bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molded pulp products for sustainable packaging: Production rate challenges and product opportunities
Authors: Debnath Mrittika , Sarder Roman , Pal Lokendra , Hubbe Martin A.
Published: May 2022

Molded cellulosic pulp products provide eco-friendly alternatives to various petroleum-based packaging systems. They have a long history of reliable usage for such applications as egg trays and the shipping of fruits. They have recently become increasingly used for the packaging of electronics, wine bottles, and specialty items. Molded pulp products are especially used in applications requiring cushioning ability, as well as when it is important to match the shapes of the packed items. Their main component, cellulosic fibers from virgin or recycled wood fibers, as well as various nonwood fibers, can reduce society’s dependence on plastics, including expanded polystyrene. However, the dewatering of molded pulp tends to be slow, and the subsequent evaporation of water is energy-intensive. The article reviews strategies to increase production rates and to lower energy consumption. In addition, by applying chemical treatments and processing approaches, there are opportunities to achieve desired end-use properties, such as grease resistance. New manufacturing strategies, including rapid prototyping and advances in tooling, provide opportunities for more efficient form factors and more effective packaging in the future.
Lignin use in nonwovens: A review
Authors: Gaynor J. Gavin , Szlek Dorota B. , Kwon Soojin , Tiller Phoenix S. , Byington Matthew S. , Argyropoulos Dimitris S.
Published: May 2022

While lignin has been gaining wide research interest for a variety of applications across many industries, relatively little work has been published on its applications in nonwovens. Consequently, this article offers an overview of the underlying principles and both the present and future applications of lignin within the nonwoven industry. Due to the distinct structure of lignin, processing, fiber production, composites with polymers, dye dispersant, and fire-retardant applications are all unique opportunities for lignin application in nonwovens discussed in this review. Conventional nonwoven processing techniques, such as electrospinning, have been reported to successfully produce lignin-based nonwovens, specifically lignin/polymer composite nonwovens. This account points to pivotal polymer matrix/lignin composite compatibility issues that define various processing technologies. However, lignin use is not limited to incorporation within nonwoven fibers mats and is currently used in dye dispersion with the potential of phase out petroleum-based dye dispersants. Finally, the high phenolic content of lignin endows it with fire-retardant and antimicrobial properties, among others, that present additional opportunities for lignin in the nonwoven industry. Throughout this review, an effort is made to outline the advantages and challenges of using lignin as a green and sustainable ingredient for the production of nonwoven materials.
A comprehensive review of nanocellulose modification and applications in papermaking and packaging: Challenges, technical solutions, and perspectives
Authors: Hashemzehi Mozhgan , Mesic Beko , Sjöstrand Björn , Naqvi Muhammad
Published: May 2022

The increasing usage of petroleum-based compounds has prompted numerous environmental concerns. Consequently, there has been a steady rise in research on the synthesis of useful materials from natural sources. Paper technologists are seeking environmentally acceptable dry end and wet end additives. Among the bio-based resources available, nanocellulose is a popular sustainable nanomaterial additive in the paper industry because of its high strength, high oxygen barrier performance, low density, great mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. NC’s extensive hydroxyl groups provide a unique possibility to dramatically modify the hydrophilicity and charge of the surface in order to improve their potential applications in the paper industry. The current paper reviews two series of surface modifications, each with various subcategories, depending on why modified nanocellulose is added in the paper production: to improve barrier properties or to improve mechanical properties of packaging materials. The methods presented in this study use the minimum amount of chemically hazardous solvents to have the least impact on the environment. This review focuses on modifications of nanocellulose and their subsequent application in the papermaking. The knowledge and the discussion presented in this review will form a literature source for future use by various stakeholders and the sustainable paper manufacturers.
Towards sustainable production of bio-based lactic acid via a bio-based technical route: Recent developments and the use of palm kernel cakes in the bioconversion
Authors: Rahim Nuraishah Abd , Luthfi Abdullah Amru Indera , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Jahim Jamaliah Md , Bukhari Nurul Adela
Published: May 2022

The continued reliance on non-renewable fossil resources has led to serious environmental issues. In light of these concerns, the transition from non-renewable sources to more sustainable ones have been explored, as exemplified by the production of bio-based lactic acid via lignocellulosic biomass bio-refinery process. Malaysia, the second-largest producer of palm oil in the world, generates abundant, cheap, and underutilized oil palm biomass in the form of palm kernel cakes. Comprised of 50% fermentable hexose sugars, palm kernel cakes have emerged as an interesting feedstock substitute in the production of bio-based fine chemicals, e.g., lactic acid. This paper focuses on current work based on selected literature published in the 21st century on the exploitation of palm kernel cakes as a novel feedstock in bio-refinery processes after addressing the current global demand and potential commodity applications of bio-based lactic acid. It then discusses current research on potential lactic acid-producing microorganisms, with particular attention to bacteria, and different pretreatment methods for carbohydrate recovery from palm kernel cakes. It also highlights the potential of oil palm biomass, especially palm kernel cakes, as a promising commodity that contributes to sugar platforms in value-added products, e.g., biofuel, bioenergy, ethanol, acids, and fine chemicals.
Hydrophobic molecular treatments of cellulose-based or other polysaccharide barrier layers for sustainable food packaging: A Review
Authors: Szlek Dorota B. , Reynolds Autumn M. , Hubbe Martin A.
Published: May 2022

