bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use and nicotine dependence among patients with diabetes and hypertension in Ballabgarh, India
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kant Shashi , Chandra Ankit , Krishnan Anand
Published: August 2021

Tobacco use is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and has a synergistic effect with diabetes and hypertension. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use and nicotine dependence among adult diabetic and/or hypertensive patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 419 consecutively enrolled patients from the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) outpatient clinic of a secondary level hospital in Ballabgarh, India between July 2018 and January 2019. We administered a pre-tested questionnaire to assess tobacco use and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) to assess nicotine dependence. Current tobacco users were defined as those who smoked in the past seven days. Nicotine dependence was classified as low, moderate or high for the FTND score of 0 -3, 4-6, and 7-10, respectively. Seventy-nine patients had diabetes, 226 had hypertension, and 114 had both. The prevalence of tobacco use was 20.8% (95% CI : 17.1 - 24.9); prevalence of smoking was 15% (95% CI: 11.9 â€“ 18.8) and smokeless tobacco use was 7.2% (95% CI: 5 - 10.1). Moderate to high nicotine dependence was found among 59.7% of tobacco users; 75.9% tobacco users attempted to quit tobacco in the past one month. One-fifth of attendees of a NCD clinic in a secondary level hospital used tobacco, most of whom had moderate-to-high nicotine dependence.  High level of nicotine dependence and inability to quit despite making an attempt for it necessitates the inclusion of tobacco cessation services in the management of patients with non-communicable diseases.
The effect of a modular art education programme on the personal-social development of preschool children
Authors: Çetin Zeynep
Published: August 2021

Background: It is important for children to be engaged in art activities to acquire desirable emotions and behaviours. Art education is thought to contribute to children’s development of personal and social skills, such as self-confidence and sharing.Aim: This study aims to investigate the effect of art activities on 36–48-month-old children’s personal and social development and offers suggestions for teachers and parents about art activities.Setting and Methods: The sample included 56 children from the Duzce University Pre-School (28 children in the experimental group and 28 children in the control group). Quantitative data collection techniques were used, and randomised pre-test post-test experimental design with control groups was adopted. The experimental group received 7 weeks of art education developed by the researcher as six 45 – 50 min sessions. The Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment, which was adapted to Turkish was used as the data collection instrument. Variances were defined based on the data obtained. Content differences and frequency tables were formed and interpreted.Results: Analysis of the data reveals a significant difference between the experimental and control groups’ pre-test and post-test scores.
Fruit in the unfruitful season: A case study of the Indonesian Bethel Church’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Widjaja Fransiskus I. , Abraham Rubin A. , Simanjuntak Fredy , Boiliu Noh I. , Harefa Otieli
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is similar to the Spanish flu that occurred 100 years ago. Various media and research institutes have reported different church-related responses regarding the pandemic, especially in church growth. The pandemic has become a threat associated with fear, stress and frustration and causes significant health and economic crises. Its impact was inevitable on churches, with a substantial decrease in the level of worshippers. This research aims to assess the impact of and the church’s responses to the pandemic phenomena in Indonesia. It is a qualitative research with data descriptively analysed. Drawing on the Indonesian Bethel Church (GBI) case, the results showed that the Indonesian church has historically experienced various challenges and crises and considers the pandemic an opportunity for the church to show its natural character and use this as a moment of spiritual awakening. It is evident that the GBI considers the pandemic a spiritual-awakening momentum. In these challenging times, the GBI experienced an addition of 659 local churches (250 inaugurated and 409 pioneering posts) in response to the Great Commission’s fulfilment.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This research helps readers determine how the mission report acts as an understanding source of the church ecumenism in response to completing the ‘Great Commission’ of the Lord Jesus beyond the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic phenomenon.
Effects of Dural Puncture Epidural Technique on Onset and Duration of Labor Analgesia
Authors: Puthenveettil Nitu , Hassan Asif , Nair Sobha , Rajan Sunil , Paul Jerry , Kumar Lakshmi
Published: August 2021

Background:

In the dural puncture epidural technique (DPE), a dural hole is intentionally created, but no intrathecal drugs are administered. Our study's main objective was to compare the onset and duration of DPE analgesia with a conventional epidural (CE) when an intermittent epidural bolus dose was used.

Materials and Methods:

The double-blinded randomized control study was conducted on 60 parturient in active labor. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups using a computer-generated random sequence by closed envelope technique. Group CE received conventional labor epidural with 20 mL 0.1% ropivacaine and 30 μg fentanyl. In group DPE, dural puncture was performed, and 20 mL 0.1% ropivacaine and 30 μg fentanyl were given through an epidural catheter. The onset of analgesia, number of bolus doses required, and pain scores were monitored.

