bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image Clustering: An Unsupervised Approach to Categorize Visual Data in Social Science Research
Authors: Zhang Han , Peng Yilang
Published: May 2021

Automated image analysis has received increasing attention in social scientific research, yet existing scholarship has focused on the application of supervised machine learning to classify images into predefined categories. This study focuses on the task of unsupervised image clustering, which automatically finds categories from image data. First, we review the steps to perform image clustering, and then we focus on the key challenge of performing unsupervised image clustering---finding low-dimensional representations of images. We present several methods of extracting low-dimensional representations of images, including the traditional bag-of-visual-words model, self-supervised learning, and transfer learning. We compare these methods using two datasets containing images related to protests in China (from Sina Weibo, Chinese Twitter) and to climate change(from Instagram). Results show that transfer learning significantly outperforms other methods. The dataset used in the pretrained model critically determines what categories algorithms can discover.
More than a COVID-19 response: Sustaining mutual aid groups during and beyond the pandemic
Authors: Fernandes-Jesus Maria , Mao Guanlan , Ntontis Evangelos , Cocking Chris , McTague Michael , Schwarz Anna , Semlyen Joanna , Drury John
Published: May 2021

Mutual aid groups have been an indispensable part of the public response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided many forms of support, in particular grocery shopping which has enabled people to self-isolate if required. While community solidarity during emergencies and disasters is common, previous studies have shown that such solidarity behaviours tend to decline over time, even when needs remain high. In this study, we address how mutual aid groups can be sustained over time in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted 32 interviews with organisers of COVID-19 mutual aid and community support groups in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021. Our reflexive thematic analysis shows that several community and group level experiences and strategies were related to sustained participation in COVID-19 mutual aid groups. Meeting community needs over time with localised action and resources and building trust and community-based alliances were foundational elements in the COVID-19 mutual aid groups. Group processes strategies, such as a culture of care and support or regular group meetings, were key strategies that helped to sustain involvement. The experiences resulting from participation in COVID-19 mutual aid groups were also related to sustained participation, as they led to positive emotions (e.g., joy, pride), well-being and efficacy. Finally, participation in COVID-19 mutual aid was also related to an increasing sense of local community belonging and cohesion. Based on these findings, we propose four practical recommendations for sustaining mutual aid groups in order to assist public engagement with protective behaviours in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We recommend providing practical and financial support to COVID-19 mutual aid groups; to mobilise the knowledge and the experiences acquired by COVID-19 mutual aid groups for developing programmes and interventions for addressing the medium and long-term impacts of COVID-19; to prioritise community-level interventions; and to recognise the role of group processes as they have the potential to lead to long-term community responses. These approaches will be key for ensuring that communities effectively recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peace is in the Eye of the Beholder: How Perceptions of Impartiality Shape Peacekeeping Outcomes
Authors: Nomikos William George
Published: May 2021

Despite the abundance of evidence that UN peacekeepers limit armed group violence during and after civil wars, we know relatively little about the ability of these peacekeepers to contain more localized forms of violence between non-state actors. Given the rise in atrocities and mass displacements from communal violence across theAfrican continent over the past few years, evaluating the effectiveness of peacekeepingat this level is a pressing concern. This article demonstrates that peacekeeping troopsprevent the onset of communal violence. I use data from a survey experiment conducted in Mali to show that the likely explanation for the e?ffectiveness of UN peacekeepers is that locals see them as impartial. I discuss the implications for understanding the effectiveness of UN peacekeepers from di?erent cultural backgrounds. The paper concludes that UN peacekeepers may limit the outbreak of communal violence even in the most challenging settings.
Revolution of Our Time: Surveillance and Materiality in the Hong Kong 2019 Protests
Authors: Johansen Emil Bakkensen , Mariager Janus Emil , Nissen Victor Kalsen
Published: May 2021

On February 12, 2019, the Hong Kong government proposed a legal change that would allow transfer of certain criminal suspects to mainland China. This proposition ignited demonstrations initially against the proposition itself, and later against the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. Since then, millions of protesters have been demonstrating for the political independence of Hong Kong. During these demonstrations, the use of objects and technologies by protesters in their confrontation with local authorities and surveillance devices have been especially highlighted by news media. Through an actor-network analysis, we examine how the presence of surveillance influences the central human and non-human actors of the protest. We deploy a theoretical and methodological approach based on a synthesis between actor-network theory and visual sociology. Our empirical foundation for this analysis is 83 photographs that serve as second-hand insight into the protest situation. Through this qualitative analysis, we illuminate the role of non-human actors in the Hong Kong protests. Also, how the context of protesting in a surveillance state influences the way the networks of the protests are organized. The analytical results point to relations of surveillance and counter-surveillance strategies as central connections between actors in the protest networks. We conclude that non-human actors played a central role for the movement and were mobilized in both practical and visual ways, the latter resulting in non-human actors serving as organizational visual markers.
Shoocongdej, Rasmi
Authors: Conrad Cyler , Karlström Anna
Published: May 2021

