bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Update Rate Attitude Measurement Method of Star Sensors Based on Star Point Correction of Rolling Shutter Exposure
Authors: He Longdong , Ma Yuebo , Zhao Rujin , Hou Yaxian , Zhu Zifa
Published: August 2021

Attitude update rate is one of the important indicators of star sensor performance. In order to resolve the problem of the low attitude update rate of star sensors, this paper proposes a star sensor attitude update method based on star point correction of rolling shutter exposure. Based on the characteristics of the asynchronous exposure of the rolling shutter, recursive estimation of the motion attitude and the corrected star point information were combined to realize multiple updates of the attitude in a single frame of the star map. Simulation and experimental results proved that the proposed method could increase the attitude update rate of a star sensor by 15 times, up to 150 Hz.
\({\mathbb{T}}\)-Proper Hypercomplex Centralized Fusion Estimation for Randomly Multiple Sensor Delays Systems with Correlated Noises
Authors: Fernández-Alcalá Rosa , Navarro-Moreno Jesús , Ruiz-Molina Juan
Published: August 2021

The centralized fusion estimation problem for discrete-time vectorial tessarine signals in multiple sensor stochastic systems with random one-step delays and correlated noises is analyzed under different T-properness conditions. Based on Tk, k=1,2, linear processing, new centralized fusion filtering, prediction, and fixed-point smoothing algorithms are devised. These algorithms have the advantage of providing optimal estimators with a significant reduction in computational cost compared to that obtained through a real or a widely linear processing approach. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the algorithms proposed, in which the superiority of the Tk linear estimators over their counterparts in the quaternion domain is apparent.
Exploring DAD and ADD Methods for Dealing with Urban Heat Island Effect
Authors: Kurek Julia , Martyniuk-Pęczek Justyna
Published: August 2021

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in the context of climate change and temperature fluctuations is an increasing challenge for contemporary cities. Numerous activities focus on mitigation and adaptation to the UHI effect using both appropriately selected design strategies and technological solutions. However, not all of these technologies support the postulates of ecological and low-carbon cities. Their design, implementation, and operation process sometimes causes conflicts or misunderstandings among designers, industry engineers, and residents. The aim of the research was to examine the relationship between UHI effect mitigation, adaptation, and energy efficiency strategies. A further goal was to build a matrix of synergistic elements and conflicts for respective actors and stakeholders, and an analysis of the elitist DAD (Decide-Announce-Defend) method and participatory ADD (Announce-Discuss-Decide) or EDD (Engage-Deliberate-Decide) in dealing with the UHI effect. The literature review and case study analysis methods were applied. In the study, the strategies of five chosen European capitals (Berlin, London, Paris, Vienna, and Warsaw) experiencing a UHI problem were analyzed. As result, a matrix of the most common goal differences of respective stakeholders in dealing with the UHI effect was developed. One of the main conclusions is the necessity of undergoing synergic collaboration between actors that are not cooperating yet, combined with risk analysis and appropriate education at different levels for a successful and socially equal mitigation and adaptation to the UHI effect.
“Agro”, “Agri”, or “Rural”: The Different Viewpoints of Tourism Research Combined with Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Authors: Karampela Sofia , Andreopoulos Alexis , Koutsouris Alex
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to review the different viewpoints of research addressing “agro”, “agri”, or “rural” tourism, ascertain the implications of relevant scientific articles and suggest future research avenues related to sustainability and sustainable development issues. A two-step systematic approach was followed in identifying “agrotourism”, “agro tourism”, “agro-tourism”, “agritourism”, “agri tourism”, “agri-tourism”, or “rural tourism” articles in the Scopus database. Articles were selected if they corresponded to the keywords: sustainable development, sustainability, local development; thus, 252 papers were selected. The findings indicate that the literature does not analyze integrated approaches to sustainability, sustainable and local development in depth. The results are discussed mainly on qualitative grounds, from the supply side and with limited policy recommendations. They also display that the papers mainly refer to single case studies and comparative studies are lacking.
National Integrated Maritime Policies (IMP): Vision Formulation, Regional Embeddedness, and Institutional Attributes for Effective Policy Integration
Authors: Paridaens Hubert , Notteboom Theo
Published: August 2021

Integrated maritime policies (IMPs) provide a comprehensive governance framework to support the sustainable use of the seas and oceans while ensuring a horizon of prosperity for the population of the surrounding coastal regions. This paper focuses on how IMP governance can be arranged to support more effective policy integration. We identify and discuss a number of key strategic and institutional issues which are expected to promote more effective policy integration in IMP development and implementation. First, vision statements of IMPs are scrutinised using the triple bottom line framework and by analysing the process of stakeholder involvement and related public disclosure. Second, we introduce the vision-down plans-up approach on stakeholder participation and management in IMP development to overcome the limitations of the widely used bottom-up and top-down approaches in policy formulation. Third, we analyse the tension between policy convergence and regional embeddedness in national IMPs. We argue that policy convergence does not and should not exclude regional embeddedness. Finally, we study IMP governance changes under the dual lens of time frame and institutional plasticity. The findings provide recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on key strategic and institutional considerations which should enhance effective policy integration during the formulation and implementation of a national IMP.
Guidance and Practice in Planning Cycling Facilities in Europe—An Overview
Authors: Schröter Bettina , Hantschel Sebastian , Koszowski Caroline , Buehler Ralph , Schepers Paul , Weber Johannes , Wittwer Rico , Gerike Regine
Published: August 2021