Results:

The onset of analgesia was faster in Group DPE than CE (4.40 ± 1.32 vs. 6.37 ± 2.04 min, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in analgesia duration between the two groups (109.00 ± 26.63 vs. 104.17 ± 30.62 min, P = 0.517). The requirement of top-up doses was similar in both groups (2.47 ± 0.50 vs. 2.50 ± 0.50, P = 0.80). At 5 min, mean visual analog scores were less in DPE than CE group, and this difference was statistically significant (2.43 ± 1.25 vs. 3.97 ± 1.84, P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Both techniques were effective in producing labor analgesia. However, the use of DPE technique with a 27G spinal needle produced faster onset of analgesia than CE technique when intermittent epidural boluses were used without affecting the maternal and fetal outcome.
Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.)-Supplemented Diet in Both Sexes of Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Dimeji Igbayilola Yusuff , Samson Aina Olawale , Muiz Mofolorunso Adekunle , Ayoola Ashiru Mojeed , Olufemi Morakinyo Ayodele
Published: August 2021

Background:

In Africa traditional medicine, certain plant leaves and fruits are employed in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and liver disorders. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is named among Nigerian plants that are under investigation for its medicinal activities. The present study investigates the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective potentials of C. sativus-supplemented diet in both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve male and twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study and were grouped into four equal rats – Group A: control male (CM) fed with normal rat chow, Group B: control female (CF) fed with normal rat chow, Group C: cucumber-supplemented male (CSM) fed with cucumber-supplemented diet, and Group D: cucumber-supplemented female (CSF) fed with cucumber-supplemented diet for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight change, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), hepatic lipase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were determined. Hepatic and myocytic glycogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were also assessed.

Results:

The result displayed a nonsignificant decrease (P > 0.05) in weight change in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF. TG and LDL downregulated significantly (P > 0.05) in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF while HDL significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in SOD and CAT activities in CSM and CSF with a concomitant reduction in GSH activity and MDA level compared with CM and CF. ALP, AST, and ALT levels downregulated significantly (P < 0.05) in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF. Despite a significant increase (P < 0.05) in skeletal glycogen, hepatic glycogen downregulated in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF.

Conclusion:

It is evidenced that C. sativus-supplemented diet possessed hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects in both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats, though the effects were more marked in female rats compared with their male counterparts.
Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Female Cancer Patients from Selected Nigerian Tertiary Health Care
Authors: Obadipe John Abiodun , Samuel Titilola Aderonke , Akinlalu Alfred Olaoluwa , Ajisafe Ayobami Omowunmi , Olajide Ebunoluwa Peace , Albdulmumin Latifatu
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Preservation of ovarian function and fertility has become one of the major qualities of life issues for patients of reproductive age undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, monitoring ovarian reserve in the course of chemotherapy is of utmost importance for prediction of patients' reproductive life span.

Aim:

The study investigated the ovarian toxicity of chemotherapy in female cancer patients in selected Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and sixty participants comprised hundred radiotherapy-naive female cancer patients aged 18–72 years across all stages and sixty age-matched healthy volunteers (control) randomly selected from three medical centers in South West Nigeria. Patients' demographics and cycle of chemotherapy were obtained using questionnaire. Three milliliters of blood was collected intravenously from the participants before chemotherapy and a week after chemotherapy. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B hormone levels in the serum samples were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tukey's honestly significant difference one-way analysis of variance was employed to test for the significant difference, with the level of significance considered at P < 0.05.

Results:

The findings of the study revealed a significant decrease (P = 0.000) in AMH and inhibin B levels of the participants before and after receiving chemotherapy as compared to that of control. In the same way, there was a significant decrease in postchemotherapy AMH (P = 0.001) and inhibin B levels (P = 0.004) as compared to that of prechemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Decreased postchemotherapy ovarian reserve in cancer patients confirmed chemotherapy-induced ovarian toxicity.
Prone Positioning in COVID-19
Authors: Arigapudi Nithya , Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Simhachalam Kutikuppala L. V.
Published: August 2021