This is a bibliographic entry for Dr. Rasmi Shoocongdej for the Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology.
Evaluasi Tingkat Kenyamanan dan Estetika Taman Kota BSD City Tangerang Selatan
Authors: Isnaniyah Rani
Published: May 2021

Perkembangan kota mendorong terbentuknya kota-kota baru di sekitar kotakota besar sebagai tempat tinggal alternatif yang disebut kota mandiri. Kawasan Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City adalah kota mandiri yang terletak di Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten. Kawasan BSD City berbatasan langsung dengan DKI Jakarta, menjadikannya sebagai tempat alternatif bagi masyarakat DKI Jakarta yang telah sangat meningkat. BSD City adalah kota baru dengan konsep permukiman ramah lingkungan yang memiliki ruang terbuka hijau (RTH) untuk menciptakan lingkungan perkotaan yang indah. RTH yang tersedia di kawasan BSD City ada yang berupa taman kota yaitu Taman Kota 1 BSD dan Taman Kota 2 BSD. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Taman Kota 1 BSD dan Taman Kota 2 BSD dengan tujuan yaitu mengidentifikasi jenis dan fungsi tanaman, mengevaluasi fungsi ekologis dan estetika RTH, dan memberikan hasil berupa rekomendasi perbaikan serta penataan tanaman untuk meningkatkan kenyamanan dan estetika taman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan jumlah pohon pada Taman Kota 2 BSD lebih banyak dibandingkan Taman Kota 1 BSD, sedangkan jumlah spesiesnya lebih beragam pada Taman Kota 1 BSD. Hasil penilaian berdasarkan fungsi tanaman dalam modifikasi suhu dan kontrol kelembaban pada Taman Kota 1 BSD dan Taman Kota 2 BSD termasuk kategori baik. Berdasarkan fungsi penahan angin pada Taman Kota 1 BSD juga termasuk kategori baik, sedangkan Taman Kota 2 BSD berkategori sedang. Hasil pengukuran juga menunjukkan kedua taman tersebut efektif dalam ameliorasi iklim mikro apabila dibandingkan dengan suhu rata-rata dan kelembaban rata-rata di luar taman. Penilaian estetika menunjukkan Taman Kota 1 BSD dan Taman Kota 2 BSD masuk dalam kategori estetika tinggi. Responden juga sebagian besar sudah merasa puas dengan kondisi kedua taman kota tersebut saat ini tapi menyarankan agar adanya perbaikan fasilitas yang telah rusak. Responden juga menyarankan penambahan tanaman yang lebih bervariasi seperti tanaman berbunga untuk menambah nilai estetika taman.
An investigation of alpha-transfer reaction 28Si(20Ne,16O)32S
Authors: Aygun Murat
Published: May 2021

The alpha-transfer reaction 28Si(20Ne,16O)32S at 52.3 and 70 MeV is examined by using the double-folding (DF) based on the optical model. The real part is obtained for ten different density distributions of 20Ne projectile. For the imaginary part, the Woods-Saxon potential is used. The obtained results are compared with the experimental data of alpha-transfer reaction as well as the literature results. It is seen that the results are in good agreement with the data, and are better than the literature results.
Canadian Policing and Body-Worn Cameras: Factors to Contemplate in Developing Body-Worn Camera Policy
Authors: Saulnier Alana , Bagg Jason , Thompson Bradley
Published: May 2021

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are increasingly being used by police worldwide. This study demonstrates that, as of 2019, at least 36 percent of Canadian police services have considered or trialed BWCs. News reports suggest that this number continued to rise in 2020. In this article and the accompanying appendices, we strive to provide a comprehensive summary of all topics that Canadian police services should address in a BWC policy. These topics fall into six general categories: BWC program, users, supervisors, data management and retention, video disclosure, and other expectations. The summary was produced by situating the contents of existing Canadian BWC policies in relation to key international content (e.g., BWC research and policy guidelines) and Canadian content (e.g., domestic BWC research, policy recommendations, and legislation) relevant to BWC policy. The summary we present is not prescriptive on topics that require further evidence or that would be best established by practitioners working in conjunction with key stakeholders (e.g., Canadian privacy organizations). We advocate for standardizing police BWC policy across Canada.
Analysis of Sheet Forming Failures
Authors: Schaeffler Daniel J.
Published: May 2021

Sheet forming failures divert resources from normal business activities and have significant bottom-line impact. This article focuses on the formation, causes, and limitations of four primary categories of sheet forming failures, namely necks, fractures/splits/cracks, wrinkles/loose metal, and springback/dimensional. It discusses the processes involved in analytical tools that aid in characterizing the state of a formed part. In addition, information on draw panel analysis and troubleshooting of sheet forming failures is also provided.
Brittle Fracture Assessment and Failure Assessment Diagrams
Authors: Macejko Brian
Published: May 2021

