bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcome of severe hypercalcemia on admission to the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ravioli Svenja , Lafranchi Anne , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. , Haidinger Michael , Lindner Gregor
Published: May 2023

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate the prevalence of hypercalcemia (>2.60 mmol/l) and severe hypercalcemia (≥2.80 mmol/l) on admission. Symptoms, causes, course of serum calcium, treatment and outcome of severe hypercalcemia were evaluated and compared to historical data from previous studies.

METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all patients presenting to the interdisciplinary emergency department of the Buergerspital Solothurn between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 with measurements of serum calcium were included. Chart reviews were performed for patients with calcium ≥2.80 mmol/l to assess clinical presentation, course of disease and treatment for severe hypercalcemia.

RESULTS: Of 31,963 tested patients, 869 patients (2.7%) had hypercalcemia on the admission, of which 161 had severe hypercalcemia. Non-albumin corrected calcium was 3.07 (0.32) while albumin corrected calcium was 3.34 (0.44). Calcium was higher in patients with malignancy-related hypercalcemia (3.18 [0.34] versus 3.00 [0.3], p <0.001). Neuropsychiatric (35%) and gastrointestinal (24%) were the leading symptoms. Malignancy was the most common identifiable cause of hypercalcemia (40%), with lung cancer (20%), multiple myeloma (14%) and renal cell carcinoma (11%) being the main cancer types. 36% of patients with severe hypercalcemia took calcium supplements. Bisphosphonate treatment was an independent predictor of a fall in calcium until day 5 (regression coefficient: –0.404, standard error 0.11, p <0.001). Hypercalcemia was not mentioned in the final discharge report in 38% of cases.

CONCLUSION: Severe hypercalcemia is common and malignancy-related in almost half of the cases. Neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms were most prevalent. Awareness of hypercalcemia, particularly in cancer patients and those with known triggering factors, should be raised in order to identify and treat this harmful disorder early.
The zoom application in internal communication during remote classes in university students
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, Tumbes, Perú, la Rosa Feijoo Oscar Calixto , Navarro León Wendy Xiomara , Mejía Benavides Anibal , Arbulu Castañeda Mario , Crepalde Adilson ,   Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, Tumbes, Perú,   Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, Tumbes, Perú,   Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, Tumbes, Perú,   Universidad Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brasil
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the article is to provide the most relevant aspects in internal communication during remote classes in the rst stage of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the face of this situation the interest of doing a study on behavior in the communicational part arises. Among the teachers and students who received their classes remotely, the stated objective was "DeterminetherelationshipbetweentheuseoftheZoomapplicationandinternal communicationinthestudentsoftheProfessionalSchoolofCommunicationSciences, UNTUMBES"; the methodology of the work is based on the quantitative approach, of the correlational type with a non-experimental cross-sectional design; the instrument used to obtain results was a questionnaire applied to 60 students; simple random probabilistic sampling was used for data analysis. To conrm the hypotheses, the statistical test of the correlational coefcient of “r” Pearson was used. The results obtained indicated that: 63% of the students of the School of Communication Sciences perceive a good relationship between the Zoom application variables and internal communication; 13% have an Excellent conception”. It is concluded that there is a direct relationship between the Zoom application and internal communicationinthestudentsoftheProfessionalSchoolofCommunicationSciences, UNTumbes, 2020, accepting the research hypothesis, the signicance value being 0.000 lower than the level established in the eld of communication. research 0.05
Estudo de caso sobre o processamento de consultas com a engine FederatedX
Authors: Bispo Samuel L. B. , Penteado Raqueline R. M.
Published: May 2023

Esse artigo apresenta um estudo de caso sobre o processamento federado de consultas na engine FederatedX do SGBD MariaDB. O ponto central do estudo foi a otimização de consultas, mais especificamente, a minimização do tempo de processamento. O estudo considerou dois pontos, sendo eles: i) a definição do modelo lógico e ii) o mecanismo de indexação de dados. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que a definição do modelo lógico foi essencial para a redução do tempo de processamento. Em contrapartida, o mesmo não ocorreu com a indexação.
Ética na era dos Modelos de Linguagem Massivos (LLMs): um estudo de caso do ChatGPT
Authors: Figênio Mateus R. , Gomes-Jr Luiz
Published: May 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir questões éticas relacionadas ao ChatGPT, um modelo de linguagem de estilo conversacional. A partir de trabalhos correlatos que fundamentam o conceito de Modelos de Linguagem Massivos (LLMs) e que trabalham paradigmas de análise ética e boas práticas para o desenvolvimento de Inteligências Artificiais (IA), exploramos como o ChatGPT perpetua problemas já reconhecidos de LLMs e observamos que sua maior capacidade de generalização aumenta perigos de enviesamento e preconceito. Concluímos reforçando apelos por maiores incentivos à diminuição de esforços por maiores modelos, em favor de esforços por bases de dados melhor documentadas, modelos interpretáveis e por abordagens voltadas ao entendimento de linguagem.
Language assessment literacy of teachers in an English medium of instruction university: Implications for ELT training in Pakistan
Authors:   RMIT University, Shahzadi Amina , Ducasse Ana María ,   RMIT University
Published: May 2023