Proning is a medically admissible procedure in which a patient is turned onto their abdomen from their back, by precise, accurate, and secure motions. This procedure often finds itself in use as an adjunctive in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a dreadful complication of many respiratory infections, including the disease of the moment: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19 can lead to a plethora of complications, with ARDS, causing breathing difficulties and leading to hazardously low levels of oxygen in the blood, taking the forefront. The treatment of this condition often requires invasive ventilation; and to decrease the strain on resources providing such, several protocols have been observed to improve the breathing capability and enhance oxygen exchange, of which one is prone positioning. Here, we review various literature regarding the proning procedure in COVID-19 patients and elaborate the efficacy, merits, and demerits.
Risk of exposure to metals in soil contaminated by steel industry waste for a population in Volta Redonda, RJ
Authors: Pagliari Bruna Garcia , Moreira Maria De Fátima Ramos , Mannarino Camille Ferreira , Santos Gideon Borges dos
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the risk of population’s exposure, by different exposure routes, to Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Pb in the soil of a condominium. Six sampling points in three campaigns provided thirty-six soil samples, collected at two depths, one superficial, 0.20 m, and the other underground, between 2.00 and 3.00 m. The results show that the levels of metals in the condominium's soil are generally high. Children cannot withstand the same doses as adults since they are more susceptible and risk greater damage to health. The non-carcinogenic risk based on the hazard quotient (HQ) and the health index (HI) values for each exposure pathway and for each metal were observed to be less than (<) 1. The results showed an immediate carcinogenic risk by chromium ingestion for children. Nevertheless the combined effect for each exposure pathway (TCRI) for adults is close to becoming unacceptable after exposure to Cr by ingestion. The results suggest that contamination by metals is more likely to occur among children than adults at similar exposure levels. Thus, the condominium built on an area contaminated by steel industry waste raises concern, requiring the continuous monitoring of its population.
Effectiveness of Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy with Gemcitabine in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients with Comorbidities
Authors: Brau-Figueroa Hasan , Arango-Bravo Eder , Castro-Eguiluz Denisse , Galicia-Carmona Tatiana , Lugo-Alferez Leopoldo Abraham , Cruz-Bautista Ivette , Jiménez-Lima Roberto , Cetina-Pérez Lucely
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is concomitant chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) followed by brachytherapy. The presence of comorbidities are risk factors for nephrotoxicity and are associated with lower survival. Gemcitabine is a radiosensitizing drug that has shown efficacy and safety in this context. The effectiveness of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with gemcitabine was evaluated versus cisplatin in LACC patients with comorbidities and preserved renal function. Materials and MethodsAn observational, longitudinal and paired study was carried out that included patients treated between February 2003 and December 2015. The primary objectives were to evaluate response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival; the secondary objectives were to evaluate toxicity and renal function. ResultsSixty-three patients treated with gemcitabine at 300 mg/m2 weekly and 126 patients treated with CDDP 40 mg/m2 weekly were included. There were no significant differences in response rates and survival rates. Treatment with cisplatin presented a higher frequency of hematological toxicities, while gemcitabine presented a higher frequency of gastrointestinal toxicities. A decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR; baseline vs. 1-year post-treatment) was observed in the cisplatin group (p=0.002), while not in the gemcitabine group (p=0.667). In a multivariate analysis, it is observed that only CDDP correlates with the decrease in GFR (hazard ratio, 2.42; p=0.012).ConclusionIn LACC patients with comorbidities, gemcitabine and CDDP show the same efficacy, with different toxicity profiles. Treatment with cisplatin is associated with a significant decrease in GFR during follow-up, compared to treatment with gemcitabine that does not decrease it.
Cones, rectifiability, and singular integral operators
Authors: Dąbrowski Damian
Published: August 2021

Let

\mu

be a Radon measure on

\mathbb{R}^d

. We define and study conical energies

\mathcal{E}_{\mu,p}(x,V,\alpha)

, which quantify the portion of

\mu

lying in the cone with vertex

x\in\mathbb{R}^d

, direction

V\in G(d,d-n)

, and aperture

\alpha\in (0,1)

. We use these energies to characterize rectifiability and the big pieces of Lipschitz graphs property. Furthermore, if we assume that

\mu

has polynomial growth, we give a sufficient condition for

L^2(\mu)

-boundedness of singular integral operators with smooth odd kernels of convolution type.
LuftiBus in the school (LUIS): a population-based study on respiratory health in schoolchildren
Authors: Mozun Rebeca , Kuehni Claudia E. , Pedersen Eva S.L. , Goutaki Myrofora , Kurz Johanna M. , De Hoogh Kees , Usemann Jakob , Singer Florian , Latzin Philipp , Moeller Alexander
Published: August 2021

