bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning About the Effects of Alert Uncertainty in Attack and Defend Decisions via Cognitive Modeling
Authors: Aggarwal Palvi , Moisan Frederic , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Dutt Varun
Published: September 2020

Objective

We aim to learn about the cognitive mechanisms governing the decisions of attackers and defenders in cybersecurity involving intrusion detection systems (IDSs).

Background

Prior research has experimentally studied the role of the presence and accuracy of IDS alerts on attacker’s and defender’s decisions using a game-theoretic approach. However, little is known about the cognitive mechanisms that govern these decisions.

Method

To investigate the cognitive mechanisms governing the attacker’s and defender’s decisions in the presence of IDSs of different accuracies, instance-based learning (IBL) models were developed. One model (NIDS) disregarded the IDS alerts and one model (IDS) considered them in the instance structure. Both the IDS and NIDS models were trained in an existing dataset where IDSs were either absent or present and they possessed different accuracies. The calibrated IDS model was tested in a newly collected test dataset where IDSs were present 50% of the time and they possessed different accuracies.

Results

Both the IDS and NIDS models were able to account for human decisions in the training dataset, where IDS was absent or present and it possessed different accuracies. However, the IDS model could accurately predict the decision-making in only one of the several IDS accuracy conditions in the test dataset.

Conclusions

Cognitive models like IBL may provide some insights regarding the cognitive mechanisms governing the decisions of attackers and defenders in conditions not involving IDSs or IDSs of different accuracies.

Application

IBL models may be helpful for penetration testing exercises in scenarios involving IDSs of different accuracies.
GM2 ganglioside accumulation causes neuroinflammation and behavioral alterations in a mouse model of early onset Tay-Sachs disease
Authors: Demir Seçil Akyıldız , Timur Zehra Kevser , Ateş Nurselin , Martínez Luis Alarcón , Seyrantepe Volkan
Published: September 2020

Background

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD), a type of GM2-gangliosidosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α subunit of the lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme. This disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside, predominantly in the central nervous system. Although Tay-Sachs patients appear normal at birth, the progressive accumulation of undegraded GM2 gangliosides in neurons leads to death. Recently, an early onset Tay-Sachs disease mouse model, with genotype Hexa−/−Neu3−/−, was generated. Progressive accumulation of GM2 led to premature death of the double KO mice. Importantly, this double-deficient mouse model displays typical features of Tay-Sachs patients, such as cytoplasmic vacuolization of nerve cells, deterioration of Purkinje cells, neuronal death, deceleration in movement, ataxia, and tremors. GM2-gangliosidosis is characterized by acute neurodegeneration preceded by activated microglia expansion, macrophage, and astrocyte activation, along with the production of inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanism of disease progression in Hexa−/−Neu3−/− mice, relevant to neuroinflammation is poorly understood.

Method

In this study, we investigated the onset and progression of neuroinflammatory changes in the cortex, cerebellum, and retina of Hexa−/−Neu3−/− mice and control littermates by using a combination of molecular genetics and immunochemical procedures.

Results

We found elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine transcripts, such as Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, and Cxcl10 and also extensive microglial and astrocyte activation and proliferation, accompanied by peripheral blood mononuclear cell infiltration in the vicinity of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Behavioral tests demonstrated a high level of anxiety, and age-dependent loss in both spatial learning and fear memory in Hexa−/−Neu3−/− mice compared with that in the controls.

Conclusion

Altogether, our data suggest that Hexa−/−Neu3−/− mice display a phenotype similar to Tay-Sachs patients suffering from chronic neuroinflammation triggered by GM2 accumulation. Furthermore, our work contributes to better understanding of the neuropathology in a mouse model of early onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Durability of Structural Lightweight Concrete Containing Expanded Perlite Aggregate
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed , Ahmad Aftab , Barry Mohammed S. , Alhems Luai M. , Mohamed Suhoothi A. C.
Published: September 2020

This study focuses on the development of durable structural lightweight concrete (LWC) by incorporating expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) in the range of 0 to 20% by weight. In order to ensure its durability when exposed to chloride environment, concrete was produced with low water-to-cement ratio and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with 50% and 7% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and silica fume (SF), respectively. The mechanical properties and durability of concrete were assessed by determining the unit weight, compressive strength, flexural strength, drying shrinkage, chloride permeability and migration, as well as resistance of concrete to corrosion of reinforcing steel. Very importantly, thermal insulation properties were determined using a hot guarded plate. In addition, a finite element model (FEM) was prepared to study the behavior of EPA-modified concrete under seismic loading. The results showed that the unit weight of concrete was reduced by 20% to 30% when compared with the normal weight concrete (NWC). The compressive strength of the developed LWC was sufficient to be used as structural concrete, particularly of those mixtures containing 10% and 15% perlite aggregate. The durability of LWC was comparable to NWC in terms of chloride diffusion and resistance of concrete to corrosion of reinforcing steel. The tangible outcomes also include the superior thermal insulation properties of LWC compared to NWC. The greater incorporation of EPA in the concrete resulted in better behavior under seismic loading.
Verification Testing to Confirm V˙O2max in a Hot Environment
Authors: PRYOR J. LUKE , LEIJA ROBERT GARCIA , MORALES JACOBO , POTTER ADAM W. , LOONEY DAVID P. , PRYOR RIANA R. , HOSTLER DAVID , COCHRANE-SNYMAN KRISTEN C.
Published: September 2020

Verification tests to confirm graded exercise test (GXT) V˙O2max are growing in popularity, but the validity and reliability of such testing in the heat remains unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of a verification test to confirm GXT V˙O2max in a hot environment.