A detailed fracture mechanics evaluation is the most accurate and reliable prediction of process equipment susceptibility to brittle fracture. This article provides an overview and discussion on brittle fracture. The discussion covers the reasons to evaluate brittle fracture, provides a brief summary of historical failures that were found to be a result of brittle fracture, and describes key components that drive susceptibility to a brittle fracture failure, namely stress, material toughness, and cracklike defect. It also presents industry codes and standards that assess susceptibility to brittle fracture. Additionally, a series of case study examples are presented that demonstrate assessment procedures used to mitigate the risk of brittle fracture in process equipment.
Corrosion and Remaining Life Assessment
Authors: Corleto Carlos R. , Hoerner Michael
Published: May 2021

This article illustrates the use of the American Petroleum Institute (API) 579-1/ASME FFS-1 fitness-for-service (FFS) code (2020) to assess the serviceability and remaining life of a corroded flare knockout drum from an oil refinery, two fractionator columns affected by corrosion under insulation in an organic sulfur environment, and an equalization tank with localized corrosion in the shell courses in a chemicals facility. In the first two cases, remaining life is assessed by determining the minimum thickness required to operate the corroded equipment. The first is based on a Level 2 FFS assessment, while the second involves a Level 3 assessment. The last case involves several FFS assessments to evaluate localized corrosion in which remaining life was assessed by determining the minimum required thickness using the concept of remaining strength factor for groove-like damage and evaluating crack-like flaws using the failure assessment diagram. Need for caution in predicting remaining life due to corrosion is also covered.
Characteristics of Isolated Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease: A Comprehensive Comparison with Small Bowel and Colon Involved Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Zhi Min , Lu Yi , Zhuo Xianhua , Chen Lu , Sun Jiachen , Liu Yanan , Zhi Min
Published: May 2021

Background: Some studies showed that small bowel involved Crohn’s Disease (CD) was more serious, which required early identification and aggressive treatment. However, studies investigating small bowel involved CD, especially isolated small bowel CD with large sample size, are limited.
Methods: From November 2013 to August 2018, consecutive patients who were confirmed to have small bowel involved CD by double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups based on whether colon involved: isolated small bowel involved (case group) and small bowel + colon involved (control group).
Results: 204 patients (154 males and 50 females) with small bowel involved CD (98 in case group and 106 in control group) were chosen. Compared with the control group, the case group had a higher proportion of bowel resection history and stricturing behaviour, while had a lower proportion of elevated platelet and erythrocyte sedimentation rate level. The two groups had no difference in bowel resection risk since the DBE procedure (P=0.277), but the case group had a higher probability since the onset of the symptoms (P=0.003). Diagnosis at > 40-year-old, thickest bowel wall>7mm, and stricture found in DBE were risk factors for bowel resection, while patients with irregular ulcer, received infliximab, corticosteroids, or enteral nutrition after DBE may have a lower risk.
Conclusion: The isolated small-bowel CD was concealed and would be easily overlooked, though they may be more serious. The prognosis might not be as bad as it used to be considered if the disease could be diagnosed, evaluated comprehensively, and treated appropriately early.
Tepung Ikan Uji Potensi Limbah Ikan dari Pasar Tradisional di Kota Tanjungpinang sebagai Bahan Baku Alternatif Pembuatan Pakan untuk Budidaya Ikan Laut
Authors: Miranti Shavika
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memunculkan bahan baku alternatif lokal untuk mengurangi penggunaan tepung ikan impor dalam formulasi pembuatan pakan untuk budidaya ikan. Uji potensi limbah ikan (kepala dan tulang) tamban atau yang dikenal dengan nama lemuru (Sardinella lemuru) dilakukan melalui uji proksimat kandungan nutrisinya meliputi kadar air, kadar abu, kadar protein, lemak, serat kasar, dan karbohidrat. Analisis proksimat untuk kadar air dengan pemanasan dalam oven bersuhu 105-110 oC, kadar abu dengan pemanasan dalam tanur bersuhu 600 oC, protein dilakukan dengan metode Kjeldahl, lemak dilakukan dengan metode Soxhlet, serat kasar menggunakan metode pelarutan sampel dengan asam dan basa kuat serta pemanasan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan limbah kepala dan tulang ikan tamban menghasilkan tepung ikan dengan kadar protein 40.68±0.42%.
Efisiensi Pakan dan Pertumbuhan Ikan Bawal Bintang (Trachinotus blochii) dengan penambahan enzim fitase
Authors: Tessalonika Suryani , Putra Wiwin Kusuma Atmaja , Miranti Shavika
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dosis enzim yang tepat untuk meningkatkan efisiensi pakan dan pertumbuhan ikan bawal bintang. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Februari 2019 selama 35 hari di Balai Perikanan Budidaya Laut (BPBL) Batam. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimental dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan dan 3 ulangan. Menggunakan analisis data One-Way ANOVA dan uji Tukey menunjukkan bahwa penambahan enzim fitase memberikan hasil terbaik yaitu perlakuan D (dosis 1,5 g/kg pakan), dimana nilai efisiensi pakan (24,69±1.36 %), laju pertumbuhan bobot spesifik (5,55±0.36 %), laju pertumbuhan panjang spesifik (5,89±0.36 %).
Skrining Komponen Bioaktif Ethanol 96% Sargassum sp. sebagai Antibakteri Terhadap Vibrio Harveyi
Authors: Naina Yuni , Wulandari Rika , Wulandari Rika , Said Razai Tengku
Published: May 2021

