bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary aldosteronism without hypertension: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dimitrov Yves , Ott J. , Beguin L. , Muller B.
Published: November 2022

We describe the case of a patient who presented with hyperaldosteronism without arterial hypertension. She had been referred for consultation for persistent severe hypokalaemia despite oral KCl supplementation. The absence of hypertension had been proven by repeated clinical measurements and by ABPM. Hyperaldosteronism had been demonstrated by hormonal assays and catheterization of the adrenal veins. Abdominal CT revealed a left adrenal adenoma. Finally, the anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the adenoma. After the intervention, serum potassium normalized. The clinical case is completed by a review of the literature of hyperaldosteronisms without arterial hypertension.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in exosomes from lipoma tissue reveals differential impacts on biological functions
Authors: Zhou Yuxi , Wang Yujing , Shao Zifei , Wang Xiang , Huang Weiman , Wang Xidi , Li Kun
Published: November 2022

Background Our previous study found that both exosomes from lipoma tissue (Exo-LT) and exosomes from adipose tissue (Exo-AT) can promote the proliferation, migration, and adipogenesis of ADSCs. There is no significant difference between Exo-LT and Exo-AT in promoting the adipogenesis of ADSCs, but Exo-LT has a stronger ability to promote the proliferation and migration of ADSCs than Exo-AT. To elucidate the reason for this difference, we envisioned to explore the gene regulation mechanism of Exo-LT's stronger pro-proliferation effect than Exo-AT by comprehensively analyzing the differential genes between Exo-LT and Exo-AT. Methods Herein, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the expression of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in Exo-LT and Exo-AT and screen out significantly differentially expressed genes, and then searched mRNAs related to cell proliferation and adipogenesis in GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis results for subsequent targeted analysis and construction of ceRNA networks. Results A total of 10 mRNAs were screened that met both significant differential expression conditions (|logFC|>2, p < 0.05) and abundance quality control (CPM༞100), of which 6 were up-regulated in Exo-LT and 4 were down-regulated in Exo-LT. Afterwards in the ceRNA regulatory network, we noticed 5 meaningful lncRNAs that were highly correlated with cell proliferation and adipogenesis, including HOXA11-AS, GAS5, HOTAIR, MALAT1, and PVT1, among which HOXA11-AS was significantly up-regulated in Exo-LT, while GAS5, HOTAIR, MALAT1, and PVT1 were expressed at high levels in both the Exo-LT and Exo-AT group. Interestingly, our follow-up analysis found that many of the lncRNA-miRNA targeting relationships predicted by these 5 lncRNAs in the ceRNA network have been well validated in a large number of previous studies. Conclusions Our first analysis of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles and ceRNA networks in Exo-LT provides a preliminary explanation for the differences between Exo-LT and Exo-AT in promoting ADSCs proliferation and adipogenesis, as well as a new theoretical basis for the formation mechanism of lipoma tissue.
Cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis: Auditory and Visual Attention and inhibitory Control
Authors: Roozbeh Mahrooz , Shojaei Maziyar , Rostami Mohammad , Simani Leila
Published: November 2022

Background: A growing body of evidence has been paid to the cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, studies concerning cognitive functions in MS have also yielded conflicting results. This study investigates the attention and inhibitory control functions in patients with MS and their relationship with other clinical features such as depression and fatigue in these patients.
Methods: Participants included 80 patients with MS and 60 healthy controls. The attention and inhibitory control, fatigue, and psychiatric screening in all subjects were studied respectively with the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results: Patients with MS performed the IVA-CPT task more poorly than the healthy control group (P < 0.001). However, multiple regression analysis did not show any significant relations between disease duration, FSS, and HADS on attention and inhibitory control.
Conclusion: Inhibitory control and attention are significantly impaired in patients with MS. Finding the basics of cognitive deficits in MS have potentially important clinical implications for developing better cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
Assessing Corneal Endothelial Damage using Terahertz Spectroscopy and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Chen Andrew , Harris Zachery , Virk Arjun , Abazari Azin , Varadaraj Kulandaiappan , Honkanen Robert , Arbab M. Hassan
Published: November 2022

The endothelial layer of the cornea plays a critical role in regulating its hydration by actively