bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON THE FREQUENCY OF COMPLICATIONS IN SKELETAL POLYTRAUMA AFTER INTERHOSPITAL TRANSPORT AND AT THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Authors: Potapchuk Yu. O.
Published: April 2021

The study involved 240 patients with skeletal polytrauma. The aim of the study was to improve the results of treatment of victims with skeletal polytrauma by substantiating methods for predicting and preventing various complications after interhospital transportation and in the intensive care unit. We found that after interhospital transportation of patients, the following complications were detected: fatty embolism (11.6%), anemic syndrome (51.7%), acute respiratory failure (20.3%), pneumonia (13.4%). The main defects at the hospital stage were: incomplete laboratory and instrumental studies (81.7%), untimely surgical osteosynthesis (49.2%), undiagnosed complications (31.2%), underestimation of the severity of the condition (30%), inadequate correction of hypovolemia, anemic syndrome, coagulopathy (51.7%, 81.7%, 63.3%, respectively), inadequate prevention of thromboembolic complications and fatty embolism (70%, 51.7%), inadequate correction of acid-base disorders and dyselectrolytemia (100%).
ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ТЕРАПИИ ИНКРЕТИНОМИМЕТИКАМИ И ГЛИФЛОЗИНАМИ НА ФУНКЦИЮ АЛЬФА И БЕТА-КЛЕТОК ПОДЖЕЛУДОЧНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С СД 2 ТИПА
Authors: Кушнарёва Н. Н.  , Зиныч Л. В.  , Ковальчук А. В.  , Прибила О. В.  , Шишкань-Шишова Е. А.
Published: April 2021

Defect in the function of pancreatic cells is one of the key pathophysiological factors in type 2 diabetes, in particular, an imbalance between the secretion of insulin and glucagon, as well as a decrease in the efficiency of converting proinsulin into insulin, often observed. The aim of the work was to compare the characteristics of the secretory function of pancreatic alpha and beta cells in 43 patients with decompensated type 2 diabetes mellitus when using new classes of anti-diabetic drugs: glucagon-like peptide receptors agonists (GLP1ra) and inhibitors of the sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2i). Long-term treatment with these drugs (for 12 months) contributed to the normalization of the HbA1c level and a decrease in the % of visceral fat, as well as a decrease in the glucagon level compared to the baseline level. In both groups of patients, subgroups with high and low proinsulin levels have been identified. Under the influence of GLP1ra therapy, in patients of the low proinsulin subgroup, serum concentration of proinsulin and C-peptide significantly decreased, indicating a decrease in insulin secretion and a possible reduce in adaptive release of proinsulin as a result of glycemia decrease. Among patients treated with SGLT-2i, high pre-treatment proinsulin levels associated with higher glucagon and C-peptide concentrations comparing the low proinsulin subgroup. After 12 months of treatment, no significant changes in the concentration of glucagon, C-peptide and proinsulin were observed in both subgroups of patients treated with SGLT2i.
CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PREDICTORS OF LATENT HERPESVIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH ROTAVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS
Authors: Marharyta Yu. Sliepchenko
Published: April 2021

To achieve the aim there has been examined 104 children aged 1–3 years with moderate and severe forms of intestinal infection of rotavirus etiology, for which they received appropriate treatment in Kharkiv Regional Children's Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 1 group — 33 children with no concomitant herpesvirus, and 2 groups — 71 patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis and latent herpesvirus infection, caused by cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus or  human herpes virus 6. Children in examined groups were comparable by gender, age, severity of main disease and other parameters.Prognosis of latent herpesvirus infection was made by means of multiple binomial regression. Independent predictors of concomitant herpesvirus infection included maximal daily number of vomiting, maximal increase of body temperature, time of onset of catarrhal symptoms since beginning of disease, level of ketone bodies in urine, amount of leukocytes, rod-shaped neutrophils and eosinophils in common blood count during acute phase of disease. As a reference group, we used respective clinical and paraclinical indices of patients with rotavirus infection only. Accuracy of model is 81.73 %.
СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЯ О ХАРАКТЕРЕ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ТВЁРДОЙ КОРОЧКИ В КРИСТАЛИЗАТОРЕ
Authors: Васильев Дмитрий Сергеевич  , Лысенко Татьяна Владимировна  , Смирнов Алексей Николаевич
Published: April 2021