Respiratory disease is common in children and strongly associated with lifestyle and environmental exposures. Thus, it is important to study the epidemiology locally. The LuftiBus in the School (LUIS) study was set up to assess the respiratory health of schoolchildren in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland.
LUIS is a cross-sectional population-based study that was carried out 2013 to 2016. Children aged 6–17 years living in the canton of Zurich were eligible to participate. All schools in the canton were approached and the school head decided whether the school would participate and with which classes. Consenting parents answered a standardised questionnaire at home and assenting children completed a shorter questionnaire by interview at school. Trained technicians measured children’s lung function, including spirometry, double tracer gas single-breath washout (DTG-SBW) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Address histories of participants were geocoded to be linked with area-based socioeconomic measures and environmental exposures such as spatiotemporal air pollution estimates for specific time periods and locations. A subgroup was seen again 12 months later using the same procedures to collect longitudinal data.
The study included 3870 children at baseline and 655 at the 1-year follow-up. Median age was 12.7 years; 281 (8%) had wheezed in the past year. At baseline we collected 3457 (89%) parental and 3546 (92%) child questionnaires, and 3393 (88%) FeNO, 3446 (89%) spirometry, and 1795 (46%) DTG-SBW measurements.
LUIS is a rich resource of health-related data, with information on lung function, environmental exposures and respiratory health on Swiss schoolchildren.
A Complete Axiomatisation for Quantifier-Free Separation Logic
Authors: Demri Stéphane , Lozes Étienne , Mansutti Alessio
Published: August 2021

We present the first complete axiomatisation for quantifier-free separation
logic. The logic is equipped with the standard concrete heaplet semantics and
the proof system has no external feature such as nominals/labels. It is not
possible to rely completely on proof systems for Boolean BI as the concrete
semantics needs to be taken into account. Therefore, we present the first
internal Hilbert-style axiomatisation for quantifier-free separation logic. The
calculus is divided in three parts: the axiomatisation of core formulae where
Boolean combinations of core formulae capture the expressivity of the whole
logic, axioms and inference rules to simulate a bottom-up elimination of
separating connectives, and finally structural axioms and inference rules from
propositional calculus and Boolean BI with the magic wand.
Recognizing and Rewarding Peer-reviewers
Authors: Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: August 2021

Peer review (PR) is a relatively recent development though it has become an established part of academic publishing. PR started becoming common in the 1960s and 70s. Peer review can be of different types. It can be blinded or open. The process can be done before publication or after a manuscript is published. Portable reviews, impact neutral PR, collaborative PR, and registered reports are also used. There are challenges with peer review which remains a largely subjective process. Due to increasing number of journals and submissions there is an urgent need for more reviewers, especially from the developing nations and from women. Academic publishing is a lucrative business dominated by a few big publishers. Reviewers should be rewarded financially either directly or through processing charge waivers or through journal and database subscription for their efforts.
A Hybrid Intelligent System Framework for Detecting and Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: N V Suchetha , Thulapule Asmitha , Shetty S Aishwarya , Sahana G J , B L Monisha
Published: August 2021

Number of deaths is increasing everyday especially due to heart disease in the present-day world. The cardiovascular diseases can appear due to family history, obesity, smoking etc. Prevention of death due to heart failure and proper treatment requires on time and accurate diagnosis of the disease. In this study we predict heart disease using a system that is based on machine learning using heart disease dataset. In this paper we try analysing and predicting heart diseases occurring by applying algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbour, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, XG Boost. We have taken the dataset from UCI Machine Learning Repository. The algorithms results based on different factors like cholesterol, age, gender etc. The resulting performance provides efficiency in diagnosing the disease.
Abortion in Islam: The Roles of Cultures and Virtues in Medical Ethics
Authors: Abímbola Kola
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the roles of culture and virtues in medical ethics. It argues that principlism, which is the general approach to medical ethics in Western societies, is not comprehensive enough to fully understand how medical moral dilemmas are resolved in Western and non-Western societies. This is because principlism overlooks the importance of culture and virtues in the medical profession. To fully understand the nature of medico-ethical decision-making, we need to shift focus from principles to the virtues of the medical profession itself and the cultures of the societies within which medicine is practiced. I illustrate these claims with the example of abortion in Islamic ethics.
THREE STREAMS IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION: A PHILOSOPHICAL, PEDAGOGICAL, AND PRACTICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC, WALDORF, AND MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Authors: Goldshmidt Gilad
Published: August 2021

This article examines the three most prominent movements of alternative education in Israel: Democratic education, Waldorf education, and the Montessori method of education. By comparing the educational approaches according to specific criteria, the goal is to provide the reader with as broad a picture as possible of their similarities and differences. The discussion focuses on the philosophical approach and general principles of each movement and does not aim to provide information or characteristics of specific educational institutions. One of the goals of the article is to bring before parents, educators, and policy makers knowledge of the different approaches so that they can understand and judge them with greater clarity.