Skrining Komponen Bioaktif Ethanol 96% Sargassum sp. sebagai Antibakteri Terhadap Vibrio Harveyi. Alga cokelat (Sargassum sp.) yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini di peroleh dari sepanjang Garis Pantai Trikora Pulau Bintan, Kepulauan Riau. Yang dimaserasi menggunakan pelarut etanol 96% untuk melihat senyawa bioaktif yang terkandung pada sampel kemudian dilakukan uji aktivitas antibakteri terhadap bakteri vibrio harveyi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui komponen senyawa bioaktif Sargassum sp. sebagai antibakteri terhadap patogen jenis vibrio harveyi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Fakultas Ilmu Kelautan dan Perikanan, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji. Penelitian ini dirancang menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 5 perlakuan (6000 ppm, 7000 ppm, 8000 ppm, control (+), control (-)) dan 3 ulangan. Hasil skrining fitokimia Sargassum sp. mendapatkan sampel positif mengandung flavonoid. Aktivitas daya hambat sargassum sp. terbaik ada pada perlakuan 6000 ppm sebesar 27.00 mm dengan Ketegori (Sangat Kuat), untuk Konsentrasi Bunuh Minimum (KBM) Perlakuan 6000 Ppm, dangan rata – rata daya bunuhnya 12.33 mm dengan Ketegori (Kuat). terhadap kontro positif (Amoxicillin) sebesar 33.30 mm.
Biogas Production From Seaweed Padina sp
Authors: Herdiansyah Putra  , R. Marwita Sari Putri  , Aidil Fadli Ilhamdy
Published: May 2021

Seaweed have carbohydrates and water content is high as well as low lignin in comparison with terrestrial plants making it easier didegradasi. Therefore, making the seaweed as feedstock in the manufacture of biogas is one solution to improve the utilization of seaweed in Indonesia. The goal of the research is to find out the potential of seaweed type Padina sp with continuous systems in the manufacture of biogas. Seaweed padina sp has a k arakteristik: protein 4.54, moisture content, ash levels 45.16 12.52 and the ratio c/n 20.81 thus Padina sp potential raw material for the manufacture of biogas. The addition of seaweed padina sp when the biogas production process of 657.84 mg/L COD values before the biogas production process on the comparison of 1:1 of (786,195) and 1:2 (782,184) and the value of COD on after amounting to 1:1 (581,624) and 1:2 (569.59) that result in the concentration of methane (CH4) comparison of 1:1 (107.20 ppm) and 1:2 (123.30 ppm). Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 1:1 (512.79 ppm) and 1:2 (527.39 ppm), respectively.
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Imotilization Using a Combination of White Senduduk (Melastoma decemfidum) and Purple Senduduk (Melastoma malabatricum L.) Leaf Extract
Authors: Lena Sartika  , R. Marwita Sari Putri  , Jumsurizal
Published: May 2021

Fish transport was related to the anesthesia method. Anesthesia aims to reduce metabolism or activity (sedatives). High metabolism during transportation can be minimized using the imotilization method. The purpose of this study was to obtain the combined effect of senduduk putih leaves (Melastoma decemfidum) and purple senduduk leaves (Melastoma malabatricum L.) during fainting, life recovery and graduation from indigo (Oreochromis niloticus). The research stage includes preparation of raw materials, extraction of senduduk leaves, riveting processes and testing of water quality and observing fish behavior. The results of temperature, DO, pH, and TAN before stunning were 28.81oC, 3.63 mg/L, 6.11, 0.06 mg / L. While the results of temperature, DO, pH, and TAN after stunning were 26.35oC, 3.60 mg/L L, 0.29 mg/L. This study was analyzed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).
Separate Saccharification and Fermentation for Bioethanol Production from Raw Seaweed Sargassum sp.
Authors: Aulia Rachmayanti  , R. Marwita Sari Putri  , Aidil Fadli Ilhamdy
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study to obtain the best reducing sugars using acid solvent H2SO4 and HCl to be used as a substrate in fermentation processes to produce bioethanol. The research phase includes the preparation of raw materials Sargassum sp., the processing of acid hydrolysis used a solvent H2SO4 and HCl. Hydrolysis then fermented for five days for the production of etanol. Hydrolysis using acid solvent H2SO4 obtained the best acid concentration of 2% with the result of reducing sugars 82,62 g/L, whereas using HCl acid solvent obtained the best acid concentration of 2% with the result of reducing sugars 74,79 g/L. Fermented for 120 hours to produce ethanol each H2SO4 2 ml and 3 ml HCl.
Antioxidant Activity of Beruas Laut (Scaevola taccada)
Authors: Rudianto  , R. Marwita Sari Putri  , Azwin Apriandi
Published: May 2021