Paper, nanocellulose, and other polysaccharide-based materials can be excellent candidates for food packaging barrier layers, except that they tend to be vulnerable to moisture. This article reviews published research describing various chemical treatments having the potential to render hydrophobic character to such layers. Emphasis is placed on systems in which hydrophobic monomers are used to treat either particles or sheets comprised largely of polysaccharides. A goal of this review is to identify combinations of materials and procedures having promise for scale-up to industrial production, while providing effective resistance to moisture. The idea is to protect the underlying polysaccharide-based barrier layers such that they can continue to impede the transfer of such permeants as oxygen, greases, flavor compounds, and water vapor. A further goal is to minimize any adverse environmental impacts associated with the treatments. Based on the research articles considered in this review, promising hydrophobic treatments can be achieved involving silanes, ester formation, other covalent interactions, plasma treatments, and to some extent by various treatments that do not require formation of covalent bonds. The article is designed such that readers can skip ahead to items of particular interest to them.
Sustainable conversion of agricultural biomass into renewable energy products: A Discussion
Authors: Zhou Quan , Le Quyet Van , Yang Han , Gu Haiping , Yang Yafeng , Sonne Christian , Tabatabaei Meisam , Lam Su Shiung , Li Cheng , Chen Xiangmeng , Peng Wanxi
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses the use of agricultural biomass as a promising resource for renewable energy production, e.g., bio-oil and biogas via pyrolysis and catalysis, among other technologies. In order to prevent the accumulation of agricultural biomass, most countries still use traditional disposal or processing methods, e.g., burning in the field, which not only has a low energy conversion rate, but also releases harmful gases, e.g., CO2, CO, and NH3. These traditional methods are regarded as inefficient with respect to the low utilization of waste; they also pose a threat to human health. The energy conversion of agricultural biomass makes full use of resources and accelerates the development of green energy. In particular, agricultural biomass can lead to the production of high-quality renewable fuels and chemical raw materials through catalytic pyrolysis technologies. The fuel produced using catalytic pyrolysis has a low sulfur and alkali metal contents and techno-economic analysis shows that catalytic pyrolysis greatly reduces the production cost and improves the utilization rate of agricultural biomass. The production of bio-oil and gas via catalytic pyrolysis and agricultural biomass are environmentally friendly and economically feasible for clean energy production. Therefore, additional research is needed to enable the upscaling of renewable energy products.
Navigating homophobia and reinventing the self
Authors: Onanuga Paul Ayodele
Published: May 2022

Discriminatory practices against the Nigerian gay community take the form of state and non-state sponsored opposition, censorship and violence. This study investigates how gay Nigerians combat homophobia by using language agentively on social media as a semiotic resource towards self-assertion and identity construction. Data retrieved from Twitter via keyword searches suggest that in addition to harnessing agency through positive self-representation and ingroup affirmation, the digital discourses of Nigerian gay men recontextualise religion as a legitimising tool, transforming it into a site of affirmative struggle. These resources reach a crescendo in the practice known as ‘kito-ing’, a discourse strategy that protects the gay community from threats by publicly ‘outing’ homophobic actors, thus contesting the prevailing gender hierarchy. While Nigerian physical space restricts queer livability, the digital space becomes a locus for agency whereby various semiotic resources are used to refuse the status quo and assert nonnormative sexualities against an otherwise oppressive social order.
Transmedicalism and ‘trans enough’
Authors: Konnelly Lex
Published: May 2022

While gender dysphoria is a real and acute distress for many transgender people, it is not universal, and it is experienced and oriented to in a myriad of ways. However, its status as a prerequisite for gender-affirming care can lead trans people to feel compelled to amplify its salience in pursuit of medical support. Through a critical discourse analysis of nonbinary healthcare narratives, this article traces the relationship between linguistic practices in these care interactions and the gender and sexual logics of the transmedicalist model of trans-gender care. Individuals’ descriptions of dysphoria in the consultation room are not straightforward accounts of assimilation to transmedicalist expectations. Rather, when read from a trans linguistic perspective attentive to the biopolitics of transgender healthcare, these become strategies for nonbinary patients to enact their own interventions on a process over which (it may seem) they have minimal control, presenting a critical thirding (as described by Eve Tuck 2009) of a dichotomous view of either transnormativity or resistance.
Politics, pronouns and the players
Authors: Heritage Frazer
Published: May 2022

Despite being released in 2004, the online videogame World of Warcraft (WoW) introduced its first transgender character only in 2020. This article examines how players responded to this new character, named Pelagos, analysing how many players were for/against the inclusion of Pelagos, how these views were constructed and how players interact with each other. Data from official WoW fora demonstrate a surprising backlash against transphobia and overwhelming support for the inclusion of a transgender character. Those who were against the inclusion of Pelagos framed their arguments in terms of objections to political correctness, arguing that gaming should remain politically neutral. By contrast, those in favour of including Pelagos argued that videogames are political by nature. Further, examination of pronouns revealed that Pelagos is very rarely misgendered. Such a positive response has implications for research into Critical Discourse Studies and for videogame companies.
Simultaneous Bilateral Testicular Metastases from Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation in Von Hippel–Lindau disease
Authors: Moradi Asaad , Farhoumand Delaram , Bouzari Behnaz , Shakiba Behnam
Published: May 2022