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TRAINING HIGHER EDUCATION BIOSCIENCE STUDENTS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATOR
Authors: Kaltsidis Christos , Kedraka Katerina , Grigoriou Maria E.
Published: August 2021

Laboratory training is the cornerstone of science education in higher education. However, in several cases hands-on experimental procedures are not possible, and therefore technology provide alternative educational methods. One of the rapidly evolving technologies, namely Virtual Reality (VR) can offer multiple benefits in laboratory training through the development of simulations and virtual laboratories that support, facilitate, and promote an effective their learning experience. We present an empirical research carried out at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Democritus University of Thrace during the winter semester of the academic year 2020-2021. 51 undergraduate students carried out a Virtual Reality activity aiming to train them to the use of a Class II Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) in an immersive virtual environment. Our results show that VR approach was highly and enthusiastically accepted by the students; they reported that they had an authentic learning experience which enabled them to better achieve the learning objectives. However, in some cases symptoms like dizziness and blurry image were reported most likely due to equipment, showing that improvement of the equipment used in VR is needed.

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PRE-SERVICE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS’ REFLECTIONS ON COOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT
Authors: Altan Mustafa Zülküf
Published: August 2021

Cooperative Learning is an instructional model in which learners work together toward a common goal (Johnson & Johnson, 1986; Slavin, 1993). Research has clearly shown that cooperation results in higher levels of achievement (Johnson, et al., 1993). This article focuses on Cooperative Assessment, two students, one paper, as learning, and proposes viewing assessment as an integral part of the process of learning and teaching by trying to provoke thoughts about positive interdependence, individual accountability and social skill development, three key features of Cooperative Learning. The paper presents pre-service English Language Teachers’ reflections on Cooperative Assessment used as part of the final exam for “Individual Differences in Foreign Language Learning” course in Fall Semester of 2018-2019 academic year.

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KINESICS IN ORAL PRESENTATION: EXPLORING SPEAKING ANXIETY THROUGH NARRATIVE ENQUIRY
Authors: Aripin Norhartini , Noorezam Maisarah , Rahmat Noor Hanim
Published: August 2021

Teachers and educators are responsible in promoting effective teaching and learning to ensure intellectual development of the students. For that reason, being able to communicate well is essential for the students’ academic and employability purpose. Hence, it is important for every learner to be equipped with good speaking skill. However, it is common for ESL speakers to experience speaking anxiety which hinders them to communicate well. This study, therefore, explores speaking anxiety that occurs during oral presentation through kinesics. Kinesics provides meaningful information to the listener/audience, in which messages are conveyed through the speakers’ gesture, body movement and facial expression. It was found that speaking anxiety was shown by the speaker through kinesics during an oral presentation. Videos of speakers’ presentation were recorded and narrated to obtain the findings. Results of this study provide useful implication towards ESL teaching and learning.
SOME COMMON DIFFICULTIES IN LISTENING OF ENGLISH MAJORED FRESHMEN AT TAY DO UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM
Authors: Phan Thi Minh Uyen , Tang Dieu Thi , Nguyen Nguyen Minh Ly
Published: August 2021

The aim of the research “Some common difficulties in listening of English majored freshmen at Tay Do University" is to figure out some major factors causing difficulties for students in listening to English. The research is carried out within 12 weeks. Participants of this study are 100 English majored freshmen course 13, chosen randomly (including students in class 13A, 13B, and 13C) at Tay Do University. During the research time, participants are given questionnaires and paper interviews to show their ideas. The questionnaire and paper interview are two main instruments of this study, which are used to gather information about students' problems facing in listening. As a result, the research through the expected outcome will show some difficulties in listening of English majored freshmen at Tay Do University that related to linguistics like vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, accents and intonation, and background knowledge and unfamiliar topics, psychological obstacle, and the length and speed rate of speech.

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EFL STUDENT’S PROBLEMS WITH PARAGRAPH WRITING AT TAY DO UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM
Authors: Ly Thi Tra My , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang , Phan Thi Minh Uyen , Dinh Thi Thuy Ha , Huynh Thuy Vi
Published: August 2021

This paper studied problems in EFL students’ paragraph writing. The research participants were first-year students of English in Tay Do University (TDU). To achieve the desired aims of the current study, the researcher combined both qualitative and quantitative methods, using questionnaires, interviews, and observations as the main instruments. The researcher used the package of social sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Research results showed that the freshmen at TDU often encountered problems in writing paragraphs. These accounted for grammatical structures, vocabulary, and coherence. Basing on the research results, students could recognize their difficulties when writing and find some new ways to overcome them. It is suggested that teachers should find and update some new teaching methods so as to develop students’ paragraph writing skills.

