bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Covid-19 on the Economy of Jordan
Authors:   Lecturer (Part-time), The World Islamic Science and Education University, College of Finance and Business, Department of Banking and Finance, Amman, Jordan, Almaaitah Dr. Nedal Khaled Ahmad , Al-Abadi Dr. Abeer Fawzan ,   Associate Professor, The World Islamic Science and Education University, College of Finance and Business, Department of Banking and Finance, Amman, Jordan, Manasir Dr. Ahmad Hamed Al ,   PhD Accounting, Financial Manager, Barzan Technology Solution (DIG), Amman, Jordan.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic impacts in Jordan are rapidly evolving, with the impact being shaped not only by the effects of the virus's spread on the broader economy, but also by the nature of the government response—movement restrictions and other emergency measures—and Jordan's key development partners' support. It is critical to have a good understanding of who is impacted, how, and for how long in order to adopt suitable mitigation measures or to change existing emergency measures. The study's goal is to provide evidence for policy and programming objectives, as well as to aid in the development of appropriate strategies to mitigate the pandemic's effects in Jordan. The study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on unemployment, public debt and economic growth in Jordan. The study found that the Jordanian economy reported major challenges in terms of decreased growth, increased unemployment, and increased public debt Compared to previous years before the breakout of COVID-19.
GAMBARAN PELAYANAN ADMINISTRASI PENDAFTARAN RAWAT JALAN PASIEN BPJS SELAMA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI RUMAH SAKIT AL ISLAM BANDUNG TAHUN 2021
Authors: Hanafi Mutiafani , Winarti Wiwin
Published: February 2022

Penelitian ini berjudul “Gambaran Pelayanan Administrasi Pendaftaran Rawat Jalan Pasien BPJS Selama Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Al Islam Bandung Tahun 2021”. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelayanan administrasi pendaftaran rawat jalan yang diberikan kepada pasien BPJS saat terjadi pandemi Covid-19s. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan mulai dari bulan April-Juni 2021. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, sedangkan untuk teknik pengambilan datanya melalui proses kajian dokumen, wawancara dengan supervisor pendaftaran dan beberapa staff yang bertugas sebagai pelaksana dan juga observasi yang dilaksanakan di unit pendaftaran rawat jalan pasien BPJS. Data yang terkumpul kemudian dianalisa dan dideskripsikan secara rinci dan terstruktur. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu, proses pelaksanaan pelayanan pendaftaran selama pandemi mengacu kepada regulasi yang berlaku dan juga ketentuan yang telah dibuat oleh rumah sakit. Beberapa pelayanan pendaftaran di Rumah Sakit Al Islam yang dapat dapat digunakan oleh pasien BPJS yaitu Pendaftaran Langsung, Pendaftaran Via Telepon, Pendaftaran Autoregistrasi, Rujukan antar fasilitas kesehatan, dan Rujukan Internal. Dari data dapat disimpulkan bahwa pelayanan yang diberikan oleh Rumah Sakit Al Islam selama pandemi telah dilakukan penyesuian pada regulasi yang telah ada untuk menegakkan protokol covid-19 sudah sesuai dengan regulasi yang berlaku dan dilaksanakan sesuai dengan standar prosedur operasional yang ditetapkan oleh pihak Rumah Sakit.

Kata kunci: Pasien BPJS, Pendaftaran, Rawat Jalan.
Hydrogen and Helium Shock Phenomena during Rising Light in RR Lyrae Fundamental Mode Pulsators
Authors: Preston George W. , Sneden Christopher , Chadid Merieme
Published: February 2022

We present measurements of H and He emission and absorption lines produced in RRab fundamental mode pulsators during primary light rise. The lines define universal progressions of rise and decay in metal-poor RRab stars. Such a progression cannot be constructed for He in metal-rich RRab (those with [Fe/H] > −0.8) because weak He i emission is detected in only two of the six metal-rich RRab in our survey. Great variety exists in the phase variations of the blue- and red-shifted absorption components of the 5876 Å line during pre- and post-emission phases. Detection of measurable He ii 4686 Å emission in eight RRab, three of them Blazhko variables, provides an additional constraint on ionization of helium.
The Implications of TeV-detected GRB Afterglows for Acceleration at Relativistic Shocks
Authors: Huang Zhi-Qiu , Kirk John G. , Giacinti Gwenael , Reville Brian
Published: February 2022