Изучен характер формирования твердой корочки в кристаллизаторе, учитывая усадку заготовки при затвердевании. Проведено сравнение геометрических форм гильз ведущих производителей из Германии, Италии, Японии. Показано, что дефекты, зарождающейся в кристаллизаторе корочки заготовки, невозможно исправить последующими условиями охлаждения. На выходе из кристаллизатора корочка слитка должна быть равномерной толщины и выдерживать ферростатическое давление жидкой стали, чтобы предотвратить прорывы металла. Для этого требуется организация интенсивного и непрерывного таплоотвода от жидкой стали к охлаждающей воде в кристаллизаторе. Процессы отвода тепла от поверхности твердой корочки заготовки через стенки гильзы кристаллизатора имеют определяющее значение с точки зрения динамики нарастания твердой фазы и, как следствие, формирования поверхностных и подповерхностных дефектов. Для обеспечения высокой производительности и требуемого качества поверхности заготовки, ведущие фирмы стремятся к оптимизации геометрической формы гильзы кристаллизатора, отходя от классических конструкций.
The Modeling of Leachate Distribution Potential in Rasau Jaya Landfill
Authors: R.M Rusatamaji  , Fitriana Meilasari  , Hendri Sutrisno
Published: April 2021

Rasau Jaya landfill applies an open dumping system. That system results in leachate that potential to cause environmental pollution. One of the efforts that can anticipate this problem is modeling the leachate distribution patterns. This study aimed to model the potential of leachate distribution below the surface both vertically and horizontally. The using method in this study to model leachate distribution patterns is the Wenner configuration geoelectric method. Results showed that the indicated leachate spread 30 m to the northeast and 30-40 m to the southwest. The most in-depth indication of leachate distribution is up to a depth of 20.3 m
Analysis and Planning of Punge Intersection Roundabout in Banda Aceh City
Authors: M. Isya  , Yusria Darma  , Rachmat Taufiqy  , Inseun Yuri Salena
Published: April 2021

The Punge intersection in Banda Aceh City is a four-armed intersection without traffic control devices such as traffic lights and roundabouts. The intersection performance from visual observation is currently very low, especially during peak hours. Therefore, it is presently considered necessary to evaluate road performance and carry out alternative handling planning. One alternative handling is to plan a roundabout at the intersection. Thus, this study aims to obtain road performance by comparing the use of a roundabout and without a roundabout. Analysis and planning using the MKJI and PTV Vissim 10.00-02 methods. It requires data on traffic volume, road geometry, and environmental conditions around the location. The analysis of roundabout planning with the widening of each arm with the MKJI and Vissim methods produces the level of services to deliver the best decisions for improving the intersection performance
A Study for Locations of Accident Prone on Some Provincial Roads in Province of Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Slamet Widodo
Published: April 2021

Nowadays more than one million people become victim in an accident on the roads. Some efforts have already been done to reduce globally the number accident. This paper is to show the condition of some provincial roads as location study in province of Kalimantan Barat regarding with description, characteristic, and the causes of accident. The results indicate that the human error take part dominantly around of 65% accident number, meanwhile vehicle condition and road environment contribute less than 5 %. The provincial road is dominated by the two-lane two-way facility. The finding shows the frontal collision type around of 42 % on the accident number. Number of motor cycle dominate the type of vehicle on the road. It coincides with percentage of motor cycle significant involved at an accident around of 71%. The frontal collision at location of study is more than twice compared to national data. Ratio number of accidents to length of road is located on the road segment from Ketapang to Pesaguan around of 0.884 each kilometer
Anesthésie locale sur patient éveillé et sans usage du garrot dans les fractures bimalléolaires
Authors: Rafiqi K. , Nkaoui M. , Benlenda O.
Published: April 2021

Les fractures de la cheville font partie des fractures les plus fréquentes chez l’adulte. Les fractures bimalléolaires sont généralement opérées sous anesthésie générale, rachianesthésie ou bloc tronculaire. La technique WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) ou anesthésie locale sur patient éveillé et sans usage du garrot a été utilisée avec succès lors du traitement des fractures du radius distal, de l’olécrane, de la rotule et de la clavicule. Cet article élargit son utilisation aux fractures bimalléolaires.

Méthodes : Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective chez 15 patients opérés pour des fractures bimalléolaires sous anesthésie locale sur patient éveillé et sans usage du garrot. Nous avons exclu de cette étude les patients âgés de moins de 18 ans, les fractures ouvertes, les fractures trimalléolaires nécessitant une fixation de la malléole postérieure, une fracture de la malléole interne associée à une fracture du col de la fibula (fracture de Maisonneuve), les patients polytraumatisés, les patients avec allergie à la lidocaïne et les patients instables. Le produit d’anesthésie a été préparé en mélangeant 50 ml de lidocaïne 1 %, 1 :100 000 d’adrénaline et 10 :1 de bicarbonate de sodium. À partir de ce mélange, nous avons pris 7 mg/kg de lidocaïne associée à l’épinéphrine pour ne pas dépasser le seuil toxique. Un total de 65 ml de cette préparation WALANT a été injecté (en sous-cutané et en sous-périosté au niveau de la malléole interne et de la malléole externe)

Résultats : En peropératoire, le score NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) a été de 0 chez tous les patients. Aucune complication locale n’a été notée, ni aucune complication due au surdosage de la lidocaïne et de l’épinéphrine.