Methods

Twelve recreationally trained cyclists completed a two-test protocol that included a GXT progressing 20 W·min−1 followed by a biphasic supramaximal-load verification test (1 min at 60% increasing to 110% maximal GXT wattage until failure) in a hot environment (39°C, 32% relative humidity). Rest between tests occurred in a thermoneutral room and was anchored to the duration required for gastrointestinal temperature to return to baseline.

Results

Mean verification test V˙O2max (51.3 ± 8.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) was lower than GXT (55.9 ± 7.6 mL·kg−1·min−1, P = 0.02). Verification tests confirmed GXT V˙O2max in 92% of participants using individual analysis thresholds. Bland–Altman analysis revealed a sizable mean bias (−4.6 ± 4.9 mL·kg−1·min−1) with wide 95% limits of agreement (−14.0 to 5.0 mL·kg−1·min−1) across a range of V˙O2max values. The high coefficient of variation (9.6%) and typical error (±3.48 mL·kg−1·min−1) indicate potential issues of test–retest reliability in the heat.

Conclusions

Verification testing in a hot condition confirmed GXT V˙O2max in virtually all participants, indicating robust utility. To enhance test–retest reliability in this environment, protocol recommendations for work rate and recovery between tests are provided.
Enhanced performance of N-polar AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhuang Zhe , Iida Daisuke , Ohkawa Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

We numerically investigated the performance of N-polar AlGaN-based ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different Al contents in quantum wells (QWs) and barriers. We found that N-polar structures could improve the maximum internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and suppress the efficiency droop, especially for deep-UV LEDs. Compared to metal-polar LEDs, N-polar ones retained higher IQE values even when the acceptor concentrations in the p-layers were one order of magnitude lower. The enhanced performance originated from the higher injection efficiencies of N-polar structures in terms of efficient carrier injection into QWs and suppressed electron overflow at high current densities.
Kepler’s law for optical beams
Authors: Jaimes-Nájera A. , Gómez-Correa J. E. , Iturbe-Castillo M. D. , Pu Jixiong , Chávez-Cerda S.
Published: September 2020

It is well known that optics and classical mechanics are intimately related. One of the most important concepts in classical mechanics is that of a particle in a central potential that leads to the Newtonian description of the planetary dynamics. Within this, a relevant result is Kepler’s second law that is related to the conservation of orbital angular momentum, one of the fundamental laws in physics. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to find the conditions that allow us to state Kepler’s second law for optical beams with orbital angular momentum by analyzing the streamlines of their energy flow. We find that the optical Kepler’s law is satisfied only for cylindrical symmetric beams in contrast to the classical mechanics situation that is satisfied for the other conic geometries, namely, parabolic, elliptical and hyperbolic. We propose a novel approach to confirm our analytic results: we observe the propagation of the Arago’s spot created by a beam with orbital angular momentum as a local “light-tracer” instead of looking at the propagation of the whole beam. The observed patterns fully agree with the prediction of our formalism.
Mud Pack With Menthol and Arnica Montana Accelerates Recovery Following a High-Volume Resistance Training Session for Lower Body in Trained Men
Authors: Bartolomei Sandro , Nigro Federico , D'Amico Alessio , Cortesi Matteo , Di Michele Rocco
Published: September 2020

Bartolomei, S, Nigro, F, D'Amico, A, Cortesi, M, and Di Michele, R. Mud pack with menthol and Arnica montana accelerates recovery following a high-volume resistance training session for lower body in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1909–1915, 2022—The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a mud pack, containing menthol and Arnica montana, on the recovery responses following a high-volume resistance protocol. Ten resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age = 25.3 ± 6.1 years; body mass = 79.1 ± 10.6 kg; height = 178.9 ± 7.5 cm) performed a high-volume resistance workout for lower body squat and leg extension, (5 sets of 10 reps at 70% of one repetition maximum for both exercises). All the subject used mud (MUD) or a placebo (PL) in randomized counterbalanced crossover design. MUD or PL were applied 4 times: 3, 19, 27, and 45 hours after the workout, on the skin surface above the quadriceps muscle of both legs. Muscle performance (countermovement jump power [CMJP], isokinetic leg press at 75 cm·s−1 and 25 cm·s−1 [ISOK75 and ISOK25, respectively], isometric squat [ISQ]), and morphology (muscle thickness of vastus lateralis [VLMT]), were measured before exercise (baseline [BL]), and 15 minutes (15P), 24 hours (24P), and 48 hours (48P) postexercise. In addition, muscle soreness was assessed at the same time points using a visual analog scale (VAS). No significant interactions (p > 0.05) between the trials were detected for CMJP, ISOK75, ISQ, and VLMT. A significant interaction between trials was noted for ISOK25 (p = 0.022) and for VAS (p = 0.001). ISOK25 was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced from BL at 15P, 24P and 48P in PL, whereas changes were significant (p < 0.05) at 15P and 24P only in MUD. The present findings indicate that MUD may enhance the recovery rate of strength and reduce muscle soreness after high-volume exercise. Muscle morphology do not seem to be influenced by mud packs.
Bodyweight BOSU Ball Exercises
Authors: Snarr Ronald Lee , Wirbiezcas Michelle , Colbert Alesondra , Langford Emily , Hogan Gina
Published: September 2020