Motivated by the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays deep in the afterglow emission of a gamma-ray burst (GRB), we revisit predictions of the maximum energy to which electrons can be accelerated at a relativistic blast wave. Acceleration at the weakly magnetized forward shock of a blast wave can be limited by either the rapid damping of turbulence generated behind the shock, the effect of a large-scale ambient magnetic field, or radiation losses. Within the confines of a standard, single-zone, synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model, we show that observations of GRB 190829A rule out a rapid damping of the downstream turbulence. Furthermore, simultaneous fits to the X-ray and TeV gamma-ray emission of this object are not possible unless the limit on acceleration imposed by the ambient magnetic field is comparable to or weaker than that imposed by radiation losses. This requires the dominant length scale of the turbulence behind the shock to be larger than that implied by particle-in-cell simulations. However, even then, Klein–Nishina effects prevent production of the hard VHE gamma-ray spectrum suggested by observations. Thus, TeV observations of GRB afterglows, though still very sparse, are already in tension with the SSC emission scenario.
Revised Analysis of Fe vii
Authors: Kramida Alexander , Ryabtsev Alexander N. , Young Peter R.
Published: February 2022

New spectrograms of multiply ionized iron have been recorded and analyzed, targeting the Fe vii spectrum. As a result, several previously unknown spectral lines and energy levels have been identified in this spectrum. These new data have been analyzed together with all previously published laboratory and astrophysical data on this spectrum. The energy levels have been interpreted using parametric calculations with Cowan codes. Radiative transition rates calculated in this work supplemented other previously published calculations in constructing a complete set of recommended transition probabilities. The ionization energy of Fe vii has been redetermined with a fivefold improvement in accuracy. Its new value is 1,007,928(20) cm−1, corresponding to 124.9671(25) eV.
New records of Sabethini (Diptera: Culicidae) from Colombia
Authors: Naranjo-Díaz Nelson , Suaza-Vasco Juan , Pineda-Angel Jacobo , Uribe Sandra
Published: February 2022

In the Neotropical Region, the mosquitoes, grouped in the tribe Sabethini (Arthropoda, Insecta, Diptera: Culicidae) are considered of medical importance by the role that some species may have in arbovirus transmission; also, because they are good bioindicators. More than 400 species are currently recognised and are mainly associated with forest areas. The tribe Sabethini is poorly studied and the information about diversity and distribution for species relating to it is scarce. In Colombia, 54 species of the tribe are known; however, several geographical areas have not been included in the studies for this group and data for recent field collections are not available; therefore, the records are outdated.

This study presents the species list of the Sabethini tribe in Colombia, based on a review of previous publications and recent unpublished data. The list includes 68 species of nine genera and 16 subgenera. The genus Wyeomyia has the highest species number (39), followed by Sabethes (14). A total of 29 new records are registered and actualized information related to the local distribution in some Departments is presented, including geographic coordinates. In this paper, the distribution records of Sabethini for Colombia are updated, revealing the high diversity of this group in the country and providing some useful information for species that may need surveillance or control.
Phylogenetic and multivariate analyses of Gekko smithii Gray, 1842 recover a new species from Peninsular Malaysia and support the resurrection of G. albomaculatus (Giebel, 1861) from Sumatra
Authors: Grismer L. Lee , del Pinto Lelani , Quah Evan S. H. , Anuar Shahrul , Cota Micheal , McGuire Jimmy A. , Iskandar Djoko T. , Wood Jr Perry L. , Grismer Jesse L.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis of Sundaic populations ofGekko smithiifrom the Thai-Malaya Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo recovered four deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages that are separated by major geographic barriers (mountains and seaways). Furthermore, they bear a number of concordant statistically significant differences in meristic and morphometric features, morphospatial separation in multivariate space, and discrete differences in color pattern.Gekko smithiisensu strictois restricted to southern Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra and Peninsular Malaysia west of the Banjaran (mountain range) Titiwangsa, being that the type locality is on Penang Island, Penang.Gekko hulksp. nov.is a new species from extreme southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia east of the Banjaran Titiwangsa and five east coast islands—the type locality being Pulau (island) Tioman, Pahang. Gekko cf. albofasciolatus is tentatively used to include Bornean populations west of the Iran Mountains in Sabah and Sarawak which, in the absence of molecular data, cannot unequivocally be separated morphologically fromG. albofasciolatusfrom the type locality at Banjarmasin, Kalimantan, Indonesia east of the Iran Mountains. In the absence of molecular data,G. albomaculatusis resurrected to include mainland Sumatran, Nias Island, and Banyak Islands populations which, based on their morphology, cannot be separated from descriptions ofG. albomaculatusfrom the type locality of Bangka Island, 15 km off the southeast coast of mainland Sumatra. Further integrative analyses of all Sumatran and Bornean populations are currently underway as well as the enigmatic Wallacean populations from Sulawesi. Data are presented that strongly suggest all references toG. smithiifrom Java stem from a 151 year-old misidentification of a specimen ofG. geckoof unknown provenance. Additionally, there are no vouchered records ofG. smithiifrom Myanmar. The phylogeographic patterns of Sundaic populations of theG. smithiicomplex are concordant with those of a plethora of other Sundaic lineages.
Clinical Performance of an Ultrashort, Proximally Porous-Coated and Tapered Metaphyseal-Fitting Cementless Femoral Stem Among Octogenarians
Authors: Kim Young-Hoo , Jang Young-Soo
Published: February 2022