The provision of convenient, safe and seamless facilities for cyclists is one core success factor in promoting cycling as a mode of transport. Cycling infrastructures and planning philosophies differ greatly between countries, but there is no systematic overview or comparison of similarities and dissimilarities. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth international overview of guidance material for cycling facilities in European countries and to develop recommendations for advancing provisions for cyclists. International guidance materials for cycling facilities along street sections are collated, systemised and compared. For researchers, the findings provide background information to better understand cycling behaviour and safety. For planners, the findings support their efforts to support cycling and to improve guidance materials. The results show that, in general, countries that are just beginning to promote cycling tend to offer a greater variety of cycling infrastructures in their guidance materials than more mature cycling countries. Countries differ in whether they prefer to put cyclists on the street level or on the sidewalk and whether they mix cyclists with other user groups in the same space. There was even greater variability among countries in the criteria for selecting types of cycling facilities than in the design characteristics (width, buffer zones, etc.).
Airline Network Structure: Motifs and Airports’ Role in Cliques
Authors: Yang Huijuan , Le Meilong , Wang Di
Published: August 2021

The air transport system can be considered to be a complex network with airports as vertices and direct flights as edges. Research in this area contributes to the optimisation of the airline network and the sustainable development in transportation. This study chose Air China as an example to discover the dynamics of the airline network topologically. Serving as a critical agent of social and economic connections between cities, the airline network structure evolves over time. However, Air China maintains its multicentric and hierarchical structure and forms a mature point-to-point network with codeshare partners. This research also extracts key players at the airport level and investigates the topological structure of highly connected cliques. The results show that the combination of airports in the cliques may be affected by the airline capacity, traffic rights and interline cooperation. Meanwhile, smaller airports appear more often in cliques than hub airports, which can be interpreted and justified with slot limits at mega-airports. The weighted clique percolation method provides new insights to detecting overlapping communities, which can be characterized by geographical constraints. The shared vertices in the combined codeshare network indicate the possible hub shifting in the constantly changing aviation sector.
Fermatean Fuzzy CRITIC-COPRAS Method for Evaluating the Challenges to Industry 4.0 Adoption for a Sustainable Digital Transformation
Authors: Kamali Saraji Mahyar , Streimikiene Dalia , Kyriakopoulos Grigorios L.
Published: August 2021

Decision and policymakers are looking at the potential of Industry 4.0 smart technologies to create a green economy as the European Commission aims to deliver the European Green Deal by rethinking policies for clean energy supply. Industry 4.0 will eventually be applied to all aspects of life; however, it is necessary to identify the challenges to the adoption of Industry 4.0 for a sustainable digital transformation. In this vein, the present study aims to identify the challenges to the adoption of Industry 4.0 in fintech companies and to develop a novel Fermatean fuzzy CRITIC-COPRAS method to rank the identified challenges and evaluate the performance of companies concerning the weighted challenges based on three decision experts’ support. The results indicated that “difficulty in coordination and collaboration” is the most significant challenge to the adoption of Industry 4.0 out of the fourteen identified challenges, followed by “resistance to change” and “governmental support.” In addition, the superiority and efficiency of the proposed method were investigated through comparative analyses.
The Analysis of Research Hotspots in the Field of Urban Quality
Authors: Bieda Agnieszka , Telega Agnieszka
Published: August 2021

Urban areas are subject to continuous spatial and structural changes [...]
The Multiple Dimensions of Networks in Cancer: A Perspective
Authors: Axenie Cristian , Bauer Roman , Martínez María Rodríguez
Published: August 2021

This perspective article gathers the latest developments in mathematical and computational oncology tools that exploit network approaches for the mathematical modelling, analysis, and simulation of cancer development and therapy design. It instigates the community to explore new paths and synergies under the umbrella of the Special Issue “Networks in Cancer: From Symmetry Breaking to Targeted Therapy”. The focus of the perspective is to demonstrate how networks can model the physics, analyse the interactions, and predict the evolution of the multiple processes behind tumour-host encounters across multiple scales. From agent-based modelling and mechano-biology to machine learning and predictive modelling, the perspective motivates a methodology well suited to mathematical and computational oncology and suggests approaches that mark a viable path towards adoption in the clinic.
Temperature and Density Conditions for Alpha Clustering in Excited Self-Conjugate Nuclei
Authors: Borderie Bernard , Raduta Adriana , De Filippo Enrico , Geraci Elena , Neindre Nicolas Le , Cardella Giuseppe , Lanzalone Gaetano , Lombardo Ivano , Lopez Olivier , Maiolino Concettina , Pagano Angelo , Papa Massimo , Pirrone Sara , Rizzo Francesca , Russotto Paolo
Published: August 2021