In Pakistan, English is the official language and a high level of proficiency is considered a passport to success (Manan et al., 2016). However, little is known about Pakistani English teachers’ assessment knowledge and training needs. This study investigates the language assessment literacy of English language teachers at a multi-campus English Medium Instruction university in Pakistan. The aims were (1) to evaluate whether the EAP teachers were equipped, academically and professionally, to design and conduct language assessment; (2) to document teachers’ language assessment challenges in context and (3) to consult teachers on their training needs in assessment. Data comprised questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and ELT curriculum documents. The analysis revealed little or no training in LAL, large classes, a crowded curriculum, and mixed student abilities impacting on language assessment practices. Implications are discussed for the training needed to support teachers’ language assessment practices that underpin student success in EMI programs.
Development of a Spanish generic writing skills scale for the Colombian Graduate Skills Assessment (Saber Pro)
Authors:   RMIT University, Ducasse Ana Maria , Hill Kathryn ,   La Trobe University
Published: May 2023

While many higher education institutions list the generic skills their graduates are intended to acquire during a course of study (Barrie, 2006), the relevant skills are rarely directly assessed at graduation. In Colombia, exit assessment is compulsory for all post-secondary training and education. To this end, a Spanish-language version of the Australian Graduate Skills Assessment (GSA) was developed for the Colombian context. However, problems were identified with the reliability of the Spanish version of the GSA writing scale. This paper describes the process of replacing the original version of the Spanish-language version of the GSA scale (an intuitively based writing scale) with an empirically based scale developed using a question tree method. Forty raters constructed two holistic (combined trait) and three analytic (individual trait) writing scales using benchmarked scripts from a previous test administration. The five scales were then trialled. Comparison of the scales showed the eight-level holistic scale provided the widest distribution of scores. This research provides insights into generic writing skill testing for higher education graduates in Colombia. In addition, the study uniquely provides a detailed description of the development of empirically-based analytic and holistic scales for assessing the writing of Spanish-L1 speaking graduates in Colombia.
The effect of prompt accent on elicited imitation assessments in English as a second language
Authors:   Brigham Young University, Barrows Jacob G. , Cox Troy L. ,   Brigham Young University
Published: May 2023

Elicited imitation (EI) assessments have been shown to discriminate well between speakers across proficiency levels, but little has been reported on the effect L2 accent has on test-takers’ ability to understand and process the test items they hear. Furthermore, no study has investigated the effect of accent on test-taker perceptions of EI tests. This study examined the relationships among accent, accent familiarity, EI test item difficulty and test scores. To investigate, self-reports of students’ exposure to different varieties of English were obtained from a pre-assessment survey. An EI test (63 items) was then administered in which English language learners (n = 213) in the United States listened to test items in three varieties of English: American English, Australian English, and British English. A Rasch analysis found that the test had high reliability (person separation = .94), with intended item level and accent both having a significant effect on test item difficulty. Survey results indicated a moderate relationship between an examinee’s familiarity with a particular accent and their person ability estimate measures. These findings suggest that prompt accent should be considered in EI test development.
G. Extra, M. Spotti & P. van Avermaet, (Eds.) Language testing, migration and citizenship: Cross-national perspectives on integration regimes
Authors:   University of Birmingham, Khan Kamran ,   University of Melbourne
Published: May 2023

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Towards ‘policy responsible’ language testing: Framing the Language Testing Research Centre’s contribution in languages other than English
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Elder Cathie
Published: May 2023

The importance of viewing tests in their policy contexts is now widely recognized in our field. The Language Testing Research Centre (LTRC), as a self-funding Centre, responds by necessity to policy shifts and the language testing initiatives it has undertaken over the years offer insights into broader societal and more local institutional imperatives. The Centre’s language testing activities also have the potential to influence policy, whether directly or indirectly. This paper offers a historical overview of the Centre’s various projects in the languages (other than English) arena over a 30-year period, describing the diverse orientations adopted (i.e. to inform, enact or evaluate policy) with particular reference to three cases illustrative of different policy trends. I speculate about the policy impact of each case, highlighting the complexities encountered and some of the factors favouring and inhibiting policy uptake. Insights from these particular cases are then linked to the research literature on policy impact to propose recommendations for ‘policy responsible‘ language testing.
Towards improved language assessment of written health professional communication: the case of the Occupational English Test
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Knoch Ute , McNamara Tim ,   University of Melbourne, Woodward-Kron Robyn ,   University of Melbourne, Elder Cathie ,   University of Melbourne, Manias Elizabeth ,   Deakin University,   University of Melbourne, Flynn Eleanor ,   University of Melbourne, Zhang Ying ,   Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment
Published: May 2023