This study utilized beruas laut plant (Scaevola taccada) as a research material. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of S. taccada crude extract, especially on leaves and fruit extract. The highest levels of protein was found in the Scaevola taccada leaf (8.806%), the highest fat was found in the leaf (1.822%), the highest water was found in leaf (11.376%), the highest ash content was found in the leaf (14,78%) and the highest carbohydrates content was found in fruit (82.52%). Phytochemical analysis detected flavonoids, tannins, and steroid in the (S. taccada). Antioxidant analysis obtained IC50 values of chloroform leaf extract was 0.1944, methanol leaf extract was 0.1034, chloroform fruit extract was 0.464, and IC50 values of methanol fruit extract was 0.653.
Book Review: ICT and Changing Education
Authors: DEMİR Aslıhan
Published: May 2021

ICT and Changing Education is edited by Chris Abbott. The book was published in 2001 and it has 142 pages. The ISBNs of the book for different versions are as follows; ISBN-10: 0750709502; ISBN-13: 978-0750709507. The book describes the evolution of computer use in education and addresses the notion of virtual learning communities through case studies involving learners, parents, and educators along with the different national policies.
The effect of gamification on young mathematics learners’ achievements and attitudes
Authors: KARAMERT Önder , KUYUMCU VARDAR Aslıhan
Published: May 2021

This study aims to investigate the effect of gamification on fifth-grade students’ academic achievements and attitudes towards mathematics course. For this purpose, the teaching process of the “fractions” as a subject of the mathematics course is equipped with gamification elements. The quasi-experimental design is preferred as the research design. Achievement test and attitude scale were used as data collection instruments. The participants of the study consisted of fifth-grade students (n = 46). The Pyramidal Design Model was preferred as the gamification design model in this study. Elements of this model were adapted to the class level of participants in this research. As a result of the study, a remarkable statistical difference was observed in the achievement test in favor of the experimental group. However, no major difference was observed in the attitude scale results. This study contains suggestions for the educational use of gamification based on research findings.
What do secondary school students think about experimental practices in science lessons taught in distance education?
Authors: BOSTAN SARIOĞLAN Ayberk , ŞEN Rabia , ALTAŞ Rukiye
Published: May 2021

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which took the world under its influence, many countries, including our country, switched to distance education. During this period, students did not go to schools and lessons continued to be taught online remotely. In this study, it was aimed to investigate secondary school students' opinions about conducting experiments in science lessons in the distance education process. The study group consisted of 587 secondary school students receiving education in 24 schools located in different regions of Turkey. The form consisting of five open-ended questions used as the data collection tool was developed by the researchers. The descriptive content analysis method was used to analyse the data obtained. In the first question, in which the opinions of students about experiment practices in science lesson were investigated during the distance education process, the answers included in the theme of positive opinion were encountered the most. The greatest difficulty faced by students in conducting experiments in distance education was found to be related to the physical conditions they had. Among the expectations of the students, the most common response was related to increasing experimental practices in distance education. The students stated that they found conducting experiments face to face to be more effective and advantageous compared to conducting experiments in distance education. They also made various suggestions regarding the features of the experimental practices. In line with the results of this study, since it was determined that students found it more effective to do face-to-face experiments, it is thought that it would be appropriate to include experimental practices more, especially in lessons conducted face-to-face, at least in the classrooms where hybrid education is applied.
A valid and reliable scale development study to determine the problems encountered by teachers in the distance education process
Authors: METİN Mustafa , KORKMAN Nurullah
Published: May 2021

The aim of study is to develop a valid and reliable scale in order to determine problems encountered by teachers in distance education process. Survey research method was used in the study. The sample of research consists of 411 teachers working in different branches and recitation with distance education at the 2019-2020 academic years. In this study, it was used teachers’ problems determination scale consist of 47 items as a data collection tool. In order to validity of the scale, content, construct and face validity was examined. Besides, the cronbach alpha coefficient was calculated for the reliability study. Expert opinion was taken for the content and face validity, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was applied for construct validity. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, thirteen items were removed and the scale consists of five-factor was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, it was calculated values of RMSEA 0.046, GFI 0.83, CFI 0.93 and IFI 0.92. Besides Cronbach alpha internal consistency reliability coefficient of the scale was found 0.892. As a result, a valid and reliable scale consisting of 34-items was developed to determine problems encountered by teachers in distance education process.
A comparative examination of social perception, network structure, important nodes, and discourses regarding ASD awareness over online networks: A social network and content analysis
Authors: SANİ-BOZKURT Sunagül
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this research is to examine activities carried out on Twitter, which is a social media platform, on April 2 Autism Awareness Day; network structure in Turkey and in a global context, interaction patterns, the important nodes, user profiles, hashtag usage, and social mode within the context of the Twitter messages and discourses. In the research, mixed research method was adopted, and social network analysis and content analysis methods were used. The sample constitutes a total of 16565 people with 2790 people from Turkey and 13775 people from all over the world. According to the findings in the sample and Turkey as well as the global clustered-community group structures has been observed that the structure of the network. When compared with global examples of effective institutions related to the ASD in Turkey in the global context, the process of institutions and corporate entities has been determined to be more effective. It is seen that especially famous people who are known in the global context are involved in the process in order to reach more audiences. It is found that hashtag use in Turkey is limited, for example, on the other hand, in a global context hashtag use is more diverse to reach different target groups Comparative concept maps revealed that fewer themes were issued in Turkey while there was a wide range of themes in the global context. Social mode is positive in both samples.
Issues in Sino-Indian Relations: Implications for Competition
Authors: Munir Fakhr Ul , SanaUllah  , Anila
Published: May 2021