Starting from experimental studies on alpha-clustering in excited self-conjugate nuclei (from 16O to 28Si), temperature and density conditions for such a clustering are determined. Measured temperatures have been found in the range of 5.5–6.0 MeV, whereas density values of 0.3–0.4 times the saturation density are deduced, i.e., 0.046 to 0.062 fm−3. Such a density domain is also predicted by constrained self-consistent mean field calculations. These results constitute a benchmark for alpha clustering from self-conjugate nuclei in relation to descriptions of stellar evolution and supernovae.
A Fast Selection Based on Similar Cross-Entropy for Steganalytic Feature
Authors: Jin Ruixia , Yu Xinquan , Ma Yuanyuan , Yin Shuang , Xu Lige
Published: August 2021

The mutual confrontation between image steganography and steganalysis causes both to iterate continuously, and as a result, the dimensionality of the steganalytic features continues to increase, leading to an increasing spatio-temporal overhead. To this end, this paper proposes a fast steganalytic feature selection method based on a similar cross-entropy. Firstly, the properties of cross-entropy are investigated, through the discussion of different models, and the intra-class similarity criterion and inter-class similarity criterion based on cross-entropy are presented for the first time. Then, referring to the design principles of Fisher’s criterion, the criterion of feature contribution degree is further proposed. Secondly, the variation of the cross-entropy function of a univariate variable is analyzed in principle, thus determining the normalized range and simplifying the subsequent analysis. Then, within the normalized range, the variation of the cross-entropy function of a binary variable is investigated and the setting of important parameters is determined. Thirdly, the concept of similar cross-entropy is further presented by analyzing the changes in the value of the feature contribution measure under different circumstances, and based on this, the criterion for the feature contribution measure is updated to decrease the complexity of the calculation. Remarkably, the contribution measure criterion devised in this paper is a symmetrical structure, which equitably measures the contribution of features in different situations. Fourth, the feature component with the highest contribution is selected as the final selected feature based on the result of the feature metric. Finally, based on the Bossbase 1.01 image base that is a unique standard and recognized base in steganalysis, the feature selection on 8 kinds of low and high-dimensional steganalytic features is carried out. Through extensive experiments, comparison with several classic and state-of-the-art methods, the method designed in this paper attains competitive or even better performance in detection accuracy, calculation cost, storage cost and versatility.
Temporal Behavior of Local Characteristics in Complex Networks with Preferential Attachment-Based Growth
Authors: Sidorov Sergei , Mironov Sergei , Agafonova Nina , Kadomtsev Dmitry
Published: August 2021

The study of temporal behavior of local characteristics in complex growing networks makes it possible to more accurately understand the processes caused by the development of interconnections and links between parts of the complex system that occur as a result of its growth. The spatial position of an element of the system, determined on the basis of connections with its other elements, is constantly changing as the result of these dynamic processes. In this paper, we examine two non-stationary Markov stochastic processes related to the evolution of Barabási–Albert networks: the first describes the dynamics of the degree of a fixed node in the network, and the second is related to the dynamics of the total degree of its neighbors. We evaluate the temporal behavior of some characteristics of the distributions of these two random variables, which are associated with higher-order moments, including their variation, skewness, and kurtosis. The analysis shows that both distributions have a variation coefficient close to 1, positive skewness, and a kurtosis greater than 3. This means that both distributions have huge standard deviations that are of the same order of magnitude as the expected values. Moreover, they are asymmetric with fat right-hand tails.
Measurement over 1 Year of Neutralizing Antibodies in Cattle Immunized with Trivalent Vaccines Recombinant Alpha, Beta and Epsilon of Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Galvão Cleideanny C. , Barbosa José D. , Oliveira Carlos M. C. , Otaka Denis Y. , Silva Paulo R. O. , Ferreira Marcos R. A. , Moreira Júnior Clóvis , Conceição Fabricio R. , Salvarani Felipe M.
Published: August 2021