A growing trend in strength and conditioning is the execution of traditional exercises on instability devices. With the addition of these implements, there is a greater challenge to maintain stability and balance. Implementing a device, such as the BOSU ball, may provide benefits to individuals rehabilitating from an injury, older individuals, and those looking to increase overall health benefits. Thus, this column provides detailed descriptions of the proper technique, advanced progressions, and exercise prescription for 4 bodyweight BOSU ball exercises.
Students’ Pedagogic and Professional Competencies in Teaching Practice Program
Authors: HB Zulfahmi , Trinova Zulvia , Mahmud Mahmud
Published: September 2020

The research aims to describe pedagogical and professional competencies of students who enroll at the department of Islamic elementary education at Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UIN Imam Bonjol Padang. A mixed method was implemented where the data collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The results of the study on aspects of pedagogical competence was at the level of very good (82.4%). It was also found that the criteria to master the characteristics of students from the physical, moral, spiritual, social, cultural, emotional, and intellectual aspects were very good (80%), carrying out educational learning was very good (81%), facilitating the development of potential students to actualize various potentials which was very good (83%), communicating effectively, empathically, and politely with 88% of students (very good), and in evaluating and evaluating 80% (very good). While professional competence was with a value of 78.3% (good). Among the mastery of teaching material 78.5% (good), the use of learning media 77.5% (good), as well as contextual material or connecting teaching materials with the daily life of students 79% (good). The study recommended that prospective educators further improve pedagogical and professional competencies, often take part in training activities, practice teaching simulations. For the department of Islamic elementary education should be more professional to guide students during teaching practice programme activities, and lectures, especially in the field of teacher competency development.
Self-Assessment in Exploring EFL Students’ Speaking Skill
Authors: Alek Alek , Marzuki Abdul Gafur , Farkhan Muhammad , Deni Rahma
Published: September 2020

Self-assessment is one of alternative ways to evaluate students’ speaking talent in English. Through this evaluation, students are allowed to discover, know, and develop their speaking skill. Nonetheless, this sort of project was probably not common in Indonesia. Thus, this study was aimed to know students’ perception of using self-assessment for assessing their oral performance at Link and Match vocational high school. The information of this study was gathered by means of questionnaire which consists of 5 questions about the use of self-assessment. In this qualitative study, the data had been analyzed descriptively. There have been 30 vocational high school students who stand in Multimedia Major as the participant of this study. The results of this study indicated that most of the students thought that self-assessment very helpful for them because it allowed them to know their functionality and develop it to achieve the course goal specifically the speaking course objective. However, some students though that self-assessment was considerably useful since the teacher not often use this assignment and the students not take pleasure in whereas attempting to assess themselves. Self-assessment is very useful in exploring and assessing students speaking skill.
The failure analysis of the drilling rig hoisting steel wire rope
Authors: Peterka Pavel , Krešák Jozef , Vojtko Marek , Halek Branislav , Heinz David
Published: September 2020

Drilling rigs belong to the lowest-safety level of hoisting rope systems. The valid regulation
for drilling permits the usage of steel ropes on condition that their permanent safety does
not decrease under the value 2.5. Considerable dynamic and cyclic stresses, abrasion and
corrosive environment generated during the operation cause rapid fatigue and rope damage.
The stress of the rope in operation leads to the specific precautions ensuring the safety rope
work. The specific precautions include monitoring of the rope tractive work measured in
tonne-kilometres (ton-kilometres services). The working part of the hoisting ropes of the
drilling rigs - after the stated number of tonne kilometres was worked off - is slipped and a
regular non-destructive rope test (NDT) is recommended. Rope under sizing, failing in rope
slipping program and non- implementation of NDT controls led to the situations endangering the drilling crew safety. After the critical situations the operator decided to perform the
analysis of the condition of all ropes.
Virtual prototyping of the suspended monorail in the aspect of increasing the permissible travel speed in hard coal mines
Authors: Herbuś Krzysztof , Szewerda Kamil , Świder Jerzy
Published: September 2020