Conclusion : La technique WALANT constitue une excellente alternative pour l’anesthésie de l’ostéosynthèse des fractures bimalléolaires. Elle présente beaucoup d’avantages, notamment pour les patients avec comorbidités et surtout dans ce contexte de pandémie liée au Covid-19 vu la diminution de l’effectif de médecins et d’infirmiers anesthésistes au bloc opératoire. La technique WALANT présente aussi un avantage significatif dans les pays en voie de développement en raison du manque de ressources financières et humaines.
Tests of reinforced concrete flight structure of the bridge through the r.Suhoy Torec in Barvenkovo
Authors: Shmukler Valerii , Kaplin Roman , Krul Yurii
Published: April 2021

The article considers the overhaul of the reinforced concrete bridge in Barvinkove with the complete replacement of the girder structures. Beam structures were installed on existing supports, the distance between the axes of which is 14.06 m (non-standard beam). Thus, new beams must be performed on a special (individual) project. Equally important is the issue of reducing the weight of the structure, which will have a positive effect on existing foundations, reducing the pressure on the ground and, if possible, unloading the foundation of the structure. As a new girder structure, an effective construction of a reinforced concrete girder structure is presented, using perforated metal elements of box section and an effective reinforced concrete slab of the carriageway.

When designing metal blocks, a direct method of forming the parameters of the structure based on energy principles was used, namely: minimization of potential deformation energy and density distribution of potential deformation energy.

The parameters of the holes in the perforated elements at a constant pitch and the angles of inclination of the inclined lines of the beams were taken as parameters. Thus, a rational design of the blocks was obtained, which corresponded to the lowest value of potential energy, which, in turn, corresponds to the lowest material consumption, and a more uniform distribution of potential energy density with decreasing stress concentration in the corners of the holes.

Upon completion of all works, scientific and acceptance tests of the building were carried out. The test program provides for static and dynamic tests of the bridge. The aim of the study was to assess the stress-strain state metal block of reinforced concrete girder structure. During the test, the deflections of the structure were obtained, the actual distribution of deformations and stresses was revealed, the frequencies, periods and amplitudes of the natural and forced oscillations of the structure were obtained.

A theoretical model of the girder structure was built, on the basis of which the VAT components were obtained and compared with the results obtained during the test.
Influence of house bearing construction rigidi-ty of precast reinforced concrete on stress-strain state Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles foundations
Authors: Nosenko Viktor , Krivenko Oleg
Published: April 2021

At present, the tendency to build multi-storey residential buildings has become widespread in Ukraine. This is due to a number of reasons: significant increase in land prices in cities, dense urban development and the availability of appropriate equipment for the construction of such structures. One of the most common materials for multi-storey buildings is monolithic reinforced concrete. The main advantage of monolithic structures is the possibility of free spatial planning and the possibility of uniform redistribution of forces in the elements of the frame - the house works as one rigid entire structure. On the other hand, such structures require a long construction time and appropriate highly qualified control of monolithic works. Therefore, as an alternative, prefabricated reinforced concrete structures are used to accelerate the pace of construction.

In this work, the influence of the rigidity of a precast reinforced concrete house on the stress-strain state of CFA piles foundation is investigated. The stress-strain state of a precast reinforced concrete building with two basement options is analyzed: precast and monolithic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The numerical modeling of the interaction of the system elements is used as a research method: soil base - foundation - aboveground structure.

It was found that the replacement in a prefabricated house only one basement floor of precast concrete on a monolithic one affects the redistribution of forces, so the self-supporting wall is loaded 2.6 times, and the busiest wall, which rests on both sides of the floor slab, is unloaded to 2.1 times.

 It was found that in the case of a basement made of precast reinforced concrete with a precast basement the difference efforts in pile heads (under the load-bearing walls) can differ 1.98 times, and in the case of a monolithic one 1.17 times. So it is mean, the monolithic foundation redistributed of efforts between the piles is more uniform.

It is established that the monolithic reinforced concrete basement, in comparison with the prefabricated one, reduces the uneven settlement of the foundation by 2.4 times.