The alpha (CPA), beta (CPB) and epsilon (ETX) toxins of Clostridium perfringens are responsible for causing diseases that are difficult to eradicate and have lethal potential in production animals. Vaccination of herds is still the best control strategy. Recombinant clostridial vaccines have shown good success at inducing neutralizing antibody titers and appear to be a viable alternative to the conventional production of commercial clostridial toxoids. Research is still needed on the longevity of the humoral immune response induced by recombinant proteins in immunized animals, preferably in target species. The objective of this study was to measure the humoral immune response of cattle immunized with trivalent vaccines containing the recombinant proteins alpha (rCPA), beta (rCPB) and epsilon (rETX) of C. perfringens produced in Escherichia coli at three different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 µg) of each protein for 12 months. The recombinant vaccines containing 200 (RV2) and 400 µg (RV3) yielded statistically similar results at 56 days. They performed better throughout the study period because they induced higher neutralizing antibody titers and were detectable for up to 150 and 180 days, respectively. Regarding industrial-scale production, RV2 would be the most economical and viable formulation as it achieved results similar to RV3 at half the concentration of recombinant proteins in its formulation. However, none of the vaccines tested induced the production of detectable antibody titers on day 365 of the experiment, the time of revaccination typically recommended in vaccination protocols. Thus, reiterating the need for research in the field of vaccinology to achieve greater longevity of the humoral immune response against these clostridial toxins in animals, in addition to the need to discuss the vaccine schedules and protocols adopted in cattle production.
Identification and Pathogenicity Evaluation of a Novel Reassortant Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (Genotype A2dB3)
Authors: Wang Yulong , Jiang Nan , Fan Linjin , Niu Xinxin , Zhang Wenying , Huang Mengmeng , Gao Li , Li Kai , Gao Yulong , Liu Changjun , Cui Hongyu , Liu Aijing , Pan Qing , Zhang Yanping , Wang Xiaomei , Qi Xiaole
Published: August 2021

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a non-enveloped, bi-segmented double-stranded RNA virus and the causative agent of a poultry immunosuppressive disease known as infectious bursal disease (IBD). The novel variant IBDV (nVarIBDV) recently posed a great threat to the development of the poultry industry. In this study, we identified a novel segment-reassortant IBDV strain, IBDV-JS19-14701 (Genotype A2dB3). Phylogenic analysis showed that Segments A and B of IBDV-JS19-14701 were derived from emerging nVarIBDV (Genotype A2dB1) and long-prevalent HLJ0504-like strains (Genotype A3B3) in China, respectively. The pathogenicity of IBDV-JS19-14701 was further evaluated via animal experiments. IBDV-JS19-14701 exhibited a similar virulence to chickens with the nVarIBDV. The identification of this reassortment event is beneficial for understanding the epidemiology of nVarIBDV and will contribute to the efficient prevention and control of IBD.
Differences in the Ice Particle Shattering Impact on the CIP Measurements in the Stratiform Cloud Region and the Embedded Convection Region
Authors: Huang Minsong
Published: August 2021

Stratiform clouds with embedded convective cells is an important precipitation system. Precise knowledge of the cloud’s microphysical structure can be useful for the development of a numerical weather prediction model and precipitation enhancement. Airborne measurement is one of the important ways for determining the microphysical structure of clouds. However, cloud particle shattering during measurement poses a serious problem to the measured microphysical characterization of clouds. In order to study the different influences of the shattered ice particles on the standard cloud imaging probe (CIP) measurement in the stratiform cloud region and the convective cloud region, a time-variant threshold method to identify the shattered fragments is presented. After application of this algorithm, the shattered fragments were recognized and their impacts on the particle size distribution (PSD), particle number concentration and ice water content measurement were analyzed. It was found that the shattering effect on the PSD decreases with the increasing size of less than 400 μm, fluctuates between 400 μm and 1000 μm and slightly increases with the increasing size of larger than 1000 μm on average in a stratiform region and a convective region. However, the average ratio of PSD uncorrected to that corrected for shattering events using the presented algorithm in convective clouds is larger than that in the stratiform regions in the whole size, and nearly twice that in the size of less than 1000 μm. The measured number concentration can be overestimated by up to a factor of 3.9 on average in a stratiform region, while in a convective region, it is 7.7, nearly twice that of a stratiform region. The ice water content in a stratiform region can be overestimated by 29.5% on average, but by 60.7% in a convective region. These findings can be helpful for the cloud physics community to use the airborne CIP measurement data for numerical weather and climate models.
Benthic Nutrient Fluxes across Subtidal and Intertidal Habitats in Breton Sound in Response to River-Pulses of a Diversion in Mississippi River Delta
Authors: Twilley Robert R. , Rick Silke , Bond Daniel C. , Baker Justin
Published: August 2021