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) among octogenarians presents greater challenges than among the younger patient population because of the high risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality and poor bone quality. We determined the clinical performance and radiographic results of an ultrashort, proximally porous-coated and tapered metaphyseal-fitting cementless femoral stem for octogenarians. A total of 100 unselected octogenarians (112 hips) were included in this retrospective study. All patients received the ultrashort, proximally porous-coated and tapered cementless stem during the study period, but patients who could not walk preoperatively were excluded from the analysis. Their mean age was 82.3±12.1 years (range, 80–92 years). Assessment was performed with the Harris Hip Score; Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score; thigh pain; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score; and radiographic results. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.6 years (range, 6–9 years). At the final follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 87±13 points, the mean WOMAC score was 26±8 points, and the mean UCLA activity score was 4.5 points. Osseointegration was obtained for 105 (94%) acetabular components and 110 (98%) femoral components. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis at 9 years showed that the survival rate for the acetabular component was 94% (95% CI, 91–98) and that of the femoral component was 98% (95% CI, 91–100), with aseptic loosening or revision as the end point. The ultrashort cementless femoral component provides stable fixation without the need for diaphyseal fixation among octogenarians. [
Orthopedics
. 2022;45(3):181–186.]
The Use of Guided Reflection in Simulation-Based Education With Prelicensure Nursing Students: An Integrative Review
Authors: Walsh Julianne A. , Sethares Kristen A.
Published: February 2022

Background:

This integrative review synthesized the findings of studies to determine the uses and outcomes of guided reflection in simulation-based education (SBE) with prelicensure nursing students.

Method:

A search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) Plus, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Education Research Complete (ERC), and PsychINFO using the key words reflection, guided reflection, simulation (nursing education or nursing student), traditional, and baccalaureate identified 18 articles.

Results:

Findings suggest facilitation of guided reflection in SBE has a positive effect on leadership development, clinical judgment, student satisfaction, and critical thought. Development of a tool to accurately measure guided reflection is warranted.

Conclusion:

Current evidence on the use of guided reflection in SBE calls for a major paradigm shift in higher education. Guided SBE experiences enhance participant knowledge, and guided reflection should be used as an innovative teaching strategy in SBE.

[
J Nurs Educ
. 2022;61(2):73–79.]
Miser sur les capacités citoyennes pour faire face à la crise climatique
Authors: Groleau Audrey , Arseneau Isabelle , Pouliot Chantal
Published: February 2022

Dans ce texte, nous abordons la nécessité d’une éducation aux changements climatiques qui s’appuie sur les capacités citoyennes. Nous présentons d’abord le concept de déficit citoyen, puis nous discutons des raisons pour lesquelles il est important de s’intéresser aux capacités citoyennes dans les recherches en didactique des sciences et dans l’enseignement des technosciences. Cela nous mène à proposer différentes façons de mettre en lumière les capacités citoyennes et de contribuer à leur développement afin de former des personnes capables de comprendre les tenants et les aboutissants des questions environnementales et sanitaires contemporaines, de participer aux discussions sociopolitiques et d’agir sur les situations qui les concernent.
Lorsque la création rencontre les grands défis socioécologiques en enseignement des arts plastiques au secondaire
Authors: Deslauriers Anne
Published: February 2022

Cet article présente certains résultats préliminaires d’une recherche doctorale visant à développer un modèle éducationnel en enseignement des arts plastiques au secondaire. Ce modèle conjugue éducation artistique et éducation relative à l’environnement, rejoignant des éléments clés du Programme de formation de l’école québécoise. Au sein de ce modèle, l’éducation artistique s’intéresse aux horizons extradisciplinaires du domaine des arts, comme la prise en compte de questions socioécologiques, en particulier celle du changement climatique, conséquence d’une dégradation environnementale sans précédent.
L’éducation relative au changement climatique dans la recherche, les politiques climatiques et les curriculums de l’éducation secondaire
Authors: Pérez Diez Alejandro , García Vinuesa Antonio , Bisquert i Pérez Kylyan Marc , Á. Meira Cartea Pablo
Published: February 2022