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The use of semi-scripted speech in a listening placement test for university students
Authors:   University of Maryland, Clark Martyn
Published: May 2023

This paper describes the feasibility of using semi-scripted spoken lectures as stimulus materials in a test of academic listening. The context for this study was the development of a revised test of academic listening designed to place enrolled university students into one of two levels of a language support course for non-native speakers. Because academic listening often involves listening to monologic speech such as lectures (Ferris & Tagg, 1996a), and because ‘authentic’ spoken language is qualitatively different to scripted speech (Biber et al., 2004), the revised test uses semi-scripted spoken mini-lectures as stimulus passages rather than relying on scripted material. Test questions were developed using only the informational elements that four model comprehenders, proficient English listeners (both native and non-native), were able to retain from a single hearing of the passages. Test data from 222 students were analysed using a Rasch methodology. Results show that this test development method did result in testable content that was appropriately targeted at the population of interest, though several aspects of the process could be improved. The paper concludes with some recommendations for using semi-scripted language in academic listening tests.
Language testing within policy contexts: Conceptual and instrumental challenges
Authors:   University of Melbourne, McNamara Tim
Published: May 2023

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Accuplacer Companion in a foreign language context: An argument-based validation of both test score meaning and impact
Authors:   University of Calgary in Qatar, Johnson Robert C. , Riazi A. Mehdi ,   Macquarie University
Published: May 2023

Use of a single, standardised instrument to make high-stakes decisions about test-takers is pervasive in higher education around the world, including English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts. Contrary to longstanding best practices, however, few test users endeavour to meaningfully validate the instrument(s) they use for their specific context and purposes. This study reports efforts to validate a standardised placement test, used in a US-accredited, higher education institution in the Pacific, to exempt, exclude, or place students within its Developmental English Program. A hybrid of two validation structures – Kane’s (1992, 1994) interpretive model and Bachman’s (2005) and Bachman and Palmer’s (2010) assessment use argument – and a broad range of types and sources of evidence were used to ensure a balanced focus on both test score interpretation and test utilisation. Outcomes establish serious doubt as to the validity of the instrument for the local context. Moreover, results provide valuable insights regarding the dangers of not evaluating the validity of an assessment for the local context, the relative strengths and weaknesses of standardised tests used for placement, and the value of argument-based validation.
Evaluating rater judgments on ETIC Advanced writing tasks: An application of generalizability theory and Many-Facet
Authors:   Beijing Foreign Studies University, Wang Jiayu , Luo Kaizhou ,   Beijing Foreign Studies University
Published: May 2023

Developed by China Language Assessment (CLA), the English Test for International Communication Advanced (ETIC Advanced) assesses one’s ability to perform English language tasks in international workplace contexts. ETIC Advanced is only composed of writing and speaking tasks, featured with authentic constructed response format. However, the elicitation of extended responses from candidates would call for human raters to make judgments, thus raising a critical issue of rating quality. This study aimed to evaluate rater judgements on the writing tasks of ETIC Advanced. Data in the study represented scores from 186 candidates who performed all writing tasks: Letter Writing, Report Writing, and Proposal Writing (n=3,348 ratings). Rating was conducted by six certified raters based on a six-point three-category analytical rating scale. Generalizability theory (GT) and Many-Facets Rasch Model (MFRM) were applied to analyse the scores from different perspectives. Results from GT indicated that raters’ inconsistency and interaction with other aspects resulted in a relatively low proportion of overall score variance, and that the ratings sufficed for generalization. MFRM analysis revealed that the six raters differed significantly in severity, yet remained consistent in their own judgements. Bias analyses indicated that the raters tended to assign more biased scores to low-proficient candidates and the Content category of rating scale. The study serves to demonstrate the use of both GT and MFRM to evaluate rater judgments on language performance tests. The findings of this study have implications for ETIC rater training.
The Effect of Omnichannel Integration Quality on Purchase Intention Mediated by Consumer Trust in Surakarta
Authors: Sri Lestari Nina , Pernomo Nugroho Sidiq
Published: May 2023

This research is related to Omnichannel integration quality and purchase intention and consumer trust. This study aims to determine the influence of Omnichannel integration quality on purchase intentions mediated by coffee consumer confidence in Surakarta. This research uses causal quantitative research. The population of this study was all coffee consumers at Cafe Surakarta with an unlimited number of population and a total sample of 100 respondents. The sampling technique uses accidental sampling. The results of the study show that the configuration of service channels has a significant positive effect on purchase intentions. Service channels have a significant positive effect on consumer confidence. Configuration of service channels has a significant positive effect on purchase intentions mediated by consumer trust. Integrated interaction has no significant negative effect on purchase intention. Integrated interactions affect consumer trust. Integrated interactions have a significant positive effect on purchase intentions mediated by consumer trust.
Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor as framed by Spanish-language and English-language news media
Authors: Candello Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