When designing large-panel houses, it is advisable to provide a basement floor monolithic - this will allow to load the fundamental constructions more evenly, which in its reduction reduces the relative deformation of buildings and reduces their cost.
Features of the arrangement of lagoons for agricultural purposes
Authors: Malyshev Oleg , Rashchenko Andrii , Dyptan Tetiana , Senchyshyn Yaroslav
Published: April 2021

At present, in large cities, cities - millionaires, there is a tendency to build a large volume of residential multi-storey buildings entertainment complexes on undeveloped, free from construction areas of urban territory To meet the food needs of the population, it becomes necessary to create large livestock complexes. Ukraine, having a significant natural resource, has created conditions for the arrival of large international investors. That’s why in recent years, there is a renewal of material and technical agricultural base, which contributes to the revival of almost abandoned in the 90s, one of the main activities and specialization of our country - agriculture, which allows to assure the needs of the population and industry of our and neighboring countries with quality organic products and materials. In such conditions, modernization, renewal, re-equipment of not only outdated, inefficient equipment, but also production processes, and as a consequence of buildings, structures, complexes. This leads to the emergence of new engineering objects, classification, features of construction, design and operation of which need to be studied, covered in the literature, taken into account at different stages of their operation.

"Lagoons" is one of such objects. This publication presents the main definition of a special agricultural building - lagoon, presents their classification by various parameters: location, depth, shape and size in plan, in terms of interaction with the environment, by material. The main technological processes influencing the design, construction and operation of lagoons are given. The basic requirements to materials (geotextiles, geomembrane), and also the basic requirements to their storage, use and the device at creation of waterproof screens at construction of lagoons are reflected.
Stress-strain state of retaining walls depend-ing on them construction
Authors: Ruchkivskyi Vitalii
Published: April 2021

In modern urban planning, in most cases, the construction of buildings and underground structures has a negative impact of new construction on existing buildings. As a rule, the foundations of new buildings are designed with a greater depth of laying compared to existing buildings. As a result of excavation work and subsequent installation of load-bearing structures of underground structures, existing buildings are subjected to uneven subsidence. Cracks may appear in the walls and the serviceability of structural elements may be impaired. Before the geotechnics there is a task to determine the dimensions of the zone of influence of new construction, ie the area where negative processes of stress-strain formation can occur. To comply with the safe operation of existing buildings, there is a need for a reliable forecast of additional deformations of existing buildings and structures, as well as the choice of a rational solution for the protection of the pit.

Modeling of the stress-strain state of the retaining wall of the pit with different diameters and changes in the number of rows of piles. Calculations of the stress-strain state of the protective structures together with the soil base were performed using the finite element method for a horizontal load of 1 m.p. retaining wall (the problem of flat deformation).

4 variants of the problem were solved:

V1 - retaining wall with piles 13.5 m, 420 mm in diameter, arranged in one row;

V2 - retaining wall with piles 13.5 m, 620 mm in diameter, arranged in one row;

V3 - retaining wall with piles 13.5 m, 420 mm in diameter, arranged in two rows;

V4 - retaining wall with piles 13.5 m, 620 mm in diameter, arranged in two rows;

The influence of increasing the diameter of piles in the structure of the retaining wall on the increase of the moment of inertia of the section, which leads to the perception of a greater value of bending moments, is shown.

The technical and economic comparison of the pit fencing options is performed.

The most rational solution of excavation of the pit in these conditions is revealed.
A web site page for information about Osteonecrosis of Jaw (ONJ): the Rete Oncologica Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta experience, at www.reteoncologica.it
Authors: Fusco Vittorio , Carobene Angelica , Mistrangelo Marinella , Ferrero Gianfranco , Numico Gianmauro
Published: April 2021

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) related to drugs (bisphosphonates, denosumab, antiangiogenic and other agents) is an issue of care by the “Rete Oncologica di Piemonte e Valle d’Aosta” since 2005. The “Rete Oncologica” is a cancer network that include professionals (physicians, nurses, technicians, supporting staff, data managers, etc) of all the healthcare units that manage and treat patients with cancer and hematologic disorders in two regions (Piedmont and Aosta Valley, globally 4.4 million population) in the North-Western Italy. Besides study groups, research grants and organization of meetings, in order to facilitate the awareness of ONJ  issues, on 2014  the network created specific ONJ-dedicated pages  on the network website www.reteoncologica.it [http://www.reteoncologica.it] . In the area for healthcare staff , the reader can find  an ONJ title, that opens to a ONJ  front page  (http://www.reteoncologica.it/area-operatori/osteonecrosi-dei-mascellari-onj) presenting links to recent issues (recommendations, meetings, papers, etc) and to an Archive with previous contents, classified for year (http://www.reteoncologica.it/area-operatori/osteonecrosi-dei-mascellari-onj/185-documenti-e-slide) .  Preliminary altmetric evaluation of the ONJ pages (number of visits; median time of stay; etc) show a variable but steady access to the ONJ contents of the website, with occasional peaks.
Mastering Students’ Speaking Skill using Inquiry Online Project-based Strategy
Authors: Muna Faizul , Aziz Imam Nur
Published: April 2021