India and China are the world's fast mounting economies influencing global politics affecting 2.5 billion of their subjects via their policies. Both states account for one-fifth of the total populace of the globe. Asia's overall progress, peace, prosperity and stability is directly influenced by the relations of these two Asian competitors. It is anticipated that by 2025, these states would be world's economies. However, bilateral disputes and enmity wield greater regional and global implications, which are intensely required to be resolved for the best and prosperous future. One of the most crucial aspects aggravating Sino-Indian relations is the asylum given to Dalai Lama and the status of Tibet. China has been assisting Pakistan economically and technically to build Gwadar Port, supporting Sri Lankan northern Hambantota Port, extending sustenance to Bangladesh's Chittagong Port, and furthering support to the Myanmar Port lying at the coastal region of the Indian Ocean. However, the strained relations for decades between India and China had given little space for healthy trade, increasing from 3 billion $ in 2000 to 20 billion $ in 2010.
Jihad or Revenge: Theorizing Radicalization in Pashtun Tribal Belt along the Border of Afghanistan
Authors: Shah Ayaz Ali , Ehsan Nelofar , Malik Hina
Published: May 2021

What this research work does is to explore the relationship between radicalization and social traditions of Badal (revenge) in the tribal area of Pakistan. What is argued is that when someone is not guilty of any crime or not involved in any unlawful acts but killed even by the most powerful like Americans, his revenge is considered to be a social obligation by his closer kin of the family. In this process, they may sometimes join organizations like Al-Qaeda or the Taliban in vengeance and often become an active member of a terrorist organization. What may be established is that it is not a religion but the social customs of that particular area that help the locals undergo an unavoidable process of radicalization. For any tribesman, fixing revenge is so important as only this way the victim can live with honor among his community.
The Complex Knot between Sovereignty of States and Secession in International Law: Evidence from Around the World
Authors: Shah Ayaz Ali , Ihsan Nilofar , Malik Hina
Published: May 2021

It is interesting to note that international law doesn't talk about the secession of any group from the parent state in express words. However, at the same time, it doesn't deny people's right to self-determination too. Despite all this ambiguity about secession in international law, state dissolution hasn't stopped. This secession is justified on two strands of theoretical arguments. The first one suggests that it is everyone's fundamental right to live or not to live in a particular state by forming a state of their own. The second one suggests that if a state commits atrocities on a particular community, and the victims exhaust all legal and democratic means to emancipate themselves and their community, they can resort to secession and separation from the parent state in the last resort. However, secession on such grounds is covered by norms and provisions of international law in the post-colonial world.
Executive Assaults on Supreme Court of Pakistan and Movement for Independent Judiciary: 2007-09
Authors: Malik Hina , Ullah Sana , Shah Ayaz Ali
Published: May 2021

Pakistan, since independence, has become a laboratory for constitutional experiments, with the judiciary playing the most controversial role. Under the theory of necessity, the superior judiciary has legalized military takeovers. Although controversial as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Iftekhar Muhammad Chaudhry was found to be a changed person the moment he took his seat as a Chief Justice of Pakistan. However, the situation was not conducive for any action that went against the will of the military ruler. But the Judge-Bench collaboration supported by the entire civil society initiated a movement to negate and nullify the dictates of a dictator. The movement led by the Black Coats community extended over years, bearing hardships of all kinds. The movement was successful in forcing General Musharraf to uphold the provisions of the constitution and rules of established law. The entire nation emerged victorious in upholding what is called the rule of law.
The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on University Students
Authors: Malik Misbah , Altaf Fasiha , Gull Mehwish
Published: May 2021

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 is inducing devastating effects on the physical and psychological health of the masses. This study was designed to identify the psychological effects of COVID-19 on university students in Lahore, Pakistan. A sample consisted of 125 students was selected conveniently form all public and private sector universities of district Lahore. A questionnaire comprising 34 statements related to psychological effects (including sleeping routine, eating habits, fear and anxiety, social interaction and mental wellbeing etc.) of COVID-19 on university students was used. The data collected through "google form" was analyzed through SPSS version 22. The results indicated that the COVID- 19 pandemic highly affects the social interaction of the students and inflict stress and anxiety among them. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended to keep university students engaged with healthy interactive activities and arrange some counselling sessions to minimize psychological effects to lead them to normal life.
Politics as Morality: A Study of Keats' Poetry
Authors: Aryan Ayaz Ahmad , Nawab Rafiq , Iqbal Liaqat
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the present research is to explore the works of Keats from the uncommon and untraditional perspective, the perspective of Keats as a revolutionary poet fighting for the cause of politics and morality. For this purpose, his selected poems were taken for analysis. His works reveal not only the aspects of Romanticism but also of revolution. Most of his poems plead for political and social reforms in a constructive irony of the upheavals through intentionality. Swept up with the current of revolution and sanguinity, on one hand, he deplores the contemporary restlessness and stagnation, but, on the other hand, he is optimistic about the future, where change and reconciliation were for sure. In this way, the works of the poet present the present and the past in a relationship, where the past is allured, the present is struggled for politics and the future is hoped for imaginatively.
Changing Dynamics of Governance after Pandemic Situation in Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Fehmida , Lanjwani Bisharat Ali , Shah Anwar ul Mustafa
Published: May 2021