As Latinas assume greater roles in U.S. politics and the judicial branch, are media depictions reflective of these new roles or do negative minority stereotypes persist? This study compared the frames used by The Miami Herald, an English-language newspaper and El Nuevo Herald, its Spanish-language counterpart, during Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination and confirmation as the first Hispanic associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The study explored whether the stronger media identification of the Spanish language newspaper influenced the types of frames used to depict Sotomayor’s rise to the high court. This investigation found that El Nuevo Herald emphasized Sotomayor as a successful woman and pioneer. The Miami Herald highlighted the ideological themes of partisan politics. As a result, the greater cultural identification with the audience may avoid manifest negative stereotypes, but may exclude this audience from political and judicial discourse.
Online Engagement Through Facebook Groups in Face-to-Face Undergraduate Communication Courses: A Case Study
Authors: Maben Sarah , Edwards Jennifer , Malone Dan
Published: May 2023

More than 500 posts from undergraduate student enrolled in three communication courses’ Facebook groups were analyzed for themes to expand on the literature of instructor implementation of social media usage in college courses and investigate online engagement. Three researchers reviewed one semester of Facebook postings, which were part of a course assignment for three classes: media writing, promotional writing, and news and magazine editing. The dominant themes clustered into three areas: evidence of formal learning, resource sharing and seeking, and promotion and self-promotion. Based on observations, considerations for similar projects and ideas for future study are presented.
Commenter and News Source Credibility: Roles of News Media Literacy, Comment Argument Strength and Civility
Authors: Wolfgang David , Bhandari Manu
Published: May 2023

Many news websites allow for audience comments, but there is concern, especially when these comments are negative or low-quality, that the comments could negatively influence how readers perceive the corresponding news story. This experiment explores whether quality characteristics of comments – argument strength and civility – could help improve the perceived credibility of news content. Further, the study looks at whether quality characteristics of audience members, like their level of news media literacy, might reduce the negative influence of low-quality comments on someone’s perception of the credibility of the story. The findings reveal that higher quality comments lead to improved perceptions of the credibility of the news source, even when the comments criticize the journalist. Additionally, the study finds that individuals with higher levels of news media literacy are more capable of distinguishing the quality of journalist content from user-generated content.
A Review of Job Satisfaction in Journalism
Authors: Yu Qian
Published: May 2023

This paper provides a review of literature on the concept of job satisfaction in journalism and explores how job satisfaction has been applied in the journalism field as a new theoretical framework. Specifically, the research questions are about  the basic information among the 41 published articles, including (1) the popular journals, (2) the active authors in this field, (3) the popular theories, and (4) the research samples; this paper also examines whether there is a relationship between the time periods (in which the articles were published) and the different independent variables.
The Disappearing Female Candidates: A Framing Analysis of Newspaper Headlines in the 2020 Presidential Election
Authors: Dastgeer Shugofa , Hill Desiree
Published: May 2023

This study content analyzed 1,215 headlines from 63 newspapers in the U.S. on presidential candidates from the Iowa Caucuses to Super Tuesday in the 2020 Primary elections. The findings indicate that female candidates receive significantly less coverage than male candidates, which confirm the previous studies of female politicians in the media. However, study results also suggest female candidates are making progress in terms of negative, positive, active, and passive framing in media spaces.
Alcohol Advertising on Social Media: A Content Analysis on Message Strategies of Alcohol Advertisements on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Authors: Campbell Alexis , Chung Jee Young
Published: May 2023

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption in the United States has increased greatly (Barbosa, Cowell, & Dowd, 2020), and social media use has increased in 2020. The current paper seeks to explore strategies of alcohol-related social media advertisements across a variety of alcohol types, alcohol brands, and social media platforms. By applying the Elaboration Likelihood Model, the current study analyzed message strategies used to appeal to consumers, content patterns, and characteristics of alcohol advertisements on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). A content analysis on 596 ads of 12 alcohol brands showed that the most common themes included “taste,” “seasonal,” “holiday,” “recipe,” and “joke/humor” in captions and pictures of alcohol ads. Themes known for targeting young people in the past (“social success,” “an improved mood,” and “increased sense of self-confidence”) were not found as much as expected in captions and pictures. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
“Make A-meme-rica Great Again!”:
Authors: Tran Huu Dat
Published: May 2023

Via a content analysis of 491 internet memes posted within the #maga and #trump2020 network on Twitter during the 2020 US presidential election, this study determined (1) who did the memes target, (2) how were the targets portrayed in the memes, and (3) what were the main themes, or ideas, of the internet memes posted within the community. Findings suggested that the community surrounding the #maga and #trump2020 hashtags primarily employed internet memes to express grassroots support for Donald Trump, his allies, Republican politicians, and conservatives. At the same time, they attempted to create an unfavorable, sometimes menacing, portrayal of Joe Biden, his allies, Democratic politicians, and liberals. Findings, as well as the political participation of internet memes during the election, were discussed.
Educador de Infância: Perceções e Práticas de Inclusão
Authors: Martins Rosa , Pereira Ana Paula
Published: May 2023