Due to the longer distance of moving the crew to the workplace in hard coal mines, the
possibility of increasing the maximum permissible speed of suspended monorails was considered. To ensure an adequate level of safety, decelerations affecting the crew in the case
of emergency braking in various travelling conditions were analysed. The computational
model was verified based on the results of the bench tests on a dedicated test track. The article presents a comparison of results of numerical calculations with measurements at the test
stand, and results of numerical simulations in relation to the criterial states that could not be
checked at the test stand as well as the analysis of overloads that affect the crew during the
emergency braking. These overloads have a significant impact on safety of the operator and
passengers, and their determination and analysis may be the basis for assessing the degree
of safety as well as for the development of guidelines for designing the additional equipment
for the operator's cabs and passenger cars, i.e. components increasing their safety
Extracting structure of Bayesian network from data in predicting the damage of prefabricated reinforced concrete buildings in mining areas
Authors: Rusek Janusz , Firek Karol , Słowik Leszek
Published: September 2020

This article presents the results of the research on the construction of a model for assessing
the risk of damage to building structures located in mining areas. The research was based
on the database on the structure, technical condition and mining impacts regarding 129
prefabricated reinforced concrete buildings erected in the industrialised large-block system,
located in the mining area of the Legnica-Glogow Copper District (LGCD). The methodology of the Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) was used for the analysis. Using the score-based
Bayesian structure learning approach (Hill-Climbing and Tabu-Search) as well as the selected optimisation criteria, 16 Bayesian network structures were induced. All models were
subjected to quantitative and qualitative evaluation by verifying their features in the context
of accuracy of prediction, generalisation of acquired knowledge and cause-effect relationships. This allowed to select the best network structure together with the corresponding
optimisation criterion. The analysis of the results demonstrated that the Tabu-Search method
adopting the optimisation criterion in the form of Locally Averaged Bayesian Dirichlet score
(BDla) led to obtaining a model with the best features among all the selected models. The
results justified the adoption of the BBN methodology as effective in the context of assessing
the extent of damage to building structures in mining areas.
On the question of the influence of the ovaro-salpingectomy operation during the hysteroepilepsy
Authors: Kaplyanskiy V.
Published: September 2020

The indications for castration, first developed by Hegar, are known to have expanded far, since Charcot found a way to stop or induce hysteroepileptic seizures by pressing the ovaries, as the hope arose to promote the removal of the ovaries to radically heal from hysteria.
KELALAIAN MANUSIA (HUMAN ERROR) DALAM KECELAKAAN LALU LINTAS: ANALISIS BERDASARKAN PEMROSESAN INFORMASI
Authors: Guritnaningsih Guritnaningsih , Tjahjono Tri , Maulina Dewi
Published: September 2020

Indonesia face a serious problem  of high number of death caused by traffic accidents. All this time human error or human negligence are considered as the cause of traffic accidents. The aim ot this study is to analyze the factors of causes and the dynamics of the traffic accidents from the drivers’ cognitive factor. Four wheel vehicles drivers and motorcyclist who were the prepetrators of traffic accidents were interviewed. Result of this study shows that negligence in recognizing situations as well as in making decision while driving becomes dominant factors in human error. The implication of this study is to re-evaluate the policy of driving license requirements, and the socialization program about safety on the road.

Tingginya angka kematian akibat kecelakaan di jalan raya merupakan masalah serius yang dihadapi oleh Indonesia. Selama ini human error atau kelalaian manusia seringkali ditunjuk sebagai penyebab terjadinya kecelakaan lalu lintas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor penyebab dan dinamika terjadinya kecelakaan lalu lintas ditinjau dari faktor kognitif yang ada pada diri pengemudi/pengendara. Wawancara dilakukan terhadap pengemudi kendaraan roda empat dan pengendara sepeda motor yang berperan sebagai pelaku terjadinya kecelakaan lalu lintas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kelalaian dalam mengenali situasi dan kelalaian dalam membuat keputusan bertindak dalam mengemudi/mengendara menjadi faktor dominan dalam human error. Implikasi dari peneltian ini adalah dapat dikembangkannya kebijakan bagi persyaratan perolehan Surat Ijin Mengemudi dan program sosialisasi keselamatan di jalan raya.
PENENTUAN BIAYA KECELAKAAN LALU LINTAS: STUDI KASUS LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Kusuma Andyka , Tjahjono Tri , Achjar Nuzul
Published: September 2020

Traffic accident cost analysis is needed to predict potential losses of nation due to the emergence of traffic accident victims. The cost of traffic accidents in Indonesia is based on the characteristics of the City of Bandung in 2003, and it is shown that the cost of traffic accidents can vary according to regional characteristics. This study tries to compare the analytical approach in Bandung in 2003 with the Consumer Price Index and Human Development Index approaches for an area with medium accessibility, namely East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Province. The location of traffic accidents greatly influences the cost of traffic accidents, because the costs on inter-city roads are relatively higher compared to those on roads in the city. This study shows that the cost of traffic accidents is related to accessibility of health facilities. This analysis can be developed for all regions in Indonesia, so that it can be used as a reference for traffic stakeholders in assessing the performance of the traffic safety programs implemented.