In this article, we present a Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) patient with synchoronus bilateral testicular metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A 50 year-old man, a known case of VHL syndrome was referred with palpable masses in both the testes. His medical history demonstrated that he had undergone the brain surgery for cerebellar hemangioblastoma. He had undergone simultaneous Whipple’s pancreatectomy and left radical nephrectomy becuase of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors in head and body of the pancreas and a 6-cm clear cell-type grade-3 RCC in the left kidney. Scrotal sonography demonstrated vascular and heteroechogen masses measuring 19×14 mm in lower pole of the right testicle, 19×16 mm in upper pole of the right testicle, and 23×16.5 mm in upper pole of the left testicle. After having patient’s consent, bilateral orchiectomy was performed by inguinal incision. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry staining revealed metastasis from RCC. The most common neoplasm of reproductive system in VHL patients is epididymal papillary cystadenoma. Owing to it’s benign nature, the management is conservative with routine physical examination and ultrasonography. Our patient indicated that every scrotal mass in patients with VHL is not to be considered as epididymal papillary cystadenoma.
Alpinetin suppresses cell proliferation and metastasis in osteosarcoma by inhibiting PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways
Authors: Cao Zhenyu , Ma Jianwu , Shen Xiaozhong
Published: May 2022

Alpinetin, a natural flavonoid found in medicinal herbs, possesses distinct pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, lung and cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, and antitumor properties. Here, the role of alpinetin was investigated in osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma cell lines (143B and U2OS) were treated with 10-, 25-, 50-, 75-, or 100-μM concentration of alpinetin. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to investigate cell apoptosis. Cell metastasis was assessed by transwell assay. Administration of alpinetin reduced the viabilities of 143B and U2OS cell lines in a dosage-dependent manner, and decreased the number of colonies of 143B and U2OS cell lines. The apoptosis of 143B and U2OS cell lines was promoted by alpinetin through down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Alpinetin inhibited invasion and migration of 143B and U2OS cell lines through up-regulation of epithelial biomarkers, E-cadherin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and down-regulation of mesenchymal biomarkers, Vimentin, and N-cadherin. Alpinetin also reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Ak strain transforming (AKT), and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) in 143B and U2OS cell lines. Alpinetin inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis in osteosarcoma through inactivation of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, providing potential treatment option for treatment of cancer.
Diálogos Estéticos en el Caribe e Hispanoamérica
Authors: Vega Bedoya Wilfredo Esteban
Published: May 2022

El volumen 33 de la Revista Cuadernos de Literatura del Caribe e Hispanoamérica es un número misceláneo, abierto a los estudios literarios y culturales del Caribe e Hispanoamérica. El texto de apertura está dedicado a la poesía del escritor peruano José Watanabe, poeta representativo de la poesía latinoamericana. Su autor, Miyer Pineda, desde un registro heredero de la tradición ensayística latinoamericana, da cuenta de las tensiones centrales de la poesía de Watanabe. Nos descubre los diálogos poéticos del autor con los dramas, los traumas de la existencia; el lugar de la enfermedad en la conciencia, en el envite, en el llamado brusco de la naturaleza hacia el ser. Pineda destaca la forma como el poeta tensa la belleza, la revelación del instante con el rostro de la fragilidad humana.
Un samurái en el desierto
Authors: Pineda Miyer Fernando
Published: May 2022

Se trata de un acercamiento a los tres primeros libros del poeta José Watanabe -Álbum de familia (1971), El huso de la palabra (1989) e Historia natural (1994)-, quien es una de lasvoces más poderosas de la poesía latinoamericana. Se propone el ensayo como soporte de una textualidad más amplia capaz de trazar la ruta para aproximarse a la totalidad de laobra del poeta peruano. Se concibe la lectura hermenéutica como un habitar de la poética que permite dar cuenta del sobrecogimiento que provoca el manejo de los símbolos por parte del poeta, como rasgo de una estética anclada en lo cotidiano, cuyo propósito es evidenciar sus grietas/anomalías como una forma de señalar las fuerzas que oprimen al sujeto en ese terreno que llamamos realidad.
Historias de Raca mandaca de David Sánchez Juliao y las violencias periféricas en el Sinú de los 70: El testimonio literario y la nación colombiana desde el margen
Authors: Meza Porto Dayana , Valdelamar Sarabia Lázaro
Published: May 2022

Este articulo expone parte de los resultados de una investigación sobre la importancia del género del testimonio en el contexto de las luchas campesinas regionales en el caribe colombiano, específicamente de la subregión del Sinú en los años 70 del siglo XX, a partir de la singularidad compositiva y la visión de mundo de Historias de Raca Mandaca de David Sánchez Juliao. El texto vincula esa singularidad con el registro de tales conflictos y establece su relación con las propuestas alternativas de nación colombiana formuladas por parte del campesinado del Sinú.
Blancura situacional del imperialismo franquista, héroe sacrificial y maniqueísmo racial en Héroes del 95
Authors: Persánch JM.
Published: May 2022