Estudos recentes alertam para o período que antecede a escolarização formal por ser um tempo crítico em termos de desenvolvimento cognitivo, social e emocional. Por este motivo, a qualidade da educação pré-escolar tem sido uma prioridade para muitas organizações internacionais. Pesquisas sobre o assunto consideram que a qualidade da educação pré-escolar está diretamente dependente das conceções que os educadores de infância têm das suas práticas. Os estudos que avaliam as conceções dos educadores de infância sobre práticas inclusivas em idade pré-escolar são escassos e destes, a sua maioria enfoca a inclusão de crianças com NEE. Neste trabalho pretendemos avaliar as conceções dos educadores de infância sobre a educação pré-escolar inclusiva, à luz do novo paradigma de educação inclusiva, proclamado pela Declaração de Salamanca. Através de uma metodologia qualitativa, procurou-se dar ênfase aos pontos de vista dos educadores de infância e ao significado que têm sobre o assunto. Participaram no estudo 4 educadores de Infância de Jardins de Infância da rede pública do norte de Portugal. Foi utilizada a entrevista e o seu guião baseou-se no instrumento desenvolvido pela European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, no âmbito do projeto Inclusive Early Chilhood Education. Os dados permitem-nos refletir sobre as atitudes favoráveis à inclusão em idade pré-escolar. Permanecem, contudo, desafios à criação de ambientes inclusivos que não sejam obstáculos à educação pré-escolar de qualidade.
Educação Especial nos cursos de Licenciatura em Química das Instituições Federais de Educação Superior do Ceará
Authors: Silva Wanderson Diogo Andrade da , Gomes Suzana dos Santos
Published: May 2023

Este estudo analisa a formação inicial docente em cursos de Licenciatura em Química das Instituições Federais de Educação Superior do Ceará quanto à Educação Especial. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, tendo como material de análise os Projetos Pedagógicos dos 10 cursos ofertados pelas referidas instituições. É inexistente, nesses cursos, a oferta de disciplinas obrigatórias relacionadas à Educação Especial, embora 5 cursos ofertem, como optativa, a disciplina de Educação Inclusiva, que apresenta carga horária inferior aos componentes curriculares das outras áreas. A realidade investigada evidencia que os cursos de Licenciatura em Química não têm acompanhado o crescimento do número de matrículas de alunos da Educação Especial nas escolas comuns de Educação Básica, demandando mudanças no currículo das licenciaturas para formar professores de Química promotores de uma educação inclusiva. Como modalidade transversal do sistema educacional brasileiro desde 1996, a Educação Especial tem tido pouca visibilidade nos cursos investigados, cujos seus egressos poderão ter dificuldades em incluir o referido público nas aulas de Química.
“Em troca de um salário que era pouco mais do que nada”: violência sistêmico-simbólica e precarização do trabalho em “Passageiro do fim do dia”, de Rubens Figueiredo
Authors: Silva Rafael Lucas Santos da , Silva Marisa Corrêa
Published: May 2023

O artigo propõe uma hipótese de leitura da narrativa Passageiro do Fim do Dia, do escritor Rubens Figueiredo, articulando a taxonomia de manifestações de violência estabelecida pelo filósofo Slavoj Žižek com a compreensão de que o capital financeiro tornou-se fração hegemônica da dinâmica de acumulação capitalista contemporânea, tendo como propósito investigar e explicitar como os procedimentos artísticos da narrativa formalizam esteticamente o processo histórico-social da reestruturação produtiva do capital na dinâmica socioeconômica brasileira contemporânea, no que tange à precarização do trabalho. Desse modo, focaliza-se a personagem Rosane, demonstrando que a violência sistêmico-simbólica presente na narrativa está caracterizada pelas implicações da precarização do trabalho e do fetiche da mercadoria ocasionadas pela atual lógica do capital financeiro.
Epistemic (dis)belief and (dis)obedience: Zakes Mda s The Heart of Redness and the decolonial ecological turn
Authors: Karmakar Goutam , Chetty Rajendra
Published: May 2023