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THE OCCURRENCE OF CODE-SWITCHING AMONG MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATES ON WHATSAPP: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Ismail Othman , Mohd Roslan Adlin Nadhirah binti , Mahmud Malissa Maria
Published: August 2021

This research proffers a critical overview of the theoretical and analytical occurrence of code-switching by reviewing a range of empirical and relevant studies. In particular, the dominating and governing factor of computer-mediated communication and code-switching. This research also probes the pertinent concepts, focusing on the types of code-switching and its correlation with computer mediated communication. Subsequently, it reviews the structural features of WhatsApp, deliberating the occurrence of code-switching among UiTM undergraduates in Malaysia, noting the social motivation of style-shifting. The research concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasising on the issue of its applicability to the analysis of second language acquisition and learning.

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MESSAGES BEHIND MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING
Authors: Fu Jo Shan
Published: August 2021

This paper offers a brief commentary on the ways to transform English as a foreign language students from autonomous language learners to proficient language users through mobile-assisted language learning by deducing on empirical insights from the articles in this perspective.

 

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THE COMPETITION IN PRESCHOOL AGE: A SHORT REVIEW
Authors: Tsiakara Angeliki A. , Digelidis Nikolaos M.
Published: August 2021

Competition matters in our daily life. Humans compete in their jobs, in their relationships, in the classroom etc. for different reason and with different way. We know a lot about competition for the adults but we lack of knowledge on what is happening during the preschool age and this is the focus of the present paper. The literature review shows that young children from the age of 4 years old perceive the concept of competition and express competitive behaviour. The factors which affect young children’s competitive behaviour are the gender, the age and the composition of the team as to gender and size. Moreover, during the implementation of the curriculum children express competitive behaviour in kindergarten classroom. They express competitive behaviours, which are divided into two main categories, verbally and physically, which include and subcategories. Competitive behaviour is expressed by children more often during organized activities and less during free activities, like breakfast time and discussion.

 

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INFLUENCE OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ON ABSOLUTE POVERTY AMONG WOMEN IN MADOGO WARD, TANA RIVER COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kaguthi Kevin Nderitu , Mutundu Kennedy
Published: August 2021

Gender inequality oppresses development among women and girls and is worsened by absolute poverty among women in Kenya. Poverty denies people choices and opportunities to participate in economic, political, and social activities while gender inequality denies women and girls equal opportunities as men and boys. Despite numerous interventions by the government through policies and laws gender inequality is on the rise and a great hindrance to development. Many women-headed households are not able to meet their basic needs due to inadequate income, lack of education, gender-based violence, and inaccessibility of primary health care. The objectives of this research were to analyze the influence of gender-based violence on absolute poverty among women in Madogo Ward, Tana River County. A descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach were used for the investigation to assemble the necessary quantitative information in Madogo Ward. The units of observation for this study were women who live in the Madogo Ward. The research has found out that there is a high level of absolute poverty among women with 86% of respondents living below the absolute poverty line. The results also indicated that there is a high likelihood of women to face gender-based violence in the village and at home. The research found out that many women access medical facilities but lack of medication and being unable to afford private health care leaves women without primary health care when needed. This research recommends that the government works towards addressing the high levels of gender-based violence by developing community-based protection mechanism for women and girls and provision of primary healthcare for women in Madogo Ward which would reduce the high levels of absolute poverty. 

 

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VIETNAMESE EFL TEACHERS’ USE OF THE SET OF NEW ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS TIENG ANH 11 AS RESOURCES FOR ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
Authors: Ha Linh Nguyen Thi , Le Truong Bach
Published: August 2021

The paper reported on part of a study investigating Vietnamese upper secondary school EFL teachers’ use of the set of new English textbooks Tieng Anh 11 as resources for achievement tests. To carry out this research, both qualitative and quantitative approaches including questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data from research participants at some upper secondary schools in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The findings of the study showed the teachers’ practices in using the set of new English textbooks Tieng Anh 11 for achievement tests. They reported adapting the exercises and activities, following the teaching procedures, and referring to the book maps in the set of new English textbooks Tieng Anh 11 to organize revision, design one-period tests and semester exams. Especially, using the accompanying workbooks to revise what students learned accounted for the highest rate. Besides, major challenges of the upper-secondary school teachers in using this set are also uncovered through the results. The teachers mostly have difficulties in finding the relevant materials matching the prescribed test formats as well as the required language competence in the set of new English textbooks Tieng Anh 11, lacking the test formats and scoring criteria associated with achievement tests. From the research findings, some implications were suggested for teachers’ flexibility in teaching and test preparation processes, and for improving the set of new English textbooks Tieng Anh 11.