Analisis biaya kecelakaan lalu lintas diperlukan untuk memprediksi potensi kerugian negara akibat timbulnya korban kecelakaan lalu lintas. Biaya kecelakaan lalu lintas di Indonesia dibangun berdasarkan karakteristik kota Bandung tahun 2003, dan diperlihatkan bahwa biaya kecelakaan lalu lintas dapat bervariasi sesuai dengan karakteristik wilayah. Penelitian ini mencoba membandingkan pendekatan analisis di Bandung tahun 2003 dengan pendekatan Indeks Harga Konsumen dan Indeks Pembangunan Manusia untuk suatu wilayah dengan aksesibilitas menengah, yakni Lombok Timur, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat. Lokasi kecelakaan lalu lintas sangat mempengaruhi biaya kecelakaan lalu lintas, karena biaya di jalan antar kota relatif lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan biaya di jalan dalam kota. Penelitian ini meperlihatkan bahwa biaya kecelakaan lalu lintas terkait dengan aksesibilitas fasilitas kesehatan. Analisis ini dapat dikembangkan untuk semua wilayah di Indonesia, sehingga dapat dijadikan acuan bagi pemangku kepentingan lalu lintas dalam menilai kinerja program keselamatan lalu lintas yang dijalankan.
FAKTOR PENYEBAB KECELAKAAN LALU LINTAS: STUDI KASUS BEBERAPA JALAN DI KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Widyastuti Hera , Utami Adita
Published: September 2020

Indonesia on the fifth ranks in the world considering of accident number, after China, India, Afghanistan, and Nigeria, where East Java is the province that has the highest accident in Indonesia. The city of Surabaya as the Capital of East Java Province automatically became the centre of government activities, giving rise to transportation activities that indirectly had an impact on accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research to obtain the accident rate and the location of black site in the city of Surabaya. In addition, considering that productive age including junior high school (SMP) is the highest contributor on the accidents, the level of understanding of junior high school students on traffic regulations needs to be analysed. From the data obtained at IRSMS, it can be seen that five roads in Surabaya were the highest contributors to accidents in Surabaya, namely Mastrip, Diponegoro, A. Yani, Kenjeran, and Ir. Soekarno, where the five roads are inter-city connecting roads that blend with the road in the city. In addition, from the interview data, there was a relationship between awareness of traffic behaviour and willingness to protect themselves.

Indonesia menduduki peringkat kelima, setelah Tiongkok, India, Afghanistan, dan Nigeria. Dan Jawa Timur adalah propinsi yang mempunyai kecelakaan tertinggi di Indonesia. Kota Surabaya sebagai Ibukota Provinsi Jawa Timur secara otomatis menjadi pusat kegiatan pemerintahan, sehingga menimbulkan kegiatan transportasi yang secara tidak langsung berdampak pada terjadinya kecelakaan. Oleh karenanya perlu dilakukan penelitian untuk memperoleh nilai accident rate, serta black site di Kota Surabaya. Selain itu mengingat usia produktif termasuk anak sekolah tingakat Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMP) adalah penyumbang kecelakaan tertinggi, maka tingkat pemahaman para pelajar SMP terhadap peraturan lalu lintas perlu di analisa. Dari data yang didapat pada IRMS, terlihat bahwa lima jalan di kota Surabaya menjadi penyumbang kecelakaan tertinggi di Surabaya, yaitu jalan A. Yani, Mastrip, Diponegoro, Kenjeran dan Ir. Soekarno, dimana kelima jalan tersebut adalah jalan-jalan penghubung antar kota yang berbaur dengan jalan dalam kota. Selain itu dari data wawancara diperoleh hubungan antara niat dengan kepatuhan terhadap peraturan lalu lintas.
STUDI KOMPARASI PEMILIHAN ANGKA KECEPATAN KENDARAAN DI PURWOKERTO DAN SEMARANG
Authors: Hardini Probo , Hidayati Nurul , I Eva Wahyu
Published: September 2020

Driver speed that exceeds the limit is one of many factors that trigger road accidents. This study aims to analyze the differences in driver perception in choosing the speed of the vehicle. This research was conducted in two cities with characteristics assumed to have different socio-cultural aspects, namely Semarang City representing the big city and Purwokerto City as the medium city. The study uses questionnaire data distributed to respondents of vehicle users and analyzed using quantitative descriptive methods. It is known that motorists or drivers in the two cities above have the same perception related to the reason for speeding, namely travel time and punctuality to the destination. However, there are differences in perceptions on the negative effect that underlie the decision making, namely self-actualization for the release of anger and praise. Referring to several reasons in the questionnaire, the answers of drivers in Semarang lead to the poles agree, while in Purwokerto, they lead to disagreeing. Also, it was found that the driver's knowledge of speed limits can affect the choice of speed values taken. This can be seen in the high percentage of respondents who do not know the speed limit of urban roads and the high percentage of motorists who do the speeding.