Cet article présente la démarche et les résultats de deux recherches doctorales réalisées dans le cadre du projet Resclima de la Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (Galice). Ces recherches sont complémentaires : elles offrent un état de la question de l’ERCC à l’échelle académique, politique et scolaire, plus spécifiquement dans l’enseignement secondaire. La première consiste en une analyse bibliométrique visant à caractériser la recherche portant sur le changement climatique (CC) à l’école secondaire. La deuxième permet de dresser un portrait de l’état général de la recherche actuelle sur l’éducation relative aux changements climatiques (ERCC) dans les programmes scolaires à travers ses principaux axes d’articulation : les politiques climatiques et éducatives, le développement des curricula ainsi que l’analyse de manuels scolaires et des pratiques pédagogiques innovantes. Ces deux recherches mettent en évidence l’importance de se doter d’un agenda international de recherche éducative sur l’ERCC, ainsi que la nécessité de développer de curricula nationaux qui placeraient la lutte contre le CC au centre de l’éducation formelle.
Regards croisés sur le phénomène « d’écoanxiété » : perspectives psychologique, sociale et éducationnelle
Authors: Gousse-Lessard Anne-Sophie , Lebrun-Paré Félix
Published: February 2022

Le vocable « écoanxiété » a récemment fait son entrée dans le discours médiatique, celui des mouvements sociaux et au sein des milieux éducatifs. Si le milieu de la recherche n'est pas en reste, trop peu d'écrits, particulièrement en français, se sont penchés sur le phénomène que le terme « écoanxiété » tente de saisir et sa prise en compte en éducation. En vue de contribuer à combler cet écart, cet article mobilise des perspectives ancrées en psychologie et en sociologie critique, fondées sur une recension d’écrits et les résultats d’une recherche empirique exploratoire. Il a pour objectifs 1) de clarifier les contours de cette notion, 2) d’exposer certaines stratégies de régulation de l’écoanxiété et les enjeux qui y sont associés, et 3) de fournir des pistes de réflexion pour l’intervention en éducation relative à l’environnement (ERE).
Contextualizing Bilingualism
Authors: Jones Tracey R. , Trevino Kimberly R.
Published: February 2022

Bilingual readiness through interaction, language, literacy, and alliances (BRILLA) seeks to align best practices in applied learning pedagogy with opportunities for all students to increase academic and communicative language skills in Spanish while exploring and celebrating the assets that bilingualism and bilingual education bring to one's life and community. BRILLA is implemented through a community partnership between a university and a local school district´s dual language (DL) program. The purpose of this single-site case study is to examine any changes in ULS perceptions of bilingualism and bilingual education through participating in the BRILLA program.
Multilingualism in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Karpava Sviatlana
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the beliefs of future teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Cyprus regarding multilingualism, multiculturalism, and inclusive education. The students, future EFL teachers, were asked to complete questionnaires, to participate in semi-structured interviews, to write online blog entries based on the discussions/materials covered in class on the topic of multilingualism and multiculturalism in EFL classes, and to express their views, perceptions of, and attitudes towards multilingualism and the multilingual landscape in Cyprus, as well as the teaching methods, approaches, and techniques that could be implemented in linguistically and culturally heterogeneous classes. The analysis of the data showed that the future EFL teachers had a positive attitude towards multilingualism, multiculturalism, and inclusive education and that these aspects should be promoted.
On the Potential of Intercomprehension Courses in Higher Education
Authors: Hülsmann Christoph
Published: February 2022

Despite the fact that multilingualism in higher education can be seen as the norm, multilingual resources of adult learners still remain largely disregarded in language learning and teaching. One of the reasons is the lack of concrete course concepts for pluralistic approaches to languages and cultures. This chapter aims to illustrate the potential of intercomprehension courses in tertiary education, confronting the learning benefits postulated in the literature with findings from practice of a course for Romance intercomprehension offered by the author at the University of Salzburg (Austria). The intercomprehension approach not only promotes language awareness and learner autonomy but is also highly motivating due to the fast progression of receptive competencies and the use of authentic materials in the different target languages right from the start.
The Influence of English Learning on Identity (Re)Construction at Chinese Universities
Authors: Sharapat Sharapat
Published: February 2022

English language is perceived as cultural capital in many non-native English-speaking countries, and minority groups in these social contexts seem to invest in the language to be empowered and reposition themselves from the imbalanced power relation with the dominant group. The study employs interview-based qualitative research method by interviewing nine Kazakh minority students in universities in Xinjiang and other inland cities in China. The findings suggest that through English learning, some students have reconstructed multiple identities as multicultural and global identities, which created ‘a third space' to break limits of their ethnic and national identities and confused identity as someone in between. Meanwhile, most minority students were empowered by English language to resist inferior or marginalized position and reconstruct imagined elite identity. However, English learning disempowered a student who has little previous English education in school, and placed them on unequal footing with other students, which further escalated the educational inequities.
Doctoral Student Perceptions of Plagiarism
Authors: Tran Minh Ngoc , Marshall Stephen , Hogg Linda
Published: February 2022