This study focuses on the use of an online learning research project focused on students' speaking skills. It is an innovative and practical approach that can develop students to solve a problem by thinking critically. This study aimed to determine the effect of using inquiry project-based learning on students' speaking skills. The research was conducted at MTs Mambaus Sholihin Gresik in class VII Q. To determine whether inquiry-project based online learning is effective or not, researchers used a pre-experimental method, where the statistical formula of the t-test calculates information. The research result is that the pre-test's mean was 83.9189, and the norm of the post-test was 88.5135. The results showed that inquiry-project based online learning projects had a positive effect on students' speaking achievement. It means that there is a large effect, with a substantial difference in student scores before and after treatment. Thus it can be concluded that inquiry-project-based online learning is recommended to promote students' speaking skills.
A Study of the Impact of Managerial Innovation on SME Performance in Africa
Authors: Boubakary Ben , Moskolaï Doumagay Donatienne , Njang Gladys Che
Published: April 2021

Purpose. Managerial innovation, if it constitutes a real lever for transformation and performance of companies in developed countries, in Africa, only a tiny part of SME managers make it a priority. At the same
time, most African economies continue to be at the forefront of the adoption of global technological innovations. Given the fact that managerial innovation has proven itself in the Western context, and that
the context of Sub-Saharan Africa is still unclear, it is important to develop management methods in this context by adapting them to new ones economic models, new objectives, new processes in order to see its impact on improving the productivity and performance of SMEs.

Design/Methodology/Approach. A survey instrument based on the questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data to explain the performance of SMEs through the adoption of managerial innovation. For data analysis, multiple linear regression analysis was used.

Findings and implications. The findings indicate that, managerial innovation, through its two main components, "change in management practices" and "change in organizational structure", make it possible to
increase market share, production efficiency, the bottom line and, in turn, improve the overall performance of the business. Overall, the results of the study show that the fit model is of good quality and can be used to explain the theory.

Limitations. The results of this study may not be generalisable to all African SMEs because they are based only on a sub-Saharan African country and the sample size therefore remains small.

Originality. The contribution of this article is manifold: it supports the theories of contingency and resource dependence that organizations are adaptive systems that introduce changes to function effectively and improve their performance. Second, it allows SME managers to optimize the chances of sustainability for their businesses, because managerial innovation allows them to: differentiate themselves from their competitors by inventing new offers. Finally, it allows SME managers to no longer confine themselves to the technological aspect of innovation (products, processes) whose lifespan is constantly shortened. Studies of
this nature can lead to stimulating managerial innovation in emerging and developing countries, by developing horizontal or networked organizational structures and no longer vertical and pyramidal structures which no longer meet current requirements.
A Student’s Scientific Mind: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Chokchai Oranit , Pupat Phadungchai
Published: April 2021

Purpose – The research aimed to examine the construct validity of a scientific-mind measurement model for secondary school students in Bangkok and the factor loading values of scientific-mind indicators.
Methodology – Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 500 Grade 8 students studying in a Bangkok school district during the 2016 academic year. Testing of scientific-mind measurement was used as the research instrument and construct validity testing of the scientific-mind measurement model utilized second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out with SPSS AMOS software Version 23.

Findings - The testing of the scientific-mind measurement model for secondary school students in Bangkok was consistent with the empirical data. The scientific-mind factors consisted of two indicators, including scientific attitudes and attitudes towards science. Scientific attitudes were comprised of nine indicators. The indicator with the highest factor loading value was creatively working with other people. Attitudes towards science contained four indicators. The indicator with the highest factor loading value was science value awareness.

Significance – The results revealed that teachers and educational administrators have the potential to use the study’s scientific-mind factors in their approaches to course development, as well as in designing a manual for learning management. The study’s model can also help in measurement and evaluation of secondary school students’ progress in developing a better scientific mind.
Home Away from Home - The Role of Social Support for International Students’ Adjustment
Authors: Lashari Sana Anwar , Kaur Amrita , Awang-Hashim Rosna
Published: April 2021

Purpose – Academic and psychological adjustment of international students is central to their success while pursuing their degrees abroad. However, acculturation stress is abundant and may pose as a challenge. Thus, in this study we examined whether social support mediates the association between acculturation stress and academic and psychological adjustment.
Methodology – A cross sectional research design was employed. A total of 200 postgraduate international students from three Malaysian public universities were recruited to participate in the study. The Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire was employed to measure their academic adjustment and psychological adjustment. The Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support and the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students were used to collect data on social support and acculturation stress. Path analysis by AMOS 23 was used to test the hypothesized relationship.

Findings – Results provided support for the proposed model, revealing that social support was associated with greater academic and psychological adjustment among international students.