Este ensayo analiza cómo Héroes del 95 sitúa a los españoles simultáneamente dentro y fuera de los márgenes de la blanquitud. Se evidencia cómo la cinematografía franquista ejerceuna blancura situacional que les permite discursar tanto perspectivas del colonizador como del colonizado. En concreto, se explora cómo el héroe imperial blanco contribuye a racializar a los afrocubanos (así como de los criollos blancos cubanos y los mexicanos mestizos) por medio de una violencia sacrificial y redentora; en última instancia, concluiremos cómo se codifican mensajes raciales de jerarquización del cuerpo negro junto a una restitución totalizadora de la identidad imperial que encubre toda disidencia.
The relationship between mobbing, alienation and burnout among teachers in Mersin, Turkey
Authors: İnandi Yusuf , Büyüközkan Ayşe Sezin
Published: May 2022

The relationship between mobbing behaviour, alienation and burnout experienced by teachers in the elementary schools in central districts of Mersin was investigated in the study reported on here. The sample of this study consisted of a group of 455 randomly selected teachers selected by the simple random sampling method. The mobbing scale, alienation scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used in the study, and data were analysed by using the correlation and regression techniques. As a result, there is a positive and significant relationship between mobbing behaviour experienced by the teachers and their alienation. Also, mobbing behaviour of school administrators were found to be positively associated with teachers’ burnout. Furthermore, mobbing behaviour significantly predict all other dimensions of alienation, except for school alienation dimension, and all dimensions of burnout.
Vulnerable young adults’ retrospective perceptions of school-based psychosocial support
Authors: Nortje Ann Lindsey , Pillay Jace
Published: May 2022

In this article we describe the retrospective perceptions of vulnerable young adults on the psychosocial support they had been exposed to when they were in school. Qualitative data were collected through individual interviews, collages and a focus group discussion with 5 young adults (2 females and 3 males aged from 20 to 23) who resided at a foster home in Johannesburg. Thematic data analysis identified distinct psychological and social experiences which impacted on their ability to function independently as adults. The psychological experiences highlighted their sense of vulnerability, a lack of identity, emotional pain, and the need for career and guidance counselling. Their social experiences were characterised by social isolation and a lack of social skills. Adopting Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, we discuss what psychosocial support should be provided at schools so that vulnerable children could have a better life.
Teaching and learning Physics using interactive simulation: A guided inquiry practice
Authors: Ogegbo Ayodele Abosede , Ramnarain Umesh
Published: May 2022

The research reported here examined the outcome of using interactive simulation technology (IST) as a guided-inquiry approach to enhance learners’ conceptual knowledge of electrostatics in physics. Participants were Grade 11 physical sciences learners (n = 60) and a teacher from a rural school in South Africa. Learners were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) that took part in the intervention lesson using the integration of IST in the science classroom, and a control group (n = 30) that continued with the conventional teaching method. We adopted a mixed-method approach for this research. Data were collected through a pre-post achievement instrument, classroom observations, and focus group interviews. Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and content analysis. It was found that the mean rank rating of the pre-test results for learners in both groups was not significantly different. However, the Mann-Whitney U-test indicated that learners’ conceptual understanding measured in the post-test result was greater for the experimental group (mean rank gain score = 38.83) compared to the control group (mean rank gain score = 22.17), U = 200.0, p = 0.000185. This finding indicates that integrating IST into inquiry-based activities can be used efficiently to improve learners’ in-depth knowledge of science concepts.
Reflections from an Out-Of-School Learning Course: The Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers
Authors: DURUKAN Ümmü Gülsüm , ASLAN Ayşegül , BOZDOĞAN Aykut Emre
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study is to examine the development of pre-service science teachers within the course about the out-of-school learning. In this study, the effects of the implementations in the course on the perceptions of the pre-service science teachers about the relevant subject and their self-efficacy in organizing teaching activities in these environments were evaluated. The study was carried out employing an action research design. The study group consisted of 36 pre-service science teachers in The Department of Science Education at the Faculty of Education at a state university in Turkey during the 2019-2020 academic year. Data collection tools were "The Form of Pre-service Science Teachers’ Opinion on OSL”, “Self-Efficacy Belief Scale for Planning and Organizing Educational Trips to Out of School Settings" developed by Bozdoğan (2016), “Informal Learning Environments Scale" developed by Adiyaman (2019), and “Experience Determination Form” adapted by Aslan (2015). The data collection tools were used as a pre-test on the first week of the course and as a post-test on the fifteenth week of the same course. The qualitative data elicited from the open-ended questions and the "Experience Determination Form" were subjected to the content analysis method. The quantitative data obtained from the “Self-Efficacy Belief Scale for Organizing Educational Trips to Out-of-School Environments” and “Informal Learning Environments Scale” were analysed using the SPSS 25.0 package program. The dependent t-test was used to compare the scores of the pre-tests and post-tests. The results showed that the applications made within the course significantly affect the opinions of pre-service science teachers about out-of-school learning and their self-efficacy in organizing educational activities in out-of-school learning environments
Mathematics Learning from Concrete to Abstract (1968-2021): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: CHIN Huan , CHEW Cheng Meng , SUSEELAN Menaga
Published: May 2022

Mathematics learning is illustrated as a developmental progression in the direction of concrete-to-abstract by educational theorists. Various studies rooted in this notion were conducted in the past. This study aimed to profile the landscape of research rooted in this notion which was published from 1968 to 2021. The bibliographic data of 425 related publications were retrieved from the Scopus database for bibliometric analysis. Descriptive analysis and regression analysis were performed to profile the publication trend. Then, author bibliographic coupling analysis was carried out to identify the domains of research related to mathematics learning from concrete to abstract. The findings show an increasing trend of publication following the exponential model. The research was clustered into five research domains: (i) ‘manipulatives and arithmetic learning’; (ii) ‘mathematics learning of students with learning disabilities’; (iii) ‘Concrete-Representational-Abstract sequence in elementary mathematics teaching’; (iv) ‘Ideal mathematics teaching’; and (v) ‘mathematics problem-solving and mathematics learning of students with autism spectrum disorder’. The two emergent research domains in this research area are (i) ‘mathematics learning of students with learning disabilities’; and (ii) ‘mathematics problem-solving and mathematics learning of students with autism spectrum disorder’, which have the highest proportion of publications since 2015. The findings of this study can help researchers to understand the current landscape of research with the notion of mathematics learning from concrete to abstract, and hence propose pathways for future research.
A simple technology for plastid transformation with fragmented DNA v1
Authors: not provided rking
Published: May 2022

we developed a simple plastid transformation technology without need for in vitro vector construction while by using multiple linear DNA fragments, which share homologous sequences (HSs) at their ends. The strategy is based on homologous recombination between HSs of DNA fragments via endogenous recombination machinery in plastids, which subsequently are integrated into plastid genome.
Genotyping NS and NSK herbaria specimens of Hedysarum (Fabaceae) using DNA sequencing
Authors:   Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Nuzhdina Natalia S. , Kovtonyuk Nataliya K. ,   Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS
Published: May 2022

Over 2000 specimens of the genus Hedysarum L., belonging to 48 species and 4 subspecies, were digitised and placed into CSBG SB RAS Digital herbarium whilst making a digital inventory of the herbarium collections of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden (NS, NSK). Totally, 466 nucleotide sequences were determined for 136 voucher specimens using the Sanger sequencing method. DNA sequences were obtained for 25 Hedysarum taxa for the first time.
ON THE DISTANCE-DEGREE ENERGY OF GRAPHS
Authors: Surya S. Sarah , Subbulakshmi P.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we define the distance-degree energy of a graph which provides the most natural generalization of energy, distance energy and Harary energy. Also, we derive certain properties of the distance-degree energy and investigate its behaviour on certain classes of graphs. Further, we study its relationship with other graph invariants and obtain a lower bound.
Özel Okullarda Kullanılan Pazarlama Taktikleri: Bir Ölçek Geliştirme Çalışması
Authors: MERMER Sümeyye , ÖZER Niyazi
Published: May 2022

Özel okulların yaygınlaşması ile gündeme gelen eğitim hizmetlerinin pazarlaması, bu alanda hizmet veren kurumlar için oldukça önemli bir yere sahiptir. Özel eğitim kurumları, rakiplerine üstünlük sağlayarak isim yapmak, hedefledikleri öğrenci nüfusuna kavuşabilmek ve mevcut öğrenci nüfusunu koruyabilmek için çeşitli pazarlama taktiklerine ihtiyaç duymaktadır. Araştrmada bu durum göz önünde bulundurularak, özel okula kayıt yaptırmaya istekli olan velileri etkilemek için kullanılan pazarlama taktiklerini betimleyecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, Sivas il merkezinde 2019-2020 eğitim-öğretim yılında özel eğitim-öğretim hizmeti sunan anasınıfı, ilkokul, ortaokul ve liselerde yürütülmüştür. Veriler, bu özel okulların araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılım sağlayan iki farklı veli grubundan (N1=397, N2=812) elde edilmiştir. Araştırmada ölçeğin geçerliğini belirleme kapsamında açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizleri, düzeltilmiş madde-toplam korelasyonları; ölçeğin güvenirliğini belirlemek için ise Cronbach Alpha iç tutarlılık katsayısı hesaplanmıştır. İstatistiksel işlemler SPSS 21 ve AMOS 21 paket programları üzerinden yapılmıştır. Açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda, ölçeğin 24 maddeden oluşan dört faktörlü bir yapıda olduğu belirlenmiş ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile de bu model doğrulanmıştır. Ölçeğin boyutlarına ait Cronbach Alpha iç tutarlılık katsayıları, “Ürün ve Hizmet Odaklı Pazarlama” boyutu için “.901”, “Okul Çalışanları Odaklı Pazarlama” boyutu için “.920”, “Ücret ve Ödeme Odaklı Pazarlama” boyutu için “.841”, “Fiziksel Olanaklar Odaklı Pazarlama” boyutu için “.863” olarak hesaplanmıştır. Geçerlilik ve güvenilirlik analizleri sonucunda ölçeğin mevcut haliyle özel okulların kullandıkları pazarlama taktiklerini ölçmede kullanılabileceği belirlenmiştir. Ölçeğin eğitim alanında hizmet sağlayıcılar olan özel okul yöneticileri ve özel okullarla ilgili çalışma yürüten araştırmacılar için fayda sağlayarak alana katkı sunacağı düşünülmektedir.
Türkçe Öğretmenlerinin Web 2.0 Araçlarını Kullanma Yetkinliklerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: EYÜP Bircan
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışmada ilk olarak Türkçe öğretmenlerinin Web 2.0 araçlarını kullanmaya yönelik yetkinliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. İkinci olarak, çalışmada öğretmenlerin Web 2.0 araçlarını kullanma yetkinliklerinin cinsiyet, meslekteki yılı, öğrenim durumu, görev yeri, teknolojik gelişmeleri takip etme ve Web 2.0 araçlarına yönelik eğitim alma durumlarına göre anlamlı bir fark gösterip göstermediğini tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır. Tekil ve ilişkisel tarama modellerine göre tasarlanan bu çalışmanın örneklemini Türkiye’nin çeşitli illerinde, ortaokullarda görev yapan 156 Türkçe öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Veriler, 39 maddenden oluşan ‘Web 2.0 Araçları Kullanımı Yetkinliği Ölçeği’ ile toplanmıştır. Veriler SPSS 23.0 programında istatistiksel analiz teknikleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda, Türkçe öğretmenlerinin Web 2.0 araçlarını kullanmaya yönelik yetkinliklerinin orta seviyenin altında olduğu belirlenmiştir. Öğretmenlerin Web 2.0 araçlarını kullanma yetkinliklerinin cinsiyet, meslekteki yıl, öğrenim durumu ve görev yerine göre değişiklik göstermediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ancak Türkçe öğretmenlerinin Web 2.0 araçlarını kullanma yetkinliklerinin teknolojik gelişmeleri takip etme ve Web 2.0 araçlarına yönelik eğitim alma durumlarına göre anlamlı farklılık gösterdiği ortaya çıkmıştır. Teknolojik gelişmeleri takip eden ve Web 2.0 araçlarına yönelik eğitim alan Türkçe öğretmenlerinin bu araçları kullanmaya yönelik yetkinlik puanları daha yüksek çıkmıştır. Sonuçlardan hareketle Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı tarafından Türkçe öğretmenlerine Web 2.0 araçlarına yönelik hem teorik hem de uygulamalı olmak üzere hizmet içi kursların ivedilikle verilmesi gerektiği önerilmiştir.
PATHFINDING ALGORITHMS
Authors: Bistrovs Einārs , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

Darbā ir aprakstīts salīdzinājums starp trim īsākā ceļa meklēšanas algotitmiem: A*, Deikstras algoritma, Plašas pirmās meklēšanas algoritma (Breadth first search). Algoritmi tika salīdzināti aplikācijā, kura ģenerē labirintus pēc gadījuma principa. Algoritmu izpildes laikā tiek iegūti trīs veidu dati – izpildes laiks, veikto operāciju skaits, ceļa garums.
ANALYSIS OF USER REQUIREMENTS FOR SPORT SCHOOL SYSTEM
Authors: Ceriņa Sandra , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

Author analyzes user requirements of “Rezekne Chidren and Youth Sport School” and their coherence with the school management system “E-klase”. Author completed system analysis, statistical survey and system comparison to develop recommendations how to improve sociotechnical system of school.
EVOLUTION OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
Authors: Cimermanis Edgars , Grabusts Pēteris
Published: May 2022

This article is about programming languages, that has improved over time and is still evolving. The goal of this work is to delve into specifics of programming languages and the logic behind they’re evolving. This paper will overlook parts of programming languages to understand, why there is so many of them and how they work.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CLOUD COGNITIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS BY USING COMPUTER VISION’S OBJECT DETECTION
Authors: Ivulis Jāzeps , Štekels Kārlis , Teilāns Artis
Published: May 2022

The given paper’s “Comparative analysis of cloud cognitive service providers by using computer vision’s object detection” goal is to analyze prediction precision of objects in digital image, using different cognitive services what are available in the market. During the research process there were made a several trials using different computer vision services to analyze the same number of images. Every separate image was under detailed analysis for prediction accuracy of each object. The results show that there is significant difference between different vision services.
E-BOOKS
Authors: Kručena Amalda Margita , Bēriņa Gundega
Published: May 2022

The work describes the protection of e-books and their history, as well as the publishing house of electronic scientific books and magazines of the Rezekne Academy of Technology in the e-environment. This paper looks at general information about e-books and how it affects the operation and development of electronic publishing.
WHY TESTING IS IMPORTANT IN THE E-COMMERCE APPLICATION?
Authors: Lazda Gintars , Teilāns Artis
Published: May 2022

The author performed an analysis why testing is important for e-commerce application. The work contains basic information about testing, software development and e-commerce.
RAY TRACING ALGORITHM FOR 3D SCENE RENDERING
Authors: Tārauds Valdis , Meirāns Ivars
Published: May 2022

In this work, authors implemented simple gpu ray tracing algorithm, that can render image with realistic reflections. To achieve result author use Unity as main development tool.
MACHINE LEARNING SERVICE FOR STUDENT REGISTRATION
Authors: Točelovskis Andrejs , Teilāns Artis
Published: May 2022

The paper provides various tips for machine learning tehnology. The main part describes main functionality of machine learning service for human face recognition
VISUALIZATION METHODS OF IMAGE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS IN NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Vogulis Kaspars , Platonovs Valdis , Judovičs Edgars , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

The aim of the work was to find and describe ways of visualising layers of neural netwoks, which analyse images and classify them. By visualising network layers, scientists and developers could see features, which influence on results of neural network mapping, training and overall result. In this paper, authors demonstrate different visualization methods, which can be applied by machine learning engineers.
DEEP LEARNING FOR APPLE AND PEAR RECOGNITION
Authors: Žukovs Vitālijs , Apeināns Ilmārs , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work is to develop a neural network, which is able to recognize apples and pears. To achieve the goal, the authors of this work used the architecture of the neural network AlexNet and the open dataset “Fruits360”. A trained model showed a good result testing it on validation images: total accuracy 0.97 and latency 35ms/step. In the future research, authors consider to train the neural network model using the MobileNet architecture and verify it using the Cohen`s Kappa coefficient.
HEAT LOSS OF A BRICK BUILDING WALL DEPENDING ON THE THICKNESS OF THERMAL INSULATION MATERIAL
Authors: Bluks Oskars , Teirumnieka Ērika
Published: May 2022

The proposed study has been completed to calculate and compare heat losses through the building wall depending on the thickness of the thermal insulation material layer. The aim of the work is to find the optimal thickness of thermal insulation material. The study concludes that heat loss is directly dependent on the thickness of the thermal insulation layer, but the greatest effect is achieved with the first layer.
ROLE OF LASERS IN CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Authors: Yartym Khrystyna , Liakhovych Mariia , Kos Andrii , Ischenko Anastasiia , Yefimova Tatiana , Pacejs Antons
Published: May 2022

This article describes different ways of using laser technology in different fields of science. In biology, lasers are used to study the microstructure of cells, their organelles (living cells and their preparations). In medicine they are used for a special type of surgery. With the development of lasers, they have become safer, easier to use. Technologies for the use of lasers in medicine have also improved to such a level that they cause almost no complications after their application.
SEARCHING FOR NEW FLUORESCENT DYES
Authors: Konstantinova Anastasija , Kirilova Jeļena , Zaičenko Andrejs
Published: May 2022

Today, luminescent dyes are widely used in medicine and in various industries. Benzanthrone is widely used as a laser dye, fluorescent pigment,as well as various medical examinations, for example, antibodies are labeled with luminescent dyes to detect antigens in cells. Work aim is synthesize new luminescent benzantrone derivatives with benzimidazole and amino acid residues. Reaction ability of 3-N-(2-chloro-acetamido)benzanthrone to replace the chlorine atom with various heterocyclic amines and amino acids was investigated.
RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEXTILE WASTE IN LATVIA
Authors: Lupkina Laine , Noviks Gotfrīds , Kriipsalu Mait
Published: May 2022

Textile industry is experiencing rapid growth due to changing consumer and fashion patterns. For example, in 2015, EU citizens bought about 12.66 kg of textile items per person. This generates a large amount of textile waste every year, making impact on environment and human health. Therefore, targets in European Union and national level are being set to reduce the amount of textile waste going to landfill. To achieve them, it is necessary to recycle textile waste into new products. The aim of the article is to research possible solutions for textile waste recycling, including the example of Estonia, as well as to create an engineering solution for textile waste recycling in Latvia to achieve goals of Directive (EU) 2018/851.
HEAT LOSSES OF BUILDINGS IN VECVARKAVA
Authors: Rudzāte Ineta , Martinovs Andris
Published: May 2022

Uninsulated or poorly insulated buildings cause discomfort to the occupants of these buildings and can increase the cost of thermal energy. It is therefore important to know the heat loss of buildings and which parts of the building are the largest, so that the correct choice of building materials can be ensured so that the building can be completely or partially renovated. This could be insulation of the roof, walls or floor of the building, replacement of windows and doors, which would significantly reduce heat loss.
AMINOACIDS LIKE FLUORESCENT MARKERS FOR BIOMATERIALS
Authors: Sedlionoka Elīna , Kirilova Jeļena
Published: May 2022

Mūsdienās fluorescentas metodes ir plaši izmantotas vairākās zinātnes un medicīnas nozarēs: luminiscējošie materiāli ir nozīmīgi imunoķīmijā, in situ hibridizācijas fluorescencē, šūnu pētījumos, citoķīmijā, medicīniskos izmeklējumos un citur. Fluorescentā iekrāsošana ir process, kura gaitā notiek fluorofora kovalentā pievienošana pētāmai molekulai. Tagad ir izpētītas vairākās luminiscentas iezīmes olbaltumvielu, lipīdu un nukleīnskābju vizualizēšanai. Proteīnu vizualizācijai bioķīmiķi un biologi plaši izmanto luminiscentu iezīmi FITC, kura līdzīgi projektā pielietotam marķierim satur izotiocianāta grupējumu, kas spēj reaģēt ar aminogrupām un tādā veidā iezīmēt biomateriālu, kurā ir aminogrupas (amiboskābes, olbaltumvielas u.c.).
TRANSFER LEARNING FOR TRAINING ACCELARATION
Authors: Apeināns Ilmārs , Žukovs Vitālijs , Kodors Sergejs , Zarembo Imants
Published: May 2022

In this work, authors compare training time of standard convolution neuron network model with model trained using transfer learning. Both models are based on Alexnet architecture. CNN model training from scratch included full model, but using transfer learning, some layers of model were frozen for learning acceleration considering transfer learning methodology.
SEO AND SEM BENEFITS IN DIGITAL MARKETING
Authors: Baltiņš Viesturs , Zarembo Imants
Published: May 2022

The paper deals with the search engine optimization and search engine marketing benefits to website. Explains the differences as well as their similarities between SEO and SEM. Gives tips on what conditions one of the strategies is preferable to boost website ratings than the other, and under what circumstances it is more effective to use both SEO and SEM strategies.
E - COMMERCE CONVERSION MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMIZATION PRINCIPLES
Authors: Briška Mareks , Ežmale Sandra
Published: May 2022

The conversion rate optimisation (CRO) essentially contains huge configuration capabilities, but it cannot be called a sophisticated marketing technique. Increased income, attracting new customers and reconnecting existing customers: these are just some of the benefits of an improved, efficient and constantly moving e-commerce site, so it is important to understand the conversion technique correctly before starting business on the Internet or performing optimization procedures. The objective of the research is to analyze the principles of e- commerce conversation management and optimisation. Two tasks have been set within the framework of the research: 1) to analyse the essence of e- commerce conversation optimisation; to describe conversion rate optimization steps.
OPTIMAL DATASET SELECTION FOR TRANSFERLEARNING
Authors: Deksnis Sandis , Piterāns Rolands , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

The proposed article describes transfer learning and Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) methodology application in machine learning. The goal was to find out the shortest distance among three datasets in order to identifyt dataset, which is more suited for neural network pretraining. The experiment was completed using Python programming language and Jupyter Notebook. Neural network pretrained on ImageNet dataset was applied as feature extractor. The extracted feature vectors of datasets were applied to calculate the minimal distance using EMD algorithm.
STUDY OF THE DEMAND FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES IN LATVIA
Authors: Fadejevs Aleksandrs , Grabusts Pēteris
Published: May 2022

This article focuses on software development technologies used by companies operating in Latvia in 2021. The aim of this work is to determine which software development technologies are most frequently used in Latvia this year. Determine what types of technologies they relate to, and finally draw appropriate conclusions.
JETPACK COMPOSE AND XML LAYOUT RENDERING PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
Authors: Fjodorovs Iļja , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

The aim of the work is to find out the rendering performance of new Google Android user interface framework “Jetpack Compose”. Author has built two applications for Android platform with identical user interfaces: one uses classic approach with Kotlin + XML layout file, another application is developed using Jetpack Compose. In the results, the performance comparison of each approach is provided.
NOSQL DATABASES
Authors: Krapans Jānis , Kodors Sergejs
Published: May 2022

Darbā ir aprakstīts trīs NoSQL datubāžu salīdzinājums: Mango, CouchBase un Cassandra. Datubāžu salīdzinājuma dati tika iegūti izmantojot YCSB- programmu, kura noslogo datubāzi ar dažādām darba slodzēm, kuras atbilst mūsdienu moderno aplikāciju prasībām. Testu izpildes beigās tiks iegūti katras datubāzes veiktspējas dati, kā arī tās latentums
ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF VISITORS TO MUNICIPAL WEBSITES AND SOCIAL NETWORK ACCOUNTS
Authors: Malinovska Laura , Grabusts Pēteris
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, when services of municipalities are available only remote, need for reliable information is constantly increasing- starting with administration office contacts and ending with current COVID-19 restrictions. This flow of information in Latvia is provided by websites and social media accounts of local municipalities. The author's work has explored statistics and user behaviour data of foreign municipalities websites during COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore an survey for Latvia’s municipalities was conducted to find out how COVID-19 pandemic has changed user behaviour and website statistics. As a result, author of the work compared data obtained from surveys and examinated available data from foreign municipalities, which could be used facing further crisis situations.
USE OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEM RESEARC IN A HEALTHCARE INSTITUTION
Authors: Meirule Laila , Ežmale Sandra
Published: May 2022

The author of the study studies the functional adequacy of information systems in a healthcare company SIA "Preiļu slimnīca". By studying both information systems integrated in the company, the author has compared both systems, as a result of which he has developed proposals for improving the sustainable development of the systems.
PILOT APPLICATION ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION FOR AN AUTHOR OFFERED NEW APPLICATION
Authors: Petkevičs Dmitrijs , Teilāns Artis
Published: May 2022

The givens paper’s “Pilot application analysis and description for an author offered new application” goal is to analyze the apps available for pilots. During research author made multiple groups of applications that pilots use to make their work easier, and described them. Also author offered a new application that will help pilots in daily reports. Conclusion was made using knowledge gathered from analyzes.
APPLICATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY IN E-COMMERCE
Authors: Rundāne Guna , Litavniece Lienīte
Published: May 2022

The problem of research is still relatively low usage of augmented reality mobile applications in e-commerce, despite it’s advantages and opportunities to increase competitiveness. The aim of the research is to find out and explore the benefits of augmented reality in e-commerce. The paper discusses the definition of augmented reality, it’s advantages and looks through most succesfull mobile applications in e-commerce containing augmented reality. The author includes a case study from a very popular app “Makeup Genius” and examines the basis for its success. The most popular augmented reality apps allow customers to virtually try on products saving time by not having to go to a physical store. Several sources point out that the main advantage of augmented reality is greater consumer interaction with the application, which as a result creates a pleasant experience for the customer.