The Heart of Redness (2000) by Zakes Mda deals with an epistemological conflict and exposes the hideousness of colonial epistemology in dismantling indigenous belief systems and commodifying South African land and ecology. The novel revisits the decisive event of cattle killing in 1856–57, following Nongqawuse’s prophecy, and juxtaposes it with the cultural and epistemic clash of two factions, Believers and Unbelievers, in the post-apartheid era. The present article analyses the unresolved breach between the Believers and the Unbelievers and notes how the latter’s appropriation of Western modernity’s notion of progress and civilization perpetuates the interventions of capitalist forces, aggravating serious threats to land protection and indigenous ecology. The article focuses on Mda’s critique of the South Africans’ compliance with the colonial models of civilization and probes how the novel emphasizes delinking and repudiating the patterns and perceptions of development normalized by Western modernity. In so doing, Mda’s novel foregrounds the necessity of indulging in what Mignolo (2009) terms “epistemic disobedience” and endorses critical decolonial thinking and praxis to counter covert forms of colonial oppression and capitalist objectification. The article extends the notion of “decolonial turn” (Maldonado-Torres, 2008; Grosfoguel, 2007) by arguing that the novel elucidates a “decolonial ecological turn” to combat extractivist agendas and exploitative policies, preserve indigenous ecology, and foster alternative ways of sustainable collective living.
The Human that Therefore I am: Transculturation of an Ecological Debate in Green Humour for a Greying Planet
Authors: Khatai Shrabanee , Ladsaria Seema Kumari
Published: May 2023

The present research aims at showcasing the transculturation of animals that have adapted human culture in delineating the cause of the environment through Rohan Chakravarty’s Green Humour for a Greying Planet (2021). The book is a compilation of comic strips that have previously appeared on various other platforms over the last decade, ranging from subjects of human-animal relationships to ecological unbalance and the impact of COVID-19 through the voices of animal characters. It primarily deals with threats to the habitat of animals (non-humans) and environmental degradation because of untoward human activities. The Anthropocene, the current geological epoch, is an offshoot of excessive human exercise on planet Earth, resulting in the deterioration of its natural resources and affecting the lives of other species. It has resulted in humans perceiving non-humans as ‘other’ to themselves, thereby diluting the concepts of ‘symbiosis’ and ‘co-being’. This paper attempts to view humans in relation to non-humans toward an agenda of establishing ecological balance. Derrida’s analysis of the ontology of animals in The Animal that therefore I am (2008) focuses on the influence of animals on human lives and vision. Taking this analysis as a parameter, this paper endeavors to decode the animal sentiment as displayed in the comic strips in Chakravarty’s book. This paper uses Franz Kafka’s transcultural ape, Red Peter’s creation of an ape-human culture, as a model to decode the neoculturation of human-animal interaction in Chakravarty’s animals. By referring to the studies of anthropomorphism and anthrozoology, this study attempts to analyze the ecological debate of a world model where humans and animals play interchangeable roles. Subsequently, the paper scrutinizes the ‘language-game’ that the animal characters indulge in to homogenize species differences.
A Scoping Review on Occupational Exposure of Silica and Asbestos among Industrial Workers in Thailand
Authors: Kunpeuk Watinee , Julchoo Sataporn , Phaiyarom Mathudara , Sosom Jeerapa , Sinam Pigunkeaw , Sukaew Thitiporn , Rajatanavin Nattadhanai , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Thammawijaya Panithee , Siriruttanapruk Somkiat
Published: May 2023

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational lung diseases in Thailand and worldwide. Workplace exposure to asbestos and silica is the main contributor to the prevalence of occupational pneumoconiosis. The aim of this study was to review the prevalence of occupational exposure to asbestos and silica among industrial workers in Thailand. A scoping literature review searched MEDLINE and universities in Thailand. The results from screening 113 were 11 studies selected for further review. Ten studies were cross-sectional and only one study was a retrospective cohort study. Four studies focused on asbestos exposure, whereas seven studies measured silica exposure. From four asbestos exposure studies, three studies showed a higher than standard exposure limit. From seven studies on silica exposure, four studies showed the measured exposure was above the standard level.  However, the prevalence of exposure among people working in low-risk areas was not presented. The standard protocol of asbestos and silica exposure measurement was reported. The results showed that the average asbestos and silica exposure exceeded occupational exposure limits stated in either international or national guidelines. The highest level of asbestos exposure was found in a brake pad factory (9.95 fibres/cc). The highest amount of total silica dust was reported in a stone grinding factory (24.3 mg/m3). Prevention measures and active surveillance programs should be in place for all populations at risk. National surveys on occupational exposure of asbestos and silica are needed to explore current industrial practices and their compliance according to the standard national exposure limit.
Cladospolide B, an Antifungal Polyketide Isolated from the Fungus, Lambertella brunneola
Authors: Tayone Wilanfranco , Takada Noboru
Published: May 2023

