have different dimensions of QWL. The study found a significant difference in QWL in libraries of different universities. The study will be useful for enhancing QWL practices, improving organizational climate, job satisfaction and job motivation in library and information centres. QWL will enhance professional and personal life of employees and efficiency of organization.
Scientometric Analysis of Research Publications of National Institutes of Technology
Authors: Shettar Iranna M. , Hadagali Gururaj S.
Published: November 2020

The study examines the research productivity of the National Institutes of Technology established in India. Further it ranks the NITs based on TP, TC, ACPP, h-index, Impact of Collaboration, Impact of Internationally collaborated publications, authorship pattern etc. To retrieve the data, Web of Science database was used for the period from 2009 to 2018. The results of the study suggest that NIT Rourkela and NIT Trichy are the most prominent institutions among all the NITs. It was also observed that papers involving international collaboration receive comparatively more citations.
The Genealogy Record Management and Archiving System: Challenges and Way Ahead
Authors: Dhande Suhas B. , Satpute Gayatri S.
Published: November 2020

Human beings have always been interested in and curious to know their ancestors and genealogy. India, like other countries, also has its own genealogy records and archive system. A unique, creative genealogy record and archive system has been developed and followed at some holy shrines. This paper is an attempt to understand the system, the challenges and the role of IT in building and maintaining the system, the national heritage.
ICT Application in Transforming Agricultural Extension Information Service Delivery in Tana River County, Kenya
Authors: Gwademba Goudian , Muthee Daniel Wambiri , Masinde Jonson Mulongo
Published: November 2020

Agricultural Extension includes dissemination of information on farming to farmers in order to help them improve agricultural productivity. A premise exists that if extension programmes are well planned and delivered, they will enhance farming efficiency and output by providing farmers with agricultural information that will help them to utilize their limited production resources. This paper examines how ICT application could help transform public extension service delivery and improve the skills of public agricultural extension service providers and in so doing increase small farmers’ access to agricultural information. This study is set in the Tana River County in Kenya, considered agricultural sector growth and development as vital to the County’s economic stability and community progress. However, while determined efforts in uplifting extension, and firming up their linkage with other actors in agricultural value chains were recognized as important to the future of agricultural development in the county, there is still a lack of evidence of a clear relationship between agricultural productivity and extension services. There was also no clear evidence that small farmers in the county were receiving sufficient extension services to sustainably undertake farming for improved productivity and food safety. While the application of ICTs in agricultural extension was found to be limited, the research acknowledged its important role in facilitating access to agricultural information by providing farmers with timely and relevant agricultural information. The study considered the necessary requirements for setting up an effective agricultural extension information system and it is assumed that this will add credibility to the policy agenda for agricultural extension and communication for rural development.
FOLIAR APPLICATIONS OF ZINC, IRON AND MANGANESE INFLUENCE THE PLANT GROWTH AND FRUIT QUALITY OF PAPAYA CV. RED LADY
Authors:   Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-144411, India, Pelia Gurjot Singh , Baswal A K ,   Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-144411, India
Published: November 2020

Prevalence of heavy soil is a major problem for fruit cultivation under Punjab conditions consequently leading to deficiency of several micro-nutrients including zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) which adversely affects the growth and productivity. In this view, a study was planned to investigate the effect of foliar applications of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), iron sulphate (FeSO4), and manganese sulphate (MnSO4) on vegetative growth, reproductive growth and fruit quality of papaya cv. Red lady. Plants sprayed with ZnSO4 (0.4 %) exhibited significantly highest plant height, plant girth, number of leaves, petiole length; initiated an earliest flowering and fruiting; and improved fruit quality viz., fruit weight, fruit length, titratable acidity, soluble solids concentrations, ascorbic acid content, total phenols content, and total carotenoids content as compared with the control and all other treatments. In conclusion, foliar application ZnSO4 (0.4 %) significantly improved plant growth and fruit quality in papaya cv. Red lady.
Epicardial fat Tissue Volumetry: Comparison of Semi-Automatic Measurement and the Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Chernina V. Y. , Pisov M. E. , Belyaev M. G. , Bekk I. V. , Zamyatina K. A. , Korb T. A. , Aleshina O. O. , Shukina E. A. , Solovev A. V. , Skvortsov R. A. , Filatova D. A. , Sitdikov D. I. , Chesnokova A. O. , Morozov S. P. , Gombolevsky V. A.
Published: November 2020

Aim        To compare assessments of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volumes obtained with a semi-automatic, physician-performed analysis and an automatic analysis using a machine-learning algorithm by data of low-dose (LDCT) and standard computed tomography (CT) of chest organs.

Material and methods        This analytical, retrospective, transversal study randomly included 100 patients from a database of a united radiological informational service (URIS). The patients underwent LDCT as a part of the project “Low-dose chest computed tomography as a screening method for detection of lung cancer and other diseases of chest organs” (n=50) and chest CT according to a standard protocol (n=50) in outpatient clinics of Moscow. Each image was read by two radiologists on a Syngo. via VB20 workstation. In addition, each image was evaluated with a developed machine-learning algorithm, which provides a completely automatic measurement of EAT.

Results   Comparison of EAT volumes obtained with chest LDCT and CT showed highly consistent results both for the expert-performed semi-automatic analyses (correlation coefficient >98 %) and between the expert layout and the machine-learning algorithm (correlation coefficient >95 %). Time of performing segmentation and volumetry on one image with the machine-learning algorithm was not longer than 40 sec, which was 30 times faster than the quantitative analysis performed by an expert and potentially facilitated quantification of the EAT volume in the clinical conditions.