We measured benthic fluxes of dissolved nutrients in subtidal sediments and intertidal soils associated with river-pulse events from Mississippi River via the operation of a river diversion structure at Caernarvon, LA. Experiments measuring benthic fluxes in subtidal habitats were conducted during the early spring flood pulse (February and March) each year from 2002 to 2004, compared to benthic fluxes of intertidal habitats measured in February and March 2004. Nitrate (NO3−) uptake rates for subtidal sediments and intertidal soils depended on overlying water NO3− concentrations at near-, mid-, and far-field locations during river-pulse experiments when water temperatures were >13 °C (NO3− removal was limited below this temperature threshold). NO3− loading to upper Breton Sound was estimated for nine river-pulse events (January, February, and March in 2002, 2003, and 2004) and compared to NO3− removal estimated by the subtidal and intertidal habitats based on connectivity, area, and flux rates as a function of NO3− concentration and water temperature. Most NO3− removal was accomplished by intertidal habitats compared to subtidal habitats with the total NO3− reduction ranging from 8% to 31%, depending on water temperature and diversion discharge rates. River diversion operations have important ecosystem design considerations to reduce the negative effects of eutrophication in downstream coastal waters.
Modelling, Characterizing, and Monitoring Boreal Forest Wetland Bird Habitat with RADARSAT-2 and Landsat-8 Data
Authors: DeLancey Evan R. , Brisco Brian , McLeod Logan J. T. , Hedley Richard , Bayne Erin M. , Murnaghan Kevin , Gregory Fiona , Kariyeva Jahan
Published: August 2021

Earth observation technologies have strong potential to help map and monitor wildlife habitats. Yellow Rail, a rare wetland obligate bird species, is a species of concern in Canada and provides an interesting case study for monitoring wetland habitat with Earth observation data. Yellow Rail has highly specific habitat requirements characterized by shallowly flooded graminoid vegetation, the availability of which varies seasonally and year-to-year. Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in combination with optical data should, in theory, be a great resource for mapping and monitoring these habitats. This study evaluates the use of RADARSAT-2 data and Landsat-8 data to characterize, map, and monitor Yellow Rail habitat in a wetland area within the mineable oil sands region. Specifically, we investigate: (1) The relative importance of polarimetric SAR and Landsat-8 data for predicting Yellow Rail habitat; (2) characterization of wetland habitat with polarimetric SAR data; (3) yearly trends in available habitat; and (4) predictions of potentially suitable habitat across northeastern Alberta. Results show that polarimetric SAR using the Freeman–Durden decomposition and polarization ratios were the most important predictors when modeling the Yellow Rail habitat. These parameters also effectively characterize this habitat based on high congruence with existing descriptions of suitable habitat. Applying the prediction model across all wetland areas showed accurate predictions of occurrence (validated on field occurrence data), and high probability habitats were constrained to very specific wetland areas. Using the RADARSAT-2 data to monitor yearly changes to Yellow Rail habitat was inconclusive, likely due to the different image acquisition times of the 2014 and 2016 images, which may have captured seasonal, rather than inter-annual, wetland dynamics. Polarimetric SAR has proved to be very useful for capturing the specific hydrology and vegetation structure of the Yellow Rail habitat, which could be a powerful technology for monitoring and conserving wetland species habitat.
Four-Year Monitoring Study of Shallow Landslide Hazards Based on Hydrological Measurements in a Weathered Granite Soil Slope in South Korea
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Su , Jeong Sueng-Won , Song Young-Suk , Kim Minseok , Park Joon-Young
Published: August 2021

To build a comprehensive understanding of long-term hydro-mechanical processes that lead to shallow landslide hazards, this study explicitly monitored the volumetric water content (VWC) and rainfall amount for a weathered granite soil slope over a four year period. From the 12 operational landslide monitoring stations installed across South Korea, the Songnisan station was selected as the study site. VWC sensors were placed in the subsurface with a grid-like arrangement at depths of 0.5 and 1.0 m. Shallow landslide hazards were evaluated by applying an infinite slope stability model that adopted a previously proposed unified effective stress concept. By analyzing the variations in the monitored VWC values, the derived matric suctions and suction stresses, and the calculated factor of safety values, we were able to obtain numerous valuable insights. In particular, the seasonal effects of drainage and evapotranspiration on the slope moisture conditions and slope stability were addressed. Preliminary test results indicated that continuous rainfall successfully represented the derived matric suction conditions at a depth of 1.0 m in the lower slope, although this was not the case for the upper and middle slopes. The significance of a future study on cumulative field monitoring data from various sites in different geological conditions is highlighted.
If crime novels were actual criminal cases
Authors: Lozanova Ina
Published: August 2021

The current article aims to present a hypothetical review of some legal omissions in selected, reader-favorite crime novels. The material is based on legal principles which are common to states governed by the rule of law, and it would be useful to students of law and other academic courses. The presented cases in works of fiction have been analyzed from the standpoint of the acting Bulgarian penal law and Criminal Procedure Code.
Mediterranean civilizational model of humanitarian diplomacy
Authors: Tabarintseva-Romanova Ksenia M.
Published: August 2021