A polyketide known as cladospolide B, (Z)-4,5-dihydroxy-2-dodecen-11-olide was isolated from the culture broth of the fungus, Lambertella brunneola. The structure elucidation of this compound was based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data and Mass Spectroscopy (MS) analyses. Cladospolide B exhibited a seemingly weak antifungal activity and inhibited the hyphalgrowth of the phyto-pathogenicfungus, Helminthosporium oryzae(=Cochliobolus miyabeanus) by 50 % at more than 1 mg/mL but less than 5 mg/mL (1 < IC50 <5). This is the first report on the isolation of cladospolide B from L. brunneola.
Fertility Status of Soils in Mati, Davao Oriental
Authors: Regino Roselyn , Sumile Edito , Bestes Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Fertility status of soils in Mati was evaluated through laboratory analysis of the following parameters: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium levels including pH. One hundred fifty-seven composite soil samples were obtained from 25 villages in Mati from November 2003 to November 2004. These were collected using standard sampling procedure. Topography, dominant vegetation and soil texture were noted and their influence on nutrient levels. Nitrogen level was found to be low with a mean value of 2.0% while phosphorus level was categorized as medium with at 28.80 ppm. In contrast, potassium level was high at 1 ,317.50 ppm. Calcium and magnesium were categorized to have high level in with 3,775.14 ppm and 655.0 ppm, respectively. However, some areas had relatively low Mg and with low pH also. Generally, Mati soils were found to have neutral pH 6.8. Hilly areas were found less fertile compared with plain areas with the latter having had higher nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Dominant crops and soil texture were found to have varying effects on the fertility of the soil. Soils planted to root crops were found to have lower nutrient levels and pH level compared with those planted to vegetables and plantation crops. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were higher and sufficiently available in loamy sand than in any other soil textures. High levels of calcium and magnesium were obtained in clay soils while low levels of same nutrients were observed in silty clay soils.
Locus of Control of Lumad Students at Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology
Authors: Baquiano Marshaley
Published: May 2023

The study surveyed the locus of control of 360 lumad students at Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology in 2001, Mati, Davao Oriental, using Rotter's Locus of Control Scale. The lumad students had internal locus of control. There were no significant differences in the locus of control of luthads who were grouped as Mandaya and other Lumads, between male and female lumads, and among those lumads enrolled in different year levels. These results suggest that the students were in control of their behaviors which has important implication to the choices they make in learning at school. Knowing students' locus of control will help point to the kind of guidance and academic programs that the school may employ to make students' learning more effective. The results also lend support to the theory of locus of control as well as give a glimpse of how information about the learners' locus of control can be utilized in the teaching-learning process.
Philippine Mining Companies' Understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Baquianol Marshaley
Published: May 2023

This study looked at how mining companies operating in the Philippines socially represent corporate social responsibility using the lens of social representation theory. I used thematic analysis in examining nine articles taken from the websites of nine mining companies and published within the month of March, 2009. The study found shared representations of corporate social responsibility. The narratives focused on commitment to environment, communities, and employees as well as working hand in hand with various stakeholders. The findings point to the need to explore the social understanding of other mining stakeholders to capture a more comprehensive picture of corporate social responsibility as this study looked only at the mining companies' points of view. The results also show that social representations are located not only in people's everyday talk but also in their crafted work and writings as found in mass communication media.
"Evaluating the Impact of Promotional Activity on Marketing"
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Caciulan Larisa Ruxandra , Mihart Laura Anca ,   Politehnica University Timişoara, Vagner Denisa Florena ,   Politehnica University Timişoara, Vodislav Miruna Georgiana ,   Politehnica University Timișoara, Ivascu Larisa ,   Politehnica University Timișoara, Tamasila Matei ,   Politehnica University Timișoara
Published: May 2023

Promoting is part of the marketing mix. The promotional activity communicates the benefits of the products or actions of potential and current customers. The tools used in the promotional mix are advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, public relations, personal sale and sponsorship. This study carries out a marketing analysis to promote products with promoters. The study is based on questionnaire research and literature research. At the end of this article is developed a conceptual framework for intercourse with the client in promoting direct communication strategies by exploiting the concepts of promotion such as target audience, marketing messages, communication channels, Promotional budgets and promotional performance monitoring.
"Accounting and Fiscal Agriculture Incentives Sustainability in Climate Change Conditions"
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Vartolomei Mihaela
Published: May 2023

The scope of the paper is to analyze the sustainability in irrigation field of fiscal incentives established by Governments in agricultural sector and the manner fiscal incentives are registered, especially the reduced VAT in Romanian firm accounting system for investments in irrigation field. The paper studies the impact on good-governance and the sustainability on the frame of climate change conditions and water resources management. The main results show fiscal incentives for specific assets don’t imply difficulty in accounting system and the impact of good-governance on water management or on the activity of the plant is significant. Keywords: eco-conflict, water resource management, climate change, sustainability, investment, fiscal incentives, accounting.
"A Debate on the Product Lifecycle Implications and Product Market Behavior"
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Ivascu Larisa , Drăgici Anca ,   Politehnica University Timişoara, Niemann Jorg ,   Hochschule Düsseldorf
Published: May 2023