Kecepatan kendaraan pengendara yang melebihi batas menjadi salah satu faktor pencetus terjadinya kecelakaan di jalan raya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perbedaan persepsi masyarakat dalam berkendara. Penelitian ini dilakukan di dua kota dengan karakteristik yang diasumsikan mempunyai sosial budaya yang berbeda, yaitu Kota Semarang merepresentasikan kota besar dan Kota Purwokerto sebagai kota sedang. Penelitian ini menggunakan data kuisioner yang dibagikan kepada responden pengguna kendaraan, dan dianalisis dengan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dapat diketahui bahwa pengendara di kedua kota di atas mempunyai persepsi yang sama terkait dengan alasan berkendara melebihi kecepatan, yaitu waktu tempuh dan ketepatan waktu sampai di tujuan. Meskipun demikian, ada perbedaan persepsi pada pengaruh negatif yang mendasari pengambilan keputusan tersebut, yaitu aktualisasi diri untuk pelampiasan marah dan mendapat pujian. Berdasarkan beberapa alasan yang ada di kuisioner, jawaban pengendara dan pengemudi di Kota Semarang mengarah pada kutub setuju, sedangkan di Kota Purwokerto mengarah tidak setuju. Selain itu diketahui bahwa pengetahuan pengendara tentang batas kecepatan dapat mempengaruhi pemilihan nilai kecepatan yang diambil. Hal ini terlihat pada tingginya persentase responden yang tidak mengetahui batas kecepatan jalan perkotaan dan tingginya persentase pengendara yang mengemudi di atas batas kecepatan.
Impact of digital technology in higher education
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Mofizur
Published: September 2020

In the current era, digital technology cannot be overlooked in higher education and other economic factors. Digital technology introduces scopes that expedite blended, e-learning, and online in higher education; suggests a multiple of ways to communicate, learn, correspond, cooperate, and collaborate. Also, digital technology has been more and more widely used in higher education for the continuous development of the economy. This study replicates on the growing importance of digital technology on higher education in Bangladesh over the period 1988-2018. Besides, the study exploits the Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model (VECM) for investigating the positive relationship between digital technology and higher education. The Johansen's cointegration outcomes ascertain that digital technology, higher education, and gross domestic product are cointegrated in the long-run. Furthermore, the VECM outcomes suggest that digital technology can stimulate higher education in both the long run and short run, where learners, educators, and nations are consistently gainer of this country. The study also highlights that higher education consistently contributes to gross domestic product. This research would do twisting up higher education in the kind of digital technology that effectively contributes to educational institutions and countries to remain long-term response. Bangladesh must be beneficial by growing technological development in higher education. For the rapid changes in higher education, the research is advocated that the successful execution of digital technology needs to concentrate on interconnecting structures for transformation: the educator, the educational institutions, and the policymakers. Consequently, public policies would make educational changes in practicing the digital technology of Bangladesh
Transformation leadership style and employee job satisfaction in county government of Kakamega, Kenya
Authors: Barasa Brenda Lumbasi , Kariuki Anne
Published: September 2020

Transformational leadership is critical because of its contribution to organizational positive outcomes such as improved performance, motivation, and employee job satisfaction. Existing empirical and extant literature confirms that there is a positive relationship between transformational leadership and employee job satisfaction. This study complemented the findings by studying the effect of transformational leadership style on employee job satisfaction in the county government of Kakamega. A descriptive research design was adopted, focusing on employees at Kakamega County. Out of the 188 questionnaires issued, 174 (81 percent) filled and returned the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square. The findings indicated that the transformational leadership style influences employee job satisfaction.
Ranking challenges facing digital literacy programme in primary schools in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Morara George Nyakoe , Makworo Edwin Obwoge , Abuya Teresa Kwamboka
Published: September 2020

Educational institutions are globally adopting new technologies in their pedagogical practices in order to stay in tandem with changes in the ICT sector. Many developing countries are moving towards adopting current technologies in their education systems. On September 30, 2016, after the successful completion of a pilot project, Kenya launched the nation-wide rollout of its DigitalLiteracy program (DLP). The program was meant to provide laptops to the standard one and two pupils in public primary schools together with e-content for learning. The program has been adopted in almost all schools in the country. After rolling out of the program, there are various complaints that have been put forward by the users and other stakeholders and this has necessitated studies to establish the challenges experienced and their possible mitigation. This study evaluated the challenges facing the Digital Learning Programme for Primary Schools in Kisii County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used in this study and a self-administered questionnaire was the main data collection instrument used. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 250 primary school teachers in Kisii County. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and presented in tables in form of frequencies and percentages. Training, access to computers, facilities and equipment, funds, and technical support were the main challenges the DLP is facing in Kisii County. The study recommends enhanced training for the teachers, equipping well-furnished computer rooms in the schools among other measures to counter the challenges. Further, enough funds should be provided for in the budget to enable address the challenges facing the program.
Applying structural equation model in HBM theory
Authors: Pan Frank , Pan Yueh-Cheng E.
Published: September 2020

Diabetic Mellitus (DM) is a widespread chronic disease around the world, among which type 2 DM (T2DM) shared the majority. It caused multiple severe complications and consequently a high mortality rate. DM complications overwhelm jeopardize the patient’s quality of life. In response to the threats of such complications, some nutraceuticals were developed, including the highly praised bitter melon peptide (BMP). This study aims to apply the structural equation model in HBM. A theoretical model had been developed on the health belief model (HBM), and to test with the structural equation model (SEM) technique to examine the fitness of the theory and the data gathered in this research. A structural questionnaire was developed and used to collect 292 valid responses from DM patients. The SEM results indicated the fitness of the theory and the data were acceptable. Perceived susceptibility of DM complications and perceived benefits of nutraceutical were major predictors of intake behavior, and the association of perceived benefits and behavior was mediated by the patient’s self-efficacy on nutraceutical intake behavior.
Developing a Process for the Analysis of User Journeys and the Prediction of Dropout in Digital Health Interventions: Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Bremer Vincent , Chow Philip I , Funk Burkhardt , Thorndike Frances P , Ritterband Lee M
Published: September 2020