Humanitarian diplomacy is one of the key tools for positioning individual states and supranational structures in the modern world. In the article, the author provides the theoretical foundations of humanitarian diplomacy, the goals and features of this tool. Next, an analysis is made of the countries of the Mediterranean region, which includes states with various historical, cultural and civilizational characteristics. Despite the fundamental differences in the traditions and strategies of building relations with the outside world and neighboring states, the author gives examples of the points of contact of the Mediterranean countries in the framework of the implementation of their foreign policy tasks. In particular, we are talking about the goals of sustainable development of the United Nations and the provision of humanitarian assistance in the framework of the activities of the International Organization of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The author provides examples of general principles and structures formed within the framework of the ICRC's activities and the achievement of individual SDGs. It is concluded that it is impossible to single out a universal model of humanitarian diplomacy for the Mediterranean region. We can only talk about a kind of construct of the Mediterranean civilization model — where the sea itself is of particular value, is an element of the geopolitical strategy and determines the formation of identity. Without exception, all countries in the region have common priorities, for example, the need to solve problems with the availability of drinking water and depletion of the fertile soil layer, which can become one of the key risks for the region. Also, all of them are aimed at developing the potential of youth — each country has a "roadmap" for the development of youth and their involvement in a variety of creative, scientific, cultural and administrative-political projects. However, the ways to accomplish these tasks can be diametrically opposed.
An Exploration of the Role of Visual Programming Tools in the Development of Young Children’s Computational Thinking
Authors: Rose Simon , Habgood M. P. Jacob , Jay Tim
Published: August 2021

Programming tools are being used in education to teach computer science to children as young as 5 years old. This research aims to explore young children’s approaches to programming in two tools with contrasting programming interfaces, ScratchJr and Lightbot, and considers the impact of programming approaches on developing computational thinking. A study was conducted using two versions of a Lightbot-style game, either using a ScratchJr-like or Lightbot style programming interface. A test of non-verbal reasoning was used to perform a matched assignment of 40, 6 and 7-year-olds to the two conditions. Each child then played their version of the game for 30 minutes. The results showed that both groups had similar overall performance, but as expected, the children using the ScratchJr-like interface performed more program manipulation or ‘tinkering’. The most interesting finding was that non-verbal reasoning was a predictor of program manipulation, but only for the ScratchJr-like condition. Children approached the ScratchJr-like program differently depending on prior ability. More research is required to establish how children use programming tools and how these approaches influence computational thinking.
Students’ and Instructor’s Perspective on the use of Blackboard Platform for Delivering an Engineering Course
Authors: Uziak Jacek , Oladiran M. Tunde , Lorencowicz Edmund , Becker Kurt
Published: August 2021

The use of Information Technology (IT) has been growing over the years in various human endeavours. It has also been adopted in education sector for teaching and learning. Various studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of e-learning strategy by students. In particular, the current research is an attempt to obtain students’ and instructor’s perspective on the use of Blackboard software. The technology is a course management system used in a blended learning mode to deliver a third year mechanical engineering course at the University of Botswana (UB). In terms of students’ views, the study covered a period of nine years and the questionnaire survey was administered to each succeeding cohort of students. Whereas in terms of the instructor’s perspective the motivation and the challenges faced during the years of use of the platform were described. Results indicate that students were generally comfortable with the use of Blackboard as they highly embraced it. Students indicate that their performance improved and communication with instructor was enhanced significantly. The respondents also recommended that Blackboard should be used in other courses in their programme of study. The instructor considered the time factor the most vital challenge related to the use of the platform. However, despite the challenges the application of the learning platform and the development of its material was a positive experience for the instructor and well received by the students.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Auditory Attention of Non-native Speakers in e-Learning Environments
Authors: Bajaj Nikesh , Carrión Jesús Requena , Bellotti Francesco , Berta Riccardo , De Gloria Alessandro
Published: August 2021

: One of the most striking characteristics of e-Learning audiences is their diversity. Native and non-native learners can be expected among such audiences and therefore, when developing e-Learning courses it is important to consider the impact of the language level on learning. Specifically, non-native learners are expected to have a diminished auditory perception compared to native ones and hence reduced attention capabilities that could result in a poorer performance. In this study, we assess the impact of linguistic and auditory factors on the attention of non-native learners, namely semanticity, sentence length and noise level. An English language platform mimicking real e-Learning environments is used and attention is quantified by measuring the number of English words correctly identified during a listening task. Our results show that changes in each factor affect the attention score significantly. Interestingly, the effects of semanticity are apparent in noiseless environment, but vanish in noisy ones.  Results also show that in noiseless environments, a change in the length of semantic sentences from small or medium to long causes a significant drop in the attention score. Our results demonstrate the importance of carefully accounting for linguistic and auditory factors when designing effective e-Learning courses, especially when they target global audiences and learners with different language abilities are expected.
Influence Financial Distress, Firm Size, and Leverage on Audit Delay with Auditor Reputation as Moderating Variable
Authors: Fitri Hasmaynelis , Haryani Dessy , Putra Ramdani Bayu , Annisa Sri
Published: August 2021