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DIGITAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUS – CHANGE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM APPROACH TO MEET THE 21ST CENTURY NEEDS
Authors: Mosteanu Narcisa Roxana
Published: August 2021

Technologies appear because of the quality of the education and research process, and human intelligence completes a successful future. The latest events of 2020 have shown us the benefits of technologies created by scientists, in the innovative approach to university education - the transition from teaching and conventional research to the digital campus, through EdTech. Actual movements in socio-economic life around the world impose e-learning and e-presence. However, moving digital is more than online teaching. Present research analysis was conducted on two different types of institutions: public and private universities from Europe, with different teaching and learning system: American and European. Information was congregated through face-to-face and online interaction with representative people from universities. The present research paper aims to demonstrate how a digital campus, with all its aspects, can perform a crucial role in enriching the university campus’s structure and culture to ensure the quality assurance of teaching, research, and administrative management using actual innovative technologies.

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EXAMINING MEDIATING EFFECT OF MOTIVATION ON EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY IN BANGLADESHI SATELLITE TELEVISION CHANNELS
Authors: Khan Md. Al Amin , Tarofder Arun Kumar , Azam S. M. Ferdous
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The motivation behind this investigation is to assess the effect of motivation on employee's productivity with regards to satellite TV station in Bangladesh. Two motivation factors were recognized based on exploratory factor analysis specifically economic factors and organizational factors also. Two dimensions in economic factors, such as, reward, remuneration and another three dimensions, such as, job stability, work condition and occupation training were found in organizational factors accordingly. Employees productivity is also analyzed here the outcome of employees. Design/methodology/approach: Factor investigation was utilized to sum up an enormous number of motivations attributes to recognize the vital elements that sway on employee productivity. Reliability tests based on Cronbach’s alpha and rectified thing complete relationship coefficients was utilized to test the internal consistency of survey responses. ANOVA tests were in this way used to test for differences in respondent's impression of this components as per chose demographics. Conclusively, a multiple regression model investigation was led to look at the connection’s motivation and employee productivity as well. Findings: Result directed that economic factors and organizational factors positively affected employee motivation and afterward it is moved to productivity in like manner. It is likewise discovered that motivation really function as a mediator. Originality/Value: This examination has caused to notice the significance of the connections between employee motivation and employee’s productivity with regards to satellite TV station in Bangladesh. The discoveries have noteworthy consequences for researcher specially satellite TV station setting. In spite of the presence of exploration on the between connections among motivation and employee productivity in different orders, there are not many talked about in satellite TV context research.

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IMPLEMENTATION OF REGIONAL REGULATION NUMBER 16 OF 2012 IN BANJARMASIN CITY, INDONESIA - A CASE STUDY ON DRUG PREVENTION BY THE NATIONAL NARCOTICS AGENCY
Authors: Wahyudi H. Benny , Ali Akhmad Bachruddin , Mahyuni Dan
Published: August 2021

Persuasive communication is very important in improving the quality of government in socialization and developing information about regional regulations and policies. The aim of this research is to find out the implementation of Regional Regulation Number 16 of 2012 concerning the Prevention and Control of Abuse and Illicit Narcotics, Psychotropics and Other Addictive Substances (P4GN) in Banjarmasin City (Case Study of Drug Prevention by the National Narcotics Agency). The research method uses a qualitative approach and descriptive type. The research instrument is the researcher himself. Data collection techniques in this study are observation, interviews and documentation. The data analyses are using data reduction, data presentation and verification. The validity of the data is using credibility test technique. The results showed that the implementation of Regional Regulation Number 16 of 2012 concerning the Prevention and Control of the Abuse and Illicit Narcotics, Psychotropics and Other Addictive Substances (P4GN) in Banjarmasin City (Case Study of Drug Prevention by the National Narcotics Agency) has not been implemented optimally. Due to the four implementation factors, according to Edward III's theory, only one factor has been successfully implemented, namely the resource factor. Meanwhile, the factors of communication, disposition and bureaucratic structure have not been successfully implemented, because there are indicators in each factor which cannot be maximally implemented. As in the communication factors, only consistency indicator is successfully implemented. In the disposition factor, there is staff indicator that has not been implemented and in the bureaucratic structure, the two indicators have not been successfully implemented. From this research, BNN Banjarmasin City is suggested to conduct socialization more frequently to the public about P4GN, including legal basis and contents of legal basis. Meanwhile, the community can help BNN in overcoming the problem of drug abuse and trafficking such as stop misusing narcotics.