Background

User dropout is a widespread concern in the delivery and evaluation of digital (ie, web and mobile apps) health interventions. Researchers have yet to fully realize the potential of the large amount of data generated by these technology-based programs. Of particular interest is the ability to predict who will drop out of an intervention. This may be possible through the analysis of user journey data—self-reported as well as system-generated data—produced by the path (or journey) an individual takes to navigate through a digital health intervention.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to provide a step-by-step process for the analysis of user journey data and eventually to predict dropout in the context of digital health interventions. The process is applied to data from an internet-based intervention for insomnia as a way to illustrate its use. The completion of the program is contingent upon completing 7 sequential cores, which include an initial tutorial core. Dropout is defined as not completing the seventh core.

Methods

Steps of user journey analysis, including data transformation, feature engineering, and statistical model analysis and evaluation, are presented. Dropouts were predicted based on data from 151 participants from a fully automated web-based program (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet) that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Logistic regression with L1 and L2 regularization, support vector machines, and boosted decision trees were used and evaluated based on their predictive performance. Relevant features from the data are reported that predict user dropout.

Results

Accuracy of predicting dropout (area under the curve [AUC] values) varied depending on the program core and the machine learning technique. After model evaluation, boosted decision trees achieved AUC values ranging between 0.6 and 0.9. Additional handcrafted features, including time to complete certain steps of the intervention, time to get out of bed, and days since the last interaction with the system, contributed to the prediction performance.

Conclusions

The results support the feasibility and potential of analyzing user journey data to predict dropout. Theory-driven handcrafted features increased the prediction performance. The ability to predict dropout at an individual level could be used to enhance decision making for researchers and clinicians as well as inform dynamic intervention regimens.
Effect of Curcuma longa Aqueous Extract on Male Fertility in Aluminum Exposed Wistar Rats
Authors: BOUDOU Farouk , BENDAHMANE-SALMI Malika , BENABDERRAHMANE Mokhtar , BELAKREDAR Amal , BENALIA Abdelkrim , BEGHDADLI Benali , KANDOUCI Bader dine Abdelkrim
Published: September 2020

To assess the effects of Curcuma longa aqueous extract (CE) on fertility in male rats exposed to Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), Twenty four male rats, 3 months old, divided into 4 groups (n=6) were used. Animal from the first group received, by the oral route, water-containing AlCl3 at the dose of 34 mg/kg body weight (BW). Rats from the second group received both AlCl3 at the same dose in combination with oral treatment of CE at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. The third group received only an oral administration of CE with the same dose. Rats from the fourth group, without any treatment, served as control. After 4 weeks of experimentation, AlCl3 exposure showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration (4.58±0.65 × 106 cells /ml), and percentage of viability (61.53±23.63 %), and an increase of morphological abnormalities (26.11±17.84 %). A significant decreased in serum testosterone levels (0.31±0.26 ng/ml) and an increase of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level (0.16±0.015 μM/g) were also observed. Histological examination of the testes showed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, germ line cells, and interstitial cells. However, CE treatment concomitant to AlCl3 showed that the rate of morphological abnormalities (19±2.65 %) is significantly decreased compared to AlCl3 group, with a significant increase in serum testosterone (1.17±0.24 ng/ml) and a significant decrease in MDA (0.11±0.003μM/g) level. Microscopic examination revealed a significant regeneration of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells. This study demonstrated an ameliorative effect of Curcuma longa aqueous extract in testicular tissue and sperm quality.

Keywords: Curcuma longa, Aluminum, fertility, testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm.
Body Mass Index and Factors Related to Overweight among Algerian Women
Authors: BENHAMZA Messaouda , BOUDOU Farouk , BELAKREDAR Amal , BENDAHMANE-SALMI Malika , BENALLAL Khadidja , GHEFFARI Sarra
Published: September 2020

Overweight is responsible for a wide range of health problems, and there is no report on its magnitude among Algerian women. This survey aims to provide valuable information to determine the influence of age categories, marital, parity and professional status on weight gain among a women random sample (115 participants). The comparison of candidates’ body mass indexes (BMIs) according to their age categories show that weights and BMIs increased with increasing age. Women over 35 years old have the highest BMI (29.48±6.84 kg/m²) and belong to the overweight category compared to the other age categories. Marital status analysis showed a significant increase in BMI of married women (27.44±9.62 kg/m²) compared to unmarried participants, while no direct relationship was observed between increasing BMI and parity status. Whereas, the data on the professional status of the participants indicate that housewives have the highest BMI (27.75±11.83 kg/m²) compared to working women or students (25.51±6.09 and 22.54±2.75 respectively). From this study, we can conclude that the prevalence of overweight is directly related to the age, martial and professional status of Algerian women.