This study aims to examine how much influence Financial Distress, company size, and Leverage have on Audit Delay with Auditor Reputation as a Moderating Variable in All Manufacturing Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2015-2019 Period. Sampling in the study using the method of purposive sampling obtained 32 companies with a research period of 5 years. The analytical method used in this study is panel data regression analysis with Fixed Effect estimation results using Eviews 9. The results showed that financial distress partially had a positive effect, company size partially had a positive and significant effect on audit delay, while leverage had a positive effect on audit delay.
Ciudades santuario y solidarias en América Latina: una revisión de literatura
Authors:   Ryerson University, Godoy Margaret , Bauder Harald ,   Ryerson University
Published: August 2021

The literature on urban sanctuary and solidarity in the context of the Global North is robust and rapidly expanding. However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding how these concepts may apply to the Global South. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review of academic and grey literature on urban sanctuary and solidarity policies and practices in Latin America. We focus on the connection between top-down urban policies and bottom-up grassroots initiatives and practices of migrant and refugee solidarity and sanctuary. Our findings reveal that the academic literature lags behind in some contexts in acknowledging the connection between top-down and bottom-up approaches.
FACILITIES OF NATIONAL SECURITY: THEIR NATURE, SOCIO-POLITICAL AND LEGAL VALUE
Authors: Reshetnikova G.A.
Published: August 2021

The types of objects of national security are investigated: personality, society, state. An analysis and the author's assessment of opposing points of view are given, arguments "for" legal types of objects of national security are presented. The generic affiliation (nature) of the objects of national security is established. On this basis, it is argued that national security objects have their own meaning only in relation to a person, performing a service function, for the realization of his socio-political and legal interests, in the form of socio-political (personality, society, state) and legal structures (physical and legal entity). The article shows the importance of the generic affiliation (nature) of objects of national security for law in general and criminal law in particular.
A novel formula derived by using ABC algorithm for calculation of the average fiber diameter of electrospun poly (Ԑ-caprolactone) scaffolds
Authors: YILMAZ Çağdaş , DEMİR Didem , BÖLGEN KARAGÜLLE Nimet , AKDAĞLI Ali
Published: August 2021

The characteristics of a scaffold that is the basic component of tissue engineering are considerably influenced by the fiber diameter of the fibrous scaffolds. Since the significant effect of the fiber diameter on the scaffold properties, many researchers have focused on estimating the fiber diameter based on the electrospinning parameters. With similar motivation, in this paper, a new and simple closed-form expression, which can help researchers in fabricating the electrospun poly (ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with desired fiber diameter, is presented. In order to construct the expression proposed, an experimental study has been performed to obtain the data set, in which 25 experimental data including average fiber diameter (AFD) values dependent on different combinations of parameters such as voltage, solution concentration, tip to collector (TTC) distance, and flow rate. Then, an expression has been constructed that is used to estimate the AFD of the electrospun PCL, and the coefficients of the expression were determined by using the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. In order to validate the estimation ability of the expression, the metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) have been used, and the optimization and test errors were respectively obtained as 3.30% and 1.27% in terms of MAPE. In addition, the results obtained were compared with those reported in the literature. Results show that our new expression can be successfully used to estimate the AFD of electrospun PCL prior to the electrospinning process. Thus, the number of test repetitions could be reduced by using the expression proposed, and time, cost, and labor could be saved in this way. This study contributes to the literature because there have been only a limited number of studies that focus on estimating the AFD of PCL nanofiber despite many studies about various polymers.
The significance of tasks in second language learning: The case of Africa University in Zimbabwe
Authors:   Department of Humanities, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe, Mvundura Emmaculate , Svongoro Paul ,   Department of Humanities, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
Published: August 2021