Significance – The present study has implications for university policies, counsellors, and student affairs departments on the need to take measures to facilitate healthy academic and psychological adjustment among international students.
Determining Gender Differential Item Functioning for Mathematics in Coeducational School Culture
Authors: Shanmugam S. Kanageswari Suppiah
Published: April 2021

Purpose - In an attempt to explore item characteristics that behave differently between boys and girls, this comparative study examines gender Differential Item Functioning in a school culture that is noted to be ‘thriving’ mathematically.
Methodology - Some 24 grade eight mathematics items from TIMSS 2003 and TIMSS 2007 released items, with equal number of computation and word problem items were administered on 460 boys and 445 girls studying in Grade Eight from three secondary Chinese-medium coeducational schools. Word problem items were defined as items set in a real-world context. Content validity was established by constructing a table of specifications. By employing the software WINSTEPS version 3.67.0 that is based on the Rasch Model for dichotomous responses, Differential Item Functioning analysis was conducted by using Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square method. DIF items were flagged when the Mantel-Haenszel probability value was less than 0.05 and classified as negligible, moderate or large DIF based on the DIF size suggested by Educational Testing Service DIF category. The focal and reference groups were girls and boys respectively. The main delimitation was substantive analysis by using expert judgment was not conducted to identify biased items.

Findings - Using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square, two moderate DIF items that assess subtraction favoured girls. They assessed Knowing from topics Whole Number and Fraction. Sources of DIF are linguistics density and item presentation style. The findings suggest that with only two moderate DIF mathematics items, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the mathematics items functioned differently between boys and girls in school culture noted for successful mathematics learning, even though linguistics complexities of the test language cannot be ignored.

Significance - While constructing Mathematics multiple choice items, careful considerations need to be given in selecting suitable numbers in composing the content of the item so that, only the correct algorithm would produce the correct answer ‘if and only if’ those numbers are used. The modest results of detecting two moderate DIF items nevertheless inform national testing agencies and teacher educators on the principles of building fair items as a part of their test improvement practice in the 21st Century. The novelty of this study is that gender Differential Item Functioning was studied in the context of school culture, which is notable for successful mathematics learning.
Constructive Alignment of Graduate Capabilities: Insights from Implementation at a Private University in Malaysia
Authors: Thian Lok Boon , Ng Foong Peng , Ewe Joo Ann
Published: April 2021

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to formulate a curriculum design framework, to test it and learn through pilot implementation, in order to systematically embed the graduate capabilities in the curricula, leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment framework. This paper aims to report the outcome of a study lasts for one year supporting a university’s curriculum transformation project.
Methodology – Guided by the research objectives of this study, the research approach is action research. More specifically, benchmarking visit was used for the first phase, the design phase, to propose a suitable curriculum design framework. Pilot implementation was used during the second phase. Two programmes from two faculties were selected. Data was collected through observation, interview and document analysis. Data was analysed through on-going analysis and final reflection.

Findings – This study presents a more detailed and practical curriculum design framework to support the development of graduate capabilities leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment framework. The key challenges faced and proposed strategies are consistent with existing studies. However, this paper argues for stronger emphasis on communicating compelling reason for change. This study reinforces that the process of constructive alignment remains challenging due to the iterative process of alignment at programme and module levels.

Significance – This paper has expanded Biggs’ constructive alignment operational framework by offering more detailed and practical steps to ensure curriculum design effectively supports the development of graduate capabilities. The insights are especially useful for young universities with limited experience and yet have the ambition to transform its curriculum to develop institution-wide graduate capabilities leveraging on Biggs’ constructive alignment framework. The insights are useful for improving countries’ policy and implementation strategies too.
How Do We Know What is Happening in Whatsapp: A Case Study Investigating Pre-Service Teachers’ Online Activity
Authors: Annamalai Nagaletchimee
Published: April 2021

Purpose - This study addresses the issue of investigating on how lecturers used WhatsApp in educational context and what are the pre-service teachers’ views when WhatsApp is used in teaching and learning activities.
Methodology - A qualitative case study was conducted in this study. Two lecturers were interviewed individually to investigate the teaching approach integrated with the use of WhatsApp. Also, 12 pre-service teachers in two focus groups were interviewed to examine their views of using WhatsApp in completing their tasks.

Findings - The lecturers employed blended learning approach and were not keen to entirely conduct their lessons in the online learning environment. The focus group interviews were conducted to bring the data together to generate emerging themes related to positive and negative views of pre-service teachers when they were engaged on WhatsApp for learning activities. The positive themes were related to bite size learning, seamless learning, 21st century learning, WhatsApp as a platform to support learning and as an extended interaction space.