Keywords: Algerian women, Body weight, BMI, Overweight, Age, Marital status, Professional status.
Annual study of Leptocybe invasa gall’s number Fisher & La Salle 2004 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) in the North-East of Algeria
Authors: Oulmi Abdelmalek , Laadel Noureddine , Benia Farida , Guettaf Sofiane
Published: September 2020

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is an essence of the family Myrtaceae. It resists a certain salt content and the sea wind. Despite that, it subject to many factors of degradation as parasitic and harmful insects. In the last years, an insect is detected on the foliage of Eucalyptus  camaldulensis trees in Algeria (North-East region). The results made it possible evidence the presence of one harmful species Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle 2004 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), this parasite has been detected in 2006, The Chronology of Gall’s emergence of Leptocybe  invasa and its field infestation rate were followed since 2010, in Eucalyptus plantation in the North-East Region. Some statistical methods of Gall’s emergence of this pest is reviewed and discussed. First, after exploration, we selected the most affected trees, second, we organized the samples of each tree, we respected the orientation (North-South-East-West). For each study site 10 trees were marked. 30 leaves of each tree were removed, so it is 300 leaves for each site, which were analyzed. We used the method of time series that connects the time with the number of galls. This study is based on the number of galls observed, on both sides of the leaves. In order to highlight the degree of attack of pests. The outputs were made from October 2012 to October 2013, due to two outputs per month.

Keywords: Eucalyptus, gall wasps, Eulophidae, gall inducers, Algeria.
Contribution to the study of xylophagus insects and their role in the decline of Alep pine (Pinus halepensis mill.) in El Ouldja’s Megsem forest (Setif - Algeria)
Authors: Laadel Noureddine , Benia Farida , Oulmi Abdelmalek , Guettaf Sofiane
Published: September 2020

Pinus halepensis Mill., is an essence from the Pinaceae family. This importance is attributed to its economic and aesthetic values. Despite its robustness, this tree is subject to many degradation factors including, for some time, that of wood-boring insects which for the most part are fatal. The purpose of this investigation is to classify these insects, define their role in pine decline and evaluate the damage caused by them in the Megsem forest. The result of the study shows that members of the Curculionidae, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae families could be held responsible for the majority of the damage observed on the pine

Keywords: Pinus halepensis, decline, Megsem, wood-boring insects, Algeria
Fixed Dose Oral Dispersible Tablet of Bitter Drug Using Okra Mucilage: Formulation and Evaluation
Authors: Dhar Pintu , Sarma Himangshu , Sharma Hemanta Kumar
Published: September 2020

Background: The solid oral dosage forms containing bitter drugs need improved palatability for administration. Formulation scientists have given attention to the improvement of taste masking technologies and utilised various strategies.

Objective: The present work aimed to mask the bitter taste of Promethazine Hydrochloride by formulating Oral Dispersible Tablets using Okra mucilage as a taste-masking agent. 

Methods: The Okra mucilage was extracted from Okra by the aqueous extraction process. An emulsion solvent diffusion technique was used for masking the bitter taste of Promethazine Hydrochloride by using Okra mucilage. The Oral Dispersible Tablet was prepared by the wet granulation method. The mucilage and the formulation were characterized and evaluated by standard methods and protocols.

Results: Taste masking of the bitter drug was successfully achieved by Okra mucilage. The DSC and FTIR study revealed that the drug molecule was compatible with okra mucilage and drug entrapment efficacy was found to be 94.76%. The palatability test asserted that masking of the bitter taste of the drug.  The In vitro drug release study showed that the F7 tablet batch has a better drug release rate and followed non- fickian mechanism of drug release.

Conclusion: Thus, taste masking with Okra mucilage was successful and this opens opportunities for application of common edible substances in formulation development.

Keywords: Fast disintegrating tablet; Natural polymer; Mouth dissolving tablet; Promethazine Hydrochloride; Taste masking
A Review on Equisetum ramosissimum
Authors: Yusuf Mohd , Shrivastav Alankar , Porwal Mayur , Khan Najam Ali
Published: September 2020

Equisetum ramosissimum (Roxb. Ex Voucher) Hauke commonly known as field horsetail is a plant with wide prospectus, In folk medicine, Equisetum ramosissimum is used for tuberculosis, as a catarrh in the kidney and bladder regions, as a hemostatic for profuse menstruation, nasal, pulmonary and gastric hemorrhages, for brittle fingernails and loss of hair, for rheumatic diseases, for CNS system, for diuretics, HIV and immune system, for cytotoxic, vasorelaxant, hepatoprotective, cosmetics, astringents and anti-cancer disease, swelling and fractures and for frostbite (PDR for herbal Medicines) etc. The plant is reported to contain a number flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic proteins, triterpenoids, saponins, phytosterols; the present review is an attempt to generate interest among the masses regarding its immense potential in preventing and treating several disorders.

Keywords Equisetum ramosissimum, Diabetic, flavonoids, Plant