This chapter explores divergent views about plagiarism within the context of the internationalization of higher education and reports on a recent investigation of perceptions of plagiarism among Vietnamese and local doctoral students at a New Zealand university. Findings revealed that all the doctoral participants possessed substantial understanding of plagiarism, and their professional experiences as lecturers and tutors were a significant influence on their perspectives. While considering intentional plagiarism as a moral issue, a form of academic cheating, and a scholarly offence, they viewed unintentional plagiarism as a developmental and intercultural issue. Compared to their Vietnamese peers, New Zealand doctoral students had more academic publication experience and showed deeper awareness of scholarly impacts of plagiarism. The chapter concludes with recommendations that doctoral supervisors engage with individual students to learn about each one's background, understandings, and needs, so that they can better support doctoral students' apprenticeship into the scholarly community.
Addressing the Linguistic Gaps in a Tourism Training Programme
Authors: Hass Atrimecia Bernadate
Published: February 2022

Language is an important tool to enable communication between the host and guests to get the expected services. The chapter aims to address the linguistic gap in a tourism training institution and tourism establishments to respond to the language skills needed by the tourism industry. The Forever Resort Academy course information and job advertisement will be analysed to assess the commitment of the institution to address the language gap. The efforts of tourism businesses and their willingness to address language gaps in the tourism industry were examined through semi-structured interviews with 15 tourism businesses in the Gariep Dam, inclusive of owners and managers. The chapter draws on Halliday's genre theory and Bhatia's interdiscursivity theory in understanding the importance of language for tourism purposes. This chapter encourages tourism training institutions to prepare graduates adequately by focusing more on the language aspect if they wish to produce tourism graduates that can compete in the global tourism market.
COVID-19 Outbreak Prediction and Analysis of E-Healthcare Data Using Random Forest Algorithms
Authors: Dansana Debabrata , Kumar Raghvendra , Bhattacharjee Aishik , Mahanty Chandrakanta
Published: February 2022

The forecasting model used random forest algorithm. From the outcomes, it has been found that the regression models utilize basic linkage works and are exceptionally solid for forecast of COVID-19 cases in different countries as well as India. Current shared of worldwide COVID-19 confirmed case has been predicted by taking the world population and a comparatives study has been done on COVID-19 total cases growth for top 10 worst affected countries including US and excluding US. The ratio between confirmed cases vs. fatalities of COVID-19 is predicted and in the end a special study has been done on India where we have forecasted all the age groups affected by COVID-19 then we have extended our study to forecast the active, death and recovered cases especially in India and compared the situation with other countries.
Patient-Controlled Mechanism Using Pseudonymization Technique for Ensuring the Security and Privacy of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Rai Bipin Kumar
Published: February 2022

An Internet-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) system allows patients to access their medical history whenever they need it. Access to patient records and transactions related to diagnosis is helpful to patients and the health care department and executives. But this practice may lead to major privacy concerns of patients' private data. For EHR adaptation, the major elements are laws and regulations, monetary inducement and hurdles, technology state, and corporation effect. In this paper, I have proposed a Patient Controlled mechanism using the pseudonymization technique for ensuring the security and privacy of Electronic Health records. It is found that most of the potential approaches have used pseudonymization techniques to deal with the issues involved in a healthcare information system. This proposed solution is simple and efficiently ensures the privacy of patient data. Comparative analysis with other existing approaches has been undertaken.
The Moodle Distance Learning Platform Usage by Tunisian University Teachers Under the COVID-19 Context
Authors: Sghari Amira , Bouaziz Fatma
Published: February 2022

This article aims to investigate the determinants of the Intention to Use (IU) the Moodle Distance Learning Platform (MDLP) of the Virtual University of Tunis during the total containment period (since march 2020) and its Continuance Usage Intention (CUI) in the future by public Tunisian university teachers. Technology Acceptance Model and Expectation Confirmation Theory were used as base models to elaborate the research model. Then, data were collected by questionnaires from 270 university teachers. Data analysis was performed through PLS-SEM approach. Results show the relevance of the developed model. They revealed the teachers’ awareness about the necessary evolution towards innovative teaching methods, which will encourage the Ministry of Higher Education and decision-makers to transform the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, and seize it to enhance the experience already started and gradually generalize distance education.
Diffusion of Big Data Analytics Innovation in Managing Natural Resources in the African Mining Industry
Authors: Bag Surajit , Srivastava Gautam , Gupta Shivam , Taiga Saito
Published: February 2022

The study draws upon the ethical theory of organizing to elucidate the links between ethical climate antecedents, organizational practices, and consequences. We also integrated organizing vision theory to examine the influence of diffusion of big data analytics innovation on sustainable business practices. The results indicate that organizational trust has a significant positive impact on ethics training and ethics audit, which is critical to South Africa's mining industry. Furthermore, the results indicate that ethical leadership is positively related to ethics training and ethics audits. Findings show that ethics training and ethics audit is positively related to sustainable business practices. Findings indicate that the vision constructed by community members is positively related to the diffusion of big data analytics innovation. We also found that the diffusion of big data analytics innovation is positively related to sustainable business practices. Lastly, findings show that sustainable business practices are positively related to firm performance.
Internet Addiction
Authors: García Camino López , Sánchez Ma Cruz , Repiso Ana García Valcárcel-Muñoz
Published: February 2022