Conclusion            The proposed method of automatic volumetry will expedite the analysis of EAT for predicting the risk of ischemic heart disease.
The association of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) level with extent of left atrial fibrosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gizatulina T. P. , Martyanova L. U. , Petelina T. I. , Zueva E. V. , Shirokov N. E. , Kolunin G. V. , Belonogov D. V. , Gorbatenko E. A.
Published: November 2020

Aim To study the relationship between the serum level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and clinical and functional characteristics and severity of left atrial (LA) fibrosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods The study included 87 patients with nonvalvular AF (62 patients with paroxysmal AF and 25 patients with persistent AF) aged 27 to 72 years (mean age, 56.9±9.2 years, 32 women). 85 % of these patients had arterial hypertension (AH), 33 % had AH and ischemic heart disease, and 12.6 % had isolated AF and were hospitalized for primary catheter ablation. General clinical evaluation, echocardiography, laboratory tests including measurement of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP concentrations in blood were performed. As a surrogate substrate of LA fibrosis during the electroanatomical voltage mapping, the area of low-voltage (<0.5 mV) zones in LA was calculated, including the total LA fibrosis area (Sf, cm2) and a percentage of fibrosis of the total LA area (Sf%).Results Median concentration of GDF-15 was 767.5 [590.0; 951.0] pg /ml. The GDF-15 level positively correlated with age, presence and severity of AH and chronic heart failure, body mass index, and degree of obesity, CHA2DS2 VASc score, level of NT-proBNP, and LA fibrosis area (Sf and Sf%) and negatively correlated with the indexes of left ventricular diastolic function, e′ septal and e′ lateral. The area of fibrosis increased with increasing GDF-15 concentrations divided into quartiles; Sf% exceeded 20 % at GDF-15 levels higher than median. After a comparative analysis of patients with Sf% ≤20 % and >20 %, statistically significantly different variables were included into a stepwise logistic regression analysis. Two independent predictors of LA fibrosis >20% were identified: a concentration of GDF-15 higher than median (odd ratio (OR), 3.318, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.184–9.298) and LA volume index (OR, 1.079, 95 % CI: 1.014–1.147). According to results of the ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.762 (p=0.000), the model specificity was 72.3 %, sensitivity was 72.4 %, and the prediction accuracy was 72.4 %.Conclusion Blood levels of GDF-15 were associated with the presence and severity of major risk factors for AF and the area of LA fibrosis. In this study, a level of GDF-15 above the median and the LA volume index were independent predictors of LA fibrosis > 20% of the LA area.
The place of riociguat in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic connective tissue diseases
Authors: Shostak N. A. , Klimenko A. A. , Demidova N. A.
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can develop in different systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), such as systemic scleroderma (SSD), systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease In most cases, patients with SARD develop WHO group I PH (pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic connective tissue diseases, PAH-SCTD). General prevalence of this pathology reaches 15 cases per million adults. Most cases of PAH-SCTD are induced by SSD. Survival of PAH-SCTD patients is generally lower than survival of patients with other forms of LAH. Treatment of any SARD, including in LAH, implies a complex approach using glucocorticoids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine, and others), and genetically engineered biologics. Specific targeted therapy is indicated for most patients with PAH-SCTD. The representative of a new class (soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators), riociguat, has been approved for the treatment of PAH. This drug has a unique double mechanism of action: (i) sGC sensibilization to endogenous nitric oxide (NO) by stabilizing the NO-sGC bond; and (ii) direct, NO-independent sGC stimulation. For patients with PAH-SCTD, riociguat is the major alternative to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors both as monotherapy and combination therapy.
Semaglutide for the Management of type 2 Diabetes: Clinical Evidence, Cardioprotective Effects, and Guidelines
Authors: Kobalava Zh. D. , Kokhan E. V.
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause for unfavorable outcomes, including death, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In the recent decade, novel drugs, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GPP-1-RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, have convincingly demonstrated their ability to reduce risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with DM2. This review discusses one of GPP-1-RA, semaglutide, with a special focus on the evidence-based data on its use, cardioprotective properties, and algorithms of administration consistent with current clinical recommendations.
Psychological impact of COVID-19 on doctors and medical undergraduate students in a government medical college in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Vaibhav Kunwar , Priya Adity , Gupta Pratibha
Published: November 2020

Background: COVID-19 wrath has influenced the socio economic, physical and mental health well-being of all the citizens. Doctors being at the frontline has been affected substantially by it. The paucity of literature on mental health impact of medical health professionals directed the present study to explore the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on doctors and medical undergraduates.Methods: A cross section online survey was used for data collection. Socio demographic, COVID 19 related preventive practice, Oslo social support scale-3 (OSSS-3) for social support and impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) scale for assessment of psychological Impact was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.Results: Overall 56 (36.36%) of the participants reported having psychological Impact of whom 25 (43.86%) doctors and 31 (31.96%) students were affected. The predictor variables as derived by the regression model were presence of comorbidity, poor social support and postings in isolation wards.Conclusions: Large scale longitudinal multicentric studies can provide a better picture of the actual magnitude of the mental health impact. The predictive factors should be taken into account for policy making decisions. Coping skills and mental health preparedness for the frontline warriors can be lifesaving and will uplift their morale for better delivery of healthcare services in a resource constrained setting.