The existing study aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities of e-government globally, especially in the third world nations, during this covid-19 situation. The miracle of globalization empowered the next generation with the adaptation of the scientific age to interconnect the whole world as a global village via online means. The current study presents the debate concerning the opportunities and challenges of e-government in developing countries like Pakistan and the situation of e-governance during and after covids-19. The major predicament relating to third world countries are associated with social, political and economic issues. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate strategies to prevail over the obstacles, in order to meet these challenges which are to be faced any how to adopt eproject and make it successful. Thus it can be expected, that prevailing review will assist to understand the key difficulties related to technological adoption which belong to political, social, economic, infrastructural, and users' perspectives and legal issues in Pakistan. In this study, the challenges of e-governance and covid-19 have been focused with the technological usages and their positive implementation and development of e-projects.
A Semantic Analysis of the Political Slogans of Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Noon
Authors: Akram Aiman Gul , Iqbal Liaqat
Published: May 2021

The use of language persuasively and diplomatically in the form of catchy and attractive political slogans plays a significant role in the politics of democratic states. This study analyzes the political slogans chanted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Noon (PML-N) during the 2018 election campaign with the purpose to analyze Pakistan's political slogans from a semantic perspective to highlight the semantic properties and analyze the use of political slogans for presenting positive-self and a negative image of others. Data in the form of slogans were collected by random sampling technique. The data was analyzed semantically by following Leech's (1981) theory of meaning. It was revealed that political slogans are composed persuasively and diplomatically to communicate connotative, reflected, social, affective and collocative meanings. It was also found that Political slogans in Pakistan are chanted for portraying a positive image of themselves and a negative image of others.
China's Growing Influence in Afghanistan and its Impacts on Pakistan in the Post-2014 Era
Authors: Iqbal Sabira , Khan Saqib Ullah , Jan Atta Ullah
Published: May 2021

This research paper examines China's growing influence in Afghanistan (post-2014) in the context of the Chinese government's overall approach to Afghan peace and stability. China growing influence in Afghanistan can be seen in three dynamics which are security, economic, and geostrategic, and its impacts on Pakistan have also been explored. This study is based on a mixed research approach means Qualitative cum Quantitative. In the economic field, it has been observed that the Chinese invested in Afghanistan more in the post-2014 as compared to pre-2014. In the security field, the China diplomatic efforts can be seen in the form of treaties and agreements with Afghanistan under Ashraf Ghani's Afghan Unity Government AUG. These efforts are to eradicate terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan as China herself is facing the same issue in its western region. The China vision in the Geostrategic field and its strategy and policy towards Afghanistan are analyzed. These three-tier policies of China in Afghanistan have certain impacts on Pakistan, and these impacts are explored under BRI particular part, which is CPEC Post 2014.
Adaptive Fuzzy Fault-Tolerant Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems under Actuator Faults: Application to an Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Bounemeur Abdelhamid , Chemachema Mohamed
Published: May 2021

This work investigates a fuzzy direct adaptive fuzzy fault-tolerant Control (FFTC) for a class of perturbed single input single output (SISO) uncertain nonlinear systems. The designed controller consists of two sub-controllers. One is an adaptive unit, and the other is a robust unit, whereas the adaptive unit is devoted to getting rid of the dynamic uncertainties along with the actuator faults, while the second one is developed to deal with fuzzy approximation errors and exogenous disturbances. It is proved that the proposed approach ensures a good tracking performance against faults occurring, uncertainties, and exogenous disturbances, and the stability study of the closed-loop is proved regarding the Lyapunov direct method in order to prove that all signals remain bounded. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed technique.
Trend Analysis of Modal Identification based Real-time Power System Oscillations using L1 Trend Filtering
Authors: Oscullo José , Cepeda Jaime , Gallardo Carlos , Haro Lenin
Published: May 2021