Different educational programs aim to reduce or control Internet addiction. These are based on a traditional methodology that can be recognized as an exposition or master class (participatory or not). In this type of educational programs the student acquires a passive role since they are focused on informing the students of the dangers associated with the development of Internet addiction, but not on the treatment or changes in behavior. If we review these educational programs it can see how they have little effect on students. For this reason, a new educational program approach has been created that fights or limits Internet addiction through a methodological proposal that also focuses on increasing digital competence while limiting or controlling the evolution of Internet addiction. In this article, the design is presented.
Mechanical Similarity Principle for Measurement Metal Hardness
Authors: Shaparev A.V. , Savin Igor A. , Ptichkin S.N.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to improving the accuracy measuring hardness metals based on the principle similarity mechanical. Hardness test homogeneous solid by means indentation static tip rigid into its flat surface by a force normal to this plane is considered. Volumes that have experienced plastic and elastic deformation in the process of the indentation do not have distinct and definite boundaries. Deformation degree within these volumes is as variable as the stresses causing it. The application relationship empirical between the applied static load and the restored indent diameter indent is shown.
Improvement of the Technology of Fluorine Recovery from Solid Waste of Primary Aluminum Production
Authors: Nikanorov A. V.
Published: February 2022

The possibility of using modern high-tech flotation equipment at RUSAL Bratsk PJSCis considered, which allows to significantly reduce discharges of extremely hazardous waste of fluorine, sodium, and aluminum to the sludge fields, and to initiate recycling of waste from the sludge fields. The results of operation are presented for a coal foam column flotation system at PJSC RUSAL Bratsk. An innovative technique has been developed allowing to recycle lining waste from aluminum electrolysis pots. The recycling of the waste lining coming from aluminum electrolysis pots is a completely closed waste-free cycle, which provides alumina and cryolite — products that can be used in the aluminum electrolysis, as well as allows using all the secondary solid waste in the satellite cement production.
Determination of the Thermodynamic Stability of Intermetallic Compounds in Technical Aluminum
Authors: Kuz'min Mikhail P. , Kuz'mina Marina Yu. , Fedorov Sergei N.
Published: February 2022

A wide range of intermetallic compounds of the Al-Ti, Al-Ni, Al-Zr, Al-Cr, Al-Fe, Al-V systems has been examined. The enthalpy of formation of intermetallic compounds in a wide temperature range has been calculated. The obtained values are attributed to one mole of the chemical compound. The dependences of the obtained values on the stoichiometric composition of chemical compounds with regard to their position on the state diagram are established. A comparative assessment of the stability of intermetallic compounds for each system has been conducted. A method of approximate calculation of the enthalpy of intermetallic compounds has been proposed.
Influence of Environment at Laser Processing on Microhardness of Amorphous-Nanocrystalline Metal Alloy
Authors: Safronov Ivan S. , Ushakov Ivan V. , Minaev Vladimir I.
Published: February 2022

Amorphous metal alloys have unique properties and are widely used. The unique properties of such materials are accompanied by problems of mechanical strength. The existing methods of their processing are not unambiguous and require a certain approach. In practice, laser technologies allow us to optimize the complex properties of such materials. The selection of optimal processing modes, including the influence of the gas phase, allows you to locally affect the material, increase the microhardness in certain areas. The absence of the influence of the processing medium on the mechanical properties is confirmed. Local impact on the surface sample also leads to an increase in crack resistance. In general, nanosecond laser exposure can be an effective tool for controlling the mechanical characteristics of an amorphous nanocrystalline material.
Tragedy of womanhood within patriarchy: An analysis of gender and sexualities in Ibsen's A Doll's House
Authors: Hewa S.G.
Published: February 2022

A Doll’s House (1879) by Henrik Ibsen (1828 - 1906) is a play that follows the trajectory of Nora, a woman belonging to the 19th century Norwegian society, who has been forced to stifle her vibrant personality to survive within a male dominated system. Ibsen successfully presents an authentic glimpse of life through the experiences of a woman who is beginning to realize the suppression she has been subjected to as a result of the rigid understandings of gender and sexualities perpetuated through patriarchal ideologies. This play becomes an ideal platform to examine how women are governed by socially prescribed identities that destroy their agency and freedom. The main research problem addressed in this study is whether gender and sexualities are discursive constructions that oppress and marginalise women within the patriarchal social structure. The idea of performativity introduced by Judith Butler is used as the central framework through which this idea is explored. Moreover, feminist theories presented by Simone de Beauvoir, Helene Cixous, bell hooks, Gilbert and Gubar will also be referred to within the research to support the arguments formulated. A textual analysis of the play was conducted to explore the fluidity and artificiality of the concepts of gender and sexuality. Accordingly, the central findings of the research highlighted the fact that gender and sexuality are discursive constructions that relegate women into marginal positions. This qualitative study will contribute towards the understanding of gender and sexuality as social and cultural productions that sustain hegemonic ideologies and power hierarchies.
Assessing the effectiveness of an online teaching intervention in reducing the Public Speaking Apprehension (PSA) among the second-year law undergraduates in Kotelawala Defence University
Authors: Sudusinghe W.S. , Gamage C.K.W.
Published: February 2022