Abstract Purpose: This study utilised the case study approach for an in-depth understanding of the practices of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at Africa University (AU), Zimbabwe. The study aimed to provide a description of unique and typical ESL experiences in a particular African context. Research Methodology: The study investigated 60 participants who were prospective undergraduate students enrolled in the ESL programme and were separated into two groups. Each group consisted of 30 participants who received task-based instruction hinged on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Result: An analysis of the learners' performance revealed that tasks facilitate the learning of ESL by exposing learners to different problem-solving scenarios that required higher-order cognitive skills. Limitations: This study was based on the ESL classroom at AU, which enrols students from African countries. A similar study could be conducted with students from more diverse backgrounds to establish if the results of this study could be corroborated or refuted. Similar studies could also be conducted in other second language contexts where English is not the target language. Contribution: The results of this study are important for the discipline of ESL as they support existing knowledge that tasks allow learners to communicate using the correct grammatical structures in a given relevant context.
Perceptions on breast cancer
Authors: Wea Lidwina Dewiyanti
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini mengumpulkan informasi dari para Biarawati yang ada di Kabupaten Manggarai, yang di kategorikan sebagai kelompok nulliparitas. 6 orang Biarawati berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Penelitian kualitatif digunakan untuk mencari tema-tema yang muncul berkaitan dengan pandangan tentang kanker payudara. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan wawancara yang direkam menggunakan recorder. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan beberapa fakta penting yang kemudian mempengaruhi perilaku mereka dalam memberi pandangan tentang kanker payudara. Didapatkan 4 tema yang muncul. Pertama yaitu kurang pengetahuan. Tema yang mewakili itu adalah mayoritas partisipan tidak dapat menjawab pengertian, penyebab, tanda dan gejala serta pengobatan kanker.  Tema kedua yaitu kepercayaan. Mayoritas partisipan meyakini bahwa mereka tidak dapat terkena kanker payudara karena mereka tidak menikah dan pola hidup mereka selama dalam biara sangat di jaga. Tema ketiga yaitu kebiasaan. Pernyataan yang mewakili adalah bahwa di dalam biara tidak ada diskusi tentang kesehatan reproduksi, mereka menganggap bahwa itu bukan merupakan suatu yang utama dalam kehidupan membiara. Tema keempat yaitu harapan. Tema ini muncul karena mayoritas partisipan menginginkan adanya sosialisasi tentang kesehatan reproduksi terutama kanker payudara. Dengan demikian, hasil temuan dalam penelitian ini menjelaskan bahwa partisipan belum mendapatkan informasi yang baik tentang kanker payudara. Keyakinan dan kebiasaan terkait kanker payudara juga muncul dalam hasil penelitian ini, yang juga ada kaitannya dengan budaya atau kebiasaan yang berlangsung lama di dalam biara. Respon harapan yang di ungkapkan merupakan temuan yang perlu mendapat perhatian dari berbagai pihak. Partisipan sangat membutuhkan informasi yang benar tentang kesehatan reproduksi terutama kanker payudara.
ANALISIS PENGETAHUAN MENGENAI HIV/AIDS DENGAN SIKAP WARGA BINAAN TERHADAP ODHA DI LEMBAGA PEMASYARAKATAN
Authors: Wijayanti Agnes Erida
Published: August 2021

Latar Belakang: Masalah HIV/AIDS di rumah tahanan sangat kompleks terkait pengetahuan mengenai HIV/AIDS dan perilaku berisiko serta stigma bagi warga binaan yang menjadi ODHA. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Klas II A Yogyakarta. Penelitian dilakukan untuk keperluan program penanggulangan HIV/AIDS  yang berkaitan dengan program Asuhan keperawatan paliatif warga binaan dengan HIV/AIDS. Tujuan: Mengetahui hubungan antara pengetahuan mengenai HIV/AIDS dengan sikap warga binaan.  Metode Penelitian: Desain yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode survei analitik, pendekatan cross sectional. Hasil: Pengetahuan warga binaan mengenai HIV/AIDS dalam kategori sedang dan tinggi, namun separuh responden masih bersikap negatif terhadap warga binaan orang dengan HIV/AIDS. Terdapat hubungan pengetahuan warga binaan mengenai HIV/AIDS dengan sikap  warga binaan dengan HIV/AIDS, namun kekuatan hubungan tersebut lemah.
APAKAH AKTIVITAS HITUNG GERAKAN JANIN MEMICU KECEMASAN IBU HAMIL?
Authors: Samutri Erni
Published: August 2021

Latar belakang: Aktivitas hitung gerakan janin dikembangkan sebagai salah satu self-screening tool bagi ibu hamil untuk memantau aktivitas janin, penurunan gerakan janin, dan menurunkan angka kematian perinatal. Namun, aktivitas ini mungkin dapat memicu kecemasan ibu hamil dan meningkatkan kunjungan antenatal yang tidak diperlukan. Tujuan: untuk mengetahui perubahan kecemasan pada ibu hamil yang melakukan aktivitas hitung gerakan janin. Metode: penelitian ini menggunakan desain pre eksperimental untuk mengukur perubahan kecemasan pada 33 ibu hamil dengan usia kehamilan 28-37 minggu yang melakukan hitung gerakan janin selama 3 minggu. Kecemasan diukur dengan Beck Anxiety Inventory pada empat periode pengukuran yaitu sebelum intervensi, segera setelah intervensi, 2 minggu dan 3 minggu setelah intervensi hitung gerakan janin. Uji Friedman digunakan untuk mengetahui perubahan kecemasan pada keempat periode pengukuran. Hasil: terdapat perubahan signifikan pada tingkat kecemasan ibu hamil setelah intervensi (p<0,001), pada periode segera setelah intervensi (p=0,001) dan 3 minggu setelah intervensi (p=0,001). Kesimpulan: Aktivitas hitung gerakan janin dapat menurunkan kecemasan ibu hamil di akhir trimester kehamilan. Jadwal kunjungan antenatal ibu hamil tidak berubaha setelah melakukan hitung gerakan janin. Penelitian lebih lanjut diperlukan untuk menilai dampak aktivitas hitung gerakan janin terhadap outcome kehamilan yang lain, termasuk kejadian kematian perinatal.

Kata kunci: kecemasan, hitung gerakan janin, kunjungan antenatal.