This paper is looking to show to use of system data collected from wide-area monitoring systems (WAMS). They allow monitoring of the dynamics of power systems. Among the WAMS applications, there is the modal identification algorithm, which identifies critical oscillatory modes from PMU measurements. This application permits using data processors for estimating of frequency, damping, and amplitude of dominant mode oscillations observable in a specific electric signal (e.g., active power, frequency) recorded for the analyzed period. However, since modal identification of real-time measurements is based on an online optimization, the results usually have considerable fluctuations. Thus, it is essential to consider the complementary implementation of trend analysis for acquiring convenient early-warning indicators of oscillatory problems. This consideration allows avoiding erroneous information of the systems oscillatory behavior of the system real-time that modal identification of crude results could deliver. In this paper, the application of a l1 filter for determining the trend analysis of high-dimensional data set resulted from a commercial modal identification is explored. The algorithm is applied to an oscillatory event registered by the WAMS of the Ecuadorian National Interconnected System with promising results.
Screwdriver torque strength and physiological cost of muscles dependent on hand preference and direction of rotation
Authors: Strasser Helmut , Wang Baoquiu
Published: May 2021

The focus of this research was to investigate how maximum torque and muscle forces were affected by pronation and supination, i.e., inward and outward rotation of the forearm in a series of screwdriver tests with 6 varied handles. Consecutively, maximum torque for pronation and supination was determined, submaximum isometric levels of torque were demanded, and, finally, an equal dynamic screwing work for all subjects was simulated. Physiological cost of performance was simultaneously measured by registrations of electromyographic activities (EA) from 4 muscles, which were expected to be involved intensively in screwing tasks. Significant and essential differences between maximum torque values produced by pronation and supination of the right and the left arm of the mainly right-handed subjects were found. For clockwise work, as it is necessary e.g., for driving in screws, inward rotations (pronations) of the nondominant hand are at least as strong as outward rotations of the dominant hand. Differences of about 8% favour of pronations were found. Yet, for counter clockwise work involved e.g., in removing a tightened screw, inward rotations of the dominant hand yielded a much more stronger torque strength than outward rotations of the nondominant hand. Differences of more than 50% right-handed subjects were measured. Also, EA values of the 4 muscles monitored on the right arm differed significantly. Systematically operational and physiological differences due to the varied screwdriver grips, as results of investigations which were not the main objective of the study, corresponded well with the findings of prior studies.
Standing comfort on floor mats
Authors: Krumwiede Dennis , Konz Stephan , Hinnen Paula
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 6 specific standing surfaces (a concrete surface and 5 different floor mat styles). The subjects stood for one hour on each of 6 different surfaces. Each subject completed a comfort evaluation form at 15-minute intervals indicating on a scale of 1 to 10 the discomfort they were experiencing. The most desirable surface was chosen from a statistical analysis and a qualitative selection made by each subject. Mat preference was higher for more compressible mats.
Effects of shoulder translation on lumbar moment for two dimensional modeling strategies during lifting
Authors: Albert Wayne J. , Stevenson Joan M. , Dumas Geneviève A. , Wheeler Roger W.
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop a dynamic 2D link segment model for lifting using the constraints of four sensors from an electromagnetic motion analysis system; 2) evaluate the magnitude of shoulder movement in the sagittal plane during lifting; and 3) investigate the effect of shoulder translation on trunk acceleration and lumbar moments calculated by the developed model and comparing it with two separate 2D dynamic link segment models. Six women and six men lifted loads of 2 kg, 7 kg, 12 kg and 2 kg, 12 kg, 22 kg respectively, under stoop, squat and freestyle conditions. Trunk orientation and position, as well as shoulder position were monitored during all lifts using the Polhemus FASTRAK\trdmk. Results indicated that average range of motion was 0.05 ± 0.02 m in the horizontal direction and 0.03 ± 0.02 m in the vertical direction. Shoulder position relative to T1 was located 0.07 ± 0.02 m anteriorly, and 0.02 ± 0.04 m superiorly (0.06 and 0.00 m for males and 0.08 and 0.04 m for females, respectively). To estimate the effect of shoulder motion on trunk acceleration and L5/S1 moments, three two-dimensional dynamic link segment models were developed within the constraints of the electromagnetic tracking system and compared. Trunk segment endpoints were defined as L5/S1 and either T1 or shoulder depending on model type. For trunk accelerations, average differences between models were greater than 40 deg/s² in 70.4% trunk accelerations did not translate into significantly different moment calculations between models. Average peak dynamic L5/S1 moment differences between models were smaller than 4 Nm for all lifting conditions which failed to be statistically significant (p>0.05). The model type did not have a statistically significant effect on peak L5/S1 moments. Therefore, despite important shoulder joint translations, peak L5/S1 moments were not significantly affected.
Modeling of risk factors in the VDT workstation systems
Authors: Lu Hongzheng , Aghazadeh Fereydoun
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this research were to: (1) determine the risk factors in the VDT workstation systems associated with the physical symptoms reported by VDT users; and (2) examine the interrelationship among these risk factors. A research model was developed. A survey was then designed and conducted among 88 computer users. Factor analysis and regression analysis methods were used to analyze the data. Different types of physical symptoms experienced by VDT operators are related to different risk factors. Ocular discomfort is significantly related to screen glare. General musculoskeletal and physical symptoms are related to fatigue and awkward work postures. Upper body symptoms are related to awkward work postures. Psychosocial factors significantly interact with other variables, such as demographic variables, and are associated with awkward work postures and psychological stress. Poor workstation designs are associated with awkward work postures which in turn are related to physical symptoms.