Public speaking skills are a mandatory requirement for law undergraduates to become competent future lawyers. Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA) is one of the crucial issues faced by law students. Therefore, the current study was designed as a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of an online teaching intervention in reducing the PSA among second-year law undergraduates at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Sri-Lanka. More than fifty-three individuals from two of the four groups prepared to undergo lectures were randomly chosen for the study. The online teaching intervention continued for 15 weeks via the zoom platform. It consisted of gradual exposure, Communication Orientation Modification (COM), skills training, humour, and simple breathing exercises. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of an assessment of socio-demographic data followed by the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) scale was used in the data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0. According to the normality tests, the distribution of the pre-test data was normal, but the post-test data was not normal. Hence, the researcher used both parametric and non-parametric tests. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 22.15 (±4.857) years, and the majority of them were females (83.0 %: n=44). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the 15-week online teaching intervention on managing the PSA had resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the PRPSA score (Z =-5.761, p=0.000). Hence, the current study has revealed that the online teaching intervention conducted among the second-year Law undergraduates in managing the PSA has successfully reduced the PSA among the study participants. However, further experimental research is needed to assess associated factors related to PSA among Law undergraduates.
The determinants of migration of Sri Lankan young engineers to Australia – A case study
Authors: Wijesinghe D.P.S. , Jayawardane V.P.T.
Published: February 2022

The migration of professionals or brain drain is a widely discussed issue in developing countries. Professionally qualified engineers in developing countries migrate to developed countries for different reasons. Currently, young engineers who graduated from state universities in Sri Lanka migrate to Australia at an increasing rate. This research aimed to identify the push & pull factors that cause Sri Lankan young engineers to migrate to Australia as a case study. Using Facebook, we gathered a representative sample of Sri Lankan young engineers living in Australia and administered a 5-point Likert-type online questionnaire. Sixty-three engineers anonymously responded to the survey. The Australian government's introduction of the Subclass 476 – Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa is a significant motivator for Sri Lankan young engineers to migrate to Australia. Results showed that political influence and corruption were major driving forces behind the young engineers’ migration, as were lower salaries and unfavorable working conditions in Sri Lanka. In contrast, opportunities for career advancement and education and a desire to gain exposure to a new culture are strong reasons to move to Australia. The majority of migrated engineers prefer the life they live in Australia. Outcomes of this study will support stakeholders of the engineering profession in Sri Lanka to tackle the brain drain issue of engineers in Australia.
Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Wrapping Material on Postharvest Qualities of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica)
Authors: Wijesinghe G.P.M. , Kumara G.D.K. , Kumara J.B.D.A.P.
Published: February 2022

Spine gourd (Momordica dioica) is a tropical under-utilized vegetable (known as King of Gourds) that belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It has higher demand in Asia and Sri Lanka due to its distinct taste and promising health properties known for over thousands of years. However, vulnerability to postharvest damages due to climacteric ripening behavior results in short shelf-life of this commodity. It significantly affects their market potential. The present study attempts to extend shelf-life while maintaining postharvest qualities in spine gourd by using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) wrapping at ambient temperature (27±1 °C). The experiment was conducted according to Completely Randomized Factorial Design using eight treatment combinations: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 μL L-1 1-MCP treated for 15 hours and stored with and without LDPE wrapping under ambient temperature. Physical parameters; fresh weight loss, firmness, peel color changes and chemical parameters; total soluble solids, titratable acidity were evaluated five days after treatment. Fresh weight loss significantly declined in wrapped spine gourd fruits. The highest firmness was observed in chemically treated fruits with LDPE wrapping. Yellowing of fruits decreased with 0.5 μL L-1 1-MCP and LDPE wrapping. Total soluble solid content was lesser in fruit wrapped with LDPE. Thus, it can be concluded that some postharvest qualities of spine gourd are positively affected by 0.5 μL L-1 1-MCP concentration with LDPE wrapping.
A Task-Based Approach to Motivate Speaking in the ESL Classroom
Authors: Rathnasena U.
Published: February 2022