The product life-cycle marketing approach is a concept that describes the sales and profit margin of a given product category over a prolonged period - from lust to dust. The concept holds that a product's sales and profits change over time in a predictable manner-at least in the four distinct major stages of introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. It is important to understand product life-cycles curves to make the best use of engineering resources. The paper presents figures that characterize various industry products and their lifecycle curves. The amount of development money invested in a product intended for rapid market penetration, for example, is considerably less than for a one destined to a long-term stable, mature market. In this context we illustrate the types of feedback used by engineering during the various stages of product life-cycle. Finally, we consider that engineers responsible for product or process improvement must recognize what phase of the product life-cycle is in to practice the most effective research.
Social Learning Process in Household Electricity Theft: Case Study in Tanjung Burung Village, Teluknaga District, Tangerang Regency
Authors: Afiyah Sayyidah Nailu
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes the collective theft of electricity in Tanjung Burung Village. This study uses descriptive qualitative research methods with data collection methods in the form of observation, interviews and documentation. The purpose of this study was to determine the processes and factors behind the collective occurrence of electricity theft. The theory used is social learning theory from Ronald Akers which focuses on four main concepts, namely differential association, definition, differential reinforcement, and imitation. In the theory put forward by Ronald Akers, there are values ​​of crime that are transmitted due to contact access that supports criminal behavior. The results of this study indicate that electricity theft in Tanjung Burung Village occurs due to differential associations where a person is confronted with profitable behavior to commit electricity theft so that electricity theft is considered a justifiable definition and not too bad to do. In addition, in electricity theft there is a differential amplifier in the form of rewards and punishments obtained. The punishments and rewards that are obtained by the perpetrators are generally not a deterrent because there are various ways to take peaceful paths so that the perpetrators can still be electrified illegally. The theft of electricity that continues to occur is motivated by the imitative behavior of previous perpetrators and is supported by weak laws or laws that don't work as they should, so that electricity theft is carried out collectively. This is done because the profits obtained are more dominant than the losses.
Density Based Traffic Control System
Authors:   VSB College Of Engineering And Technical Campus /Anna University, Tamilnadu, India., U.L. Sindhu , S Sandhiya , T Visalatchi
Published: May 2023

Traffic congestion is biggest problem in many major cities and high traffic places across the world and it has become a nightmare for the commuters in these cities. The current system has fixed time given to each side of junction which cannot be varied as per varying traffic density. Junction timings allotted are fixed. When higher traffic density at which side then that side has longer green signal is allotted. The IR sensors are placed at the of every 5 meters of road side which can sense the object. Key Word: Road Safety, Traffic Congestion, Vehicles, Smart City, Intelligent Transportation.
Cyber bullying Detection on Social Media Using Machine Learning
Authors:   Department Of Computer Science & Engineering, Vivekanandha College Of Technology For Women, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India., S Gowthami , S Menaka , K Nilani , G Priyadharshini , S Radha Bhuvaneshwari , P Roshini
Published: May 2023

Cyber bullying has become a growing concern in today's society, with more and more people turning to the internet to harass and intimidate others. Digital forensics is an essential tool for investigating cyber bullying activities, as it allows for the collection and analysis of digital evidence. However, traditional digital forensics techniques can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of human effort. In this paper, we propose the use of machine learning algorithms to aid in the investigation of cyber bullying activities. By training these algorithms on a dataset of known cyber bullying incidents, we can create a predictive model that can automatically classify new instances of cyber bullying. This can significantly reduce the time and effort required for investigations, allowing for a more efficient response to cyber bullying incidents. The challenges associated with using machine learning for cyber bullying detection, including the need for high-quality training data and the potential for bias in the algorithms. We also explore the various types of digital evidence that can be used in cyber bullying investigations, such as social media posts, emails, and instant messages. We present a case study in which we apply our proposed approach to a real-world cyber bullying incident. Our results show that the machine learning algorithm was able to accurately identify the cyber bullying activity with a high level of precision, demonstrating the potential of this approach for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of cyber bullying investigations.
Smart Lender Applicant Credibility Prediction for Loan Approval
Authors:   Computer Science and Engineering, The Kavery Engineering College/ Anna University, Tamilnadu, India., V Chandru , D Poovarasan , M Tamilan , R Abilesh , M Umameshwari
Published: May 2023

In our banking system, banks have many products to sell but main source of income of any banks is on its credit line. So they can earn from interest of those loans which they credits. A bank’s profit or a loss depends to a large extent on loans i.e. whether the customers are paying back the loan or defaulting. By predicting the loan defaulters, the bank can reduce its Non-performing Assets. This makes the study of this phenomenon very important. Previous research in this era has shown that there are so many methods to study the problem of controlling loan default. But as the right predictions are very important for the maximization of profits, it is essential to study the nature of the different methods and their comparison. A very important approach in predictive analytics is used to study the problem of predicting loan defaulters (i) Collection of Data, (ii) Data Cleaning and (iii) Performance Evaluation. Experimental tests found that the Naïve Bayes model has better performance than other models in terms of loan forecasting. Key Word: Support Vector Machine(SVM), Machine learning, Loan Prediction.