Practical Implications - The study may influence the use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) tools in education. It also contributes to new ideas and knowledge on how teachers and learners can conceptualize and use ICT. There is a strong case to argue for instructors to be actively involved in interactions to guide students to develop knowledge and ideas.
Developing Intercultural Communicative Competence: Formative Assessment Tools for Mandarin as a Foreign Language
Authors: DeWitt Dorothy , Chan Suet Fong
Published: April 2021

Purpose - Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is important in intercultural exchange, to address problems and conflicts which may arise due to miscommunication that results from interlocutorsâ€™ diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Interlocutors may have different perceptions and interpretations of communicative behaviour. However, cultural and intercultural aspects seem to be ignored in teaching Mandarin as a foreign language (MFL) in Malaysian higher education institutions. Hence, the ICC level among local MFL learners is unknown. In this study, formative assessments were designed in a culturally integrated MFL module to investigate learnersâ€™ level of ICC in a selected Malaysian polytechnic. Methodology - The polytechnic was selected as cultural competency was incorporated in the MFL course. A design and developmental research was carried out to design formative assessment for ICC based on expertsâ€™ feedback. The assessment comprised Intercultural Discussion and Reflections, Cultural Discovery, Cultural Quizzes and an Intercultural Communicative Task.  They were implemented to assess learnersâ€™ ICC. Findings - The results indicate that different forms of assessment were suitable for assessing the respective competences, and that multiple forms of formative assessment should be employed to assess and improve MFL learnersâ€™ ICC. Significance - Instructors in higher education could apply these forms of formative assessment to develop ICC among their MFL learners. The assessments could also be extended to intercultural communication competence development in other languages, which is important in a multicultural and globalized society.
The Effect of a Holistic School Improvement Model in Enhancing School Effectiveness in Oman
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Abdo Mohamed , Tahir Osman Mohamed El
Published: April 2021

Purpose - This study examined the impact of a holistic school improvement model on overall school effectiveness, More specifically, it attempted to answer two questions: 1) Are there any significant differences in school performance between the control group and the experimental group before and after the experiment? 2) Is there any significant improvement in the experimental group school effectiveness before and after the experiment? Methodology - As a part of a four-year longitudinal research project, the study used a quasi experimental research design to examine the impact of a holistic school improvement model on enhancing overall school effectiveness in Oman. The sample consisted of 16 intact classes selected from 8 schools (4 experimental and 4 control groups), with a total of 2378 students (1157 from grade nine classes and 1221 from grade seven classes). The experimental group schools were exposed to a wide range of school improvement activities within a four-year period. A series of workshops on activating the 13 elements of the Innovation Sustainability Wheel (ISW) were delivered to all administrators and teachers at the target experimental group schools, in addition to empowering students through enrichment programs in five subject areas. Data was collected from the Omani Ministry of Education school performance indicators, which included five subject matter achievement tests aggregated over three years. Findings - The study revealed significant differences in overall school performance across the four years between the control and experimental schools, in favour of the experimental group. Moreover, a significant progression of school effectiveness was observed in the two grade levels of the experimental group. Significance - The findings are significant in terms of providing educational systems with a workable mechanism for identifying key areas of weaknesses and means of improvement; establishing a chain of actions for activating all interrelated elements that act as driving forces for sustainable change; ensuring that the indicators of school improvement should include both operational processes and studentsâ€™ learning outcomes; and contributing to the knowledge base in the area of school improvement in terms of a research-based model that has potential implications for practitioners and policy makers.
Cheating on Exams: Dishonest or Justifiable Behaviour?
Authors: Hammoudi Abdelhak , Benzerroug Samah
Published: April 2021