The speaking competency of students learning General English at Tertiary Educational Institutes (TEIs) has become a primary concern of many academics and policy makers. In such a context, this paper investigates the implications of incorporating a task-based speaking component in the English as a Second Language (ESL ) curriculum at tertiary level. The sample cohort comprises of post Advanced Level students studying General English at a private institute. An identical speaking task was administered, first without scaffolding and later with scaffolding to observe students’ performance. It was observed that when a speaking activity is assigned, learners have the tendency to visualize it in L1 and convert it to L2. In a case where scaffolding items such as, notecards and strips are not allowed, learners memorize the lines or utterances and enact the given speaking task. Consequently, their discourse is impeded as they struggle for better vocabulary as well as sentences. Insights of the students’ need, and their feedback led the institute allocate extra time weekly for speaking. It is recommended that more task-based speaking activities are introduced to the institute’s ESL: Speaking Curriculum.
Design of a Framework for Professional Development Programs for Teachers in the Use of Interactive Touch Screen
Authors: Perera K.G.S.K. , Wijesundara M. , Siriwardhena I.
Published: February 2022

Interactive Touch Screens (ITSs) are distributed in selected schools in Sri Lanka. Although, in these schools, selected teachers are trained on the use of the ITS, comprehensive training on the instructional strategies of ITS is yet to be provided. The objective of the study was to design and develop a framework for professional development programme (PDP) for teachers on the use of ITS. The sample of 31 teachers of an educational zone in the Colombo district was selected to test the methodology. Instruments for quantitative data collection were six scales and to collect qualitative data open-ended questions were used. Design Based Research (DBR) approach was made to evaluate the new methodology. DBR approach is characterized by analysis of the problem domain, design of the solution (intervention), iterative cycles of testing and refining the solution and finally reflecting on the whole process to arrive at design principles and inventing the solution. Intervention of this study was in terms of two professional development programmes on the integration of ITS in instruction. The results of the first intervention are presented in this paper. Analysis of data formed the feedback to design the revised PDP. The results of the study are the feedback to the proposed revisions to the next PDP. The feedback was to increase the time allocation of the PDP, provide more hands-on experience, demonstrate ITS-based instructional strategies related to different subject areas and conduct separate PDPs for non-ICT teachers.
The Impact of Online Monolingual and Bilingual Dictionaries on Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Wijesuriya K. , Dissanayake S.
Published: February 2022

The studies on the comparison of online monolingual dictionary (OMD) and online bilingual dictionary (OBD) for English on undergraduate level have not been carried out. The objective of this study is therefore to identify the impact of online monolingual and online bilingual dictionary use in vocabulary acquisition and retention among undergraduates. Forty Engineering undergraduates in their first term at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) B1 level in proficiency were selected after having a pretest and this sample of students knew none of the intended vocabulary to be tested. The students were randomly allocated into two groups: Online Monolingual Dictionary (OMD) and Online Bilingual Dictionary (OBD) groups. Both groups were exposed to an unknown set of ten academic words using an online monolingual dictionary and an online bilingual dictionary (English-Sinhala/ English-Tamil) respectively. They were instructed to find the meanings of the target words using the respective dictionary. The same vocabulary tests, immediate test and posttest were then administered in both groups to check the effectiveness of the treatments. While the results of these two tests demonstrated that both groups were able to acquire and retain vocabulary under each online dictionary use, the independent sample t-test confirmed that mean scores of the immediate test and posttest were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the OMD group than the corresponding values in the OBD group, irrespective of whether the variances between two groups were equal or not. The results confirmed that online monolingual dictionary use is significantly effective over online bilingual dictionary use in vocabulary acquisition and retention. Online monolingual dictionaries are thus recommended as a more successful tool to be used by English as a Second language (ESL) learners to improve vocabulary of the undergraduates.
Attitude of the Students towards the Usage of Group Activities as a Remedy for Secondary Language Speaking Anxiety
Authors: Peiris A.E.
Published: February 2022

As literature suggests Second Language (L2) speaking has always been a challenge for students. One of the main issues is the apprehension occurring when a learner is expected to perform in the second language. As facilitators at the tertiary level, it is vital to create a low-anxiety classroom to help students with L2 speaking anxiety. This research attempts to investigate the perspective of students towards using group activities to reduce speaking anxiety in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. The sample group consisted of forty-five Post Advanced Level Students from an intensive course in a private institute. A questionnaire prior to any speaking activity and weekly questionnaires while conducting both group and individual speaking activities were given to this mixed ability group for three weeks to study their attitude towards L2 speaking. Initial findings were that majority (86.7%) of students were afraid of L2 speaking due to several reasons. However, that percentage was dropped to 56.5% and 38.7% at the second and third week respectively irrespective of the medium of communication at school, and the usage of English at home. . In contrast the initial percentage of not afraid of L2 speaking (13.3%) was increased to 43.5% and 61.3% respectively at second and third week. These results clearly indicate that the students preferred group activities more than individual activities. Group activities have helped the students to make an effort to speak as there were students who did speaking activities for the first time in their life. It is recommended that group activities can be used to a certain extent as an effective tool to reduce speaking anxiety.