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A STUDY ON EMERGING ADULTHOOD IN HELLENIC AIR FORCE CADETS IN GREECE
Authors: Kapogiannis Anastasios , Karalis Thanassis , Raikou Natassa
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the findings of the research carried out at the Hellenic Air Force’s 120 Air Training Wing, with the objective to define the characteristics and dimensions of emerging adulthood among student pilots during the initial and basic phase of flight training, and also to investigate the extent to which these characteristics are related to the type and content of their training. As shown by comparing the findings of the research with similar studies in the Greek context, in which students have participated, student pilots seem to be crossing the threshold of adulthood much earlier than their peers who are university students. Moreover, due to the content of their training, their views on the characteristics and dimensions of adulthood focus mostly on responsibilities and duties rather than on the rights of the adult phase of life.

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MARITIME SECTOR: KEY DRIVER OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Authors: Amuka Ikenna , Ezinna Paul C.
Published: August 2021

Nigeria’s Maritime sector is a neglected gold mine. It is capable of becoming a key engine of economic growth and sustainable development, if enhancive strategies are implemented for optimum efficiency. Nigeria’s maritime sector performance for 2019, like the global maritime business in the evidently points to the negative. However, factors that led the local maritime downward are different from factors that negatively affected global maritime sector. This paper will assess the technologies advancement; automation and digitalisation of Nigeria maritime sector to ensure it attain global best practices recommended by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Currently, technological advancement is bringing its transformative advantages to the maritime ports and shipping space. In the industry known for complex issues, large scale, and a need for firm reliability, digital technologies that create new opportunities for better optimization, automation, and profitability. The study will also analyse maritime performance indicators which includes performance measurement, direct shipping connectivity, port improved management and environmental factor. Performance indicators are systematic tools that determine nature and critical issues that confront shipping industry and ports, help evaluate the possible impact of another policy decision. The challenges, prospects and sustainability of maritime sector in Nigeria over the years will be properly reviewed. The maritime future poses numerous challenges, but also erupt numerous opportunities. Global trade is expanding, Ports and shipping as its workhorse are undergoing transformation and facing massive challenges in maintaining competitiveness. Theories, analyses supporting statistical data, and related information from other relevant institutions and agencies, served as the framework of the study. The result of the study is expected to contribute in economic growth and sustainable development of the maritime sector.

JEL: R40; R42; L20

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THE EFFECT OF WORK MOTIVATION, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT THE REGIONAL SECRETARIAT OF SOUTH KALIMANTAN PROVINCE, INDONESIA
Authors: Maidiyanto Rahmat , Asmui A. , Sompa Andi Tenri
Published: August 2021

Local government and government agencies therein have an important role in carrying out government functions and regional development. One of the agencies within the Regional Government is the Regional Secretariat of the South Kalimantan Province. Every government agency is required to be able to optimize the performance of its employees, as well as the factors that influence it, namely work motivation, work environment and quality of communication. The research objective was to determine 1) the effect of work motivation on employee performance at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. 2) the effect of the Work Environment on the performance of employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. 3) the effect of the Quality of Communication on the performance of employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. 4) the effect of work motivation, work environment and quality of communication on employee performance at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. This research method uses a quantitative approach and is carried out on employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. The population of 342 civil servants at the Provincial Regional Secretariat who were taken as samples for research was 184 people with civil servant status at the Provincial Regional Secretariat. The research instrument used a questionnaire. While the data processing techniques used are validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test and multiple regression analysis. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 20 for Windows is used to facilitate data processing. The results of this study indicate that (1) There is a partial influence of Work Motivation on the performance of employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province (2) There is a partial influence of the Work Environment on the performance of employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province (3) There is a partial influence of the Quality of Communication on the performance of employees at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province. (4) Work motivation, work environment and quality of communication have a simultaneous effect on employee performance at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province by 59.4%. The results of this study serve as suggestions and input for leaders at the Regional Secretariat of South Kalimantan Province, to take policies and strategic steps to further increase employee motivation, create a good work environment, and build better communication quality in order to realize better employee performance in the future. In addition, every employee needs to increase understanding of individual performance to support the achievement of organizational goals.

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