Academic dishonesty has been a perennial issue in higher education for hundreds of years. The advent of technological devices has spurred much more concern regarding the so-called inappropriate use of these tools and their impact on the ethical behaviour of the students. The main aim of this study was to demonstrate to educators that cheating on exams is most of the time a justifiable and smart behaviour. To support this assumption, the study investigated (a) the reasons that often push students to resort to cheating and (b) the role of exam anxiety in engaging students’ survival intelligence to respond to examinations threat with whatever the means. The results, based on a sample of one 100 students from the English language department indicate that 90% of the students think that the way the examinations are designed constitutes the main cause of cheating: questions test memory rather than comprehension. Teachers themselves trigger cheating on exams because the content of their exams does not take into account students’ Multiple Intelligences, and preferred channels of learning. Consequently, students’ survival intelligence, feeling a threat causing exam anxiety, engages itself and automatically sets the learner to cheat ‘without actively thinking about it.’ The current results might be applicable to students in other academic disciplines.
Analyzing Chief Selector-cum-Head Coach Misbah’s Virgin Press Edict through CDA Vibes
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Shahid Muhammad Ali , Naz Gulshan , Shaffaqat Muhammad , Saee Rana Muhammad Basharat
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to reconnoitre multifaceted aspects of Fairclough’s three-faceted Critical Discourse Analysis model with its application on Misbah’s Virgin press edict when he was appointed Chief Selector-cum-Head Coach of Cricket Team of Pakistan-by-Pakistan Cricket Board, PCB (DAWN, Press Release December 05, 019). This paper snapshots the cogent and logical subterfuges of newly appointed Selector-cum-Head Coach Misbah’s’ public speaking enshrined in the inaugural press edict in Dan News. It also pronounces the camouflage agenda of the speech to be revealed critically. It dawns upon the people how language manipulation works wonders and influences the people's minds in society.
Dissemination of Biomedical Cell Sheets using Reality Technology and Digital Tools
Authors: Lin Gwo-Long , Chen Peng-Hsin
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, with the advance of biomedical and pharmaceutical technology, new treatments such as cell therapy, cell sheets, etc. all provide patients other alternatives. However, the public has little knowledge in these new technologies and they also find them difficult to understand. Hence, this paper is aimed at providing the public with state-of-the-art technological knowledge and constructing an innovative field full of diversity, entertainment, and educational meaning with the assistance of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Taking the cell sheets technology, a kind of cell therapy recently approved in Taiwan, as an example, we built an AR platform, and demonstrated a trailer animation, 2D animation and 3D model animation via Merge Cube. The trailer animation will portrait how the main character helps her friend, who became physically challenged in an accident, stand up again by asking a genius doctor to perform cell sheet technology. The 2D animation will be used to explain how cell sheet works and its application, while the 3D animation helps demonstrate the DNA reproduction and cell division in cell therapy. A VR field will also be set up so that players can play as the genius doctor, fight their way through the VR games, and learn more about cell sheet technology. To let the public learn more about this biotechnology knowledge, we held an exhibition to display the research results, providing them a whole new learning experience.
Multilayer Perceptron untuk Prediksi Sessions pada Sebuah Website Journal Elektronik
Authors: Prasetya Wibawa Aji , Lestar Widya , Bella Putra Utama Agung , Tri Saputra Irzan , Nabila Izdihar Zahra
Published: April 2021

Peramalan session website journal dilakukan untuk pendukung pengambilan keputusan dalam rangka meningkatkan kualitas dan nilai akreditasi pada website jurnal. Data sessions dianalisis berdasarkan pergerakan pola data time series menggunakan metode multilayer perceptron. Karakteristik yang dimiliki oleh multilayer perceptron yaitu keunggulan dalam penentuan nilai bobot yang lebih baik daripada metode lain, multilayer perceptron dapat digunakan tanpa pengetahuan sebelumnya dan algoritma dapat diimplementasikan dengan mudah serta mampu menyelesaikan masalah linear dan nonlinear sehingga nilai peramalan menjadi lebih baik. Penelitian menggunakan berbagai persentase data train dan test. Perbandingan data train dan test yang memiliki nilai terbaik adalah 80% data train dan 20% data test dengan learning rate 0.4 dan arsitektur 2-1-1. Hasil evaluasi model diperoleh nilai MSE dan RMSE, 0.015357 dan 0.123999 untuk training set serta, 0.018996 dan 0.137826 untuk MSE dan RMSE dari test set. Waktu eksekusi yang dibutuhkan untuk melakukan peramalan adalah 580.0651 second atau 9.667751 menit.
Social infrastructure of territorial communities: interests of stakeholders
Authors: Benovska L.
Published: April 2021

The paper clarifies the main problems of the development of social infrastructure of territorial communities, associated with high levels of wearing and low energy efficiency of institutions, disorder of property relations, low level of budget funding and lack of effective incentives to attract alternative sources of funding, imperfect system of territorial location institutions of social sphere. The reformation of administrative and territorial decentralization promotes strengthening of the local authorities role in the management of social infrastructure, increasing the autonomy of institutions and active involvement of public in solving problems of their management. The success of the territorial community development depends not only on the availability of the developed social infrastructure, but also on the community ability to turn it into the development asset. This requires improving the efficiency of management, reconciling the interests of all stakeholders in identifying ways to develop it, and finding effective forms of interaction. The paper identifies and analyzes the interests and conflicts of interest of the main stakeholders of the territorial communities social infrastructure. The main forms of their interaction such as: public and private partnership, social entrepreneurship, social order, socially responsible investments, community funds, public funding (crowdfunding) are analyzed. In the author’s opinion, the directions of improving the management of territorial communities social infrastructure are as follows: searching effective forms of interaction between the state, public, business, which would ensure the development of social infrastructure of community, contribute to the expanding of access and increase the quality of social services, bring their quantitative and qualitative parameters to the standarts of developed countries; maximum balancing of territorial proportions with real demand in social infrastructure institutions; streamlining the ownership to the social infrastructure facilities and eliminating conflicts of interest of management entities at different levels; increasing the efficiency of budget financing by streamlining the network of institutions and bringing it in line with the demographic situation in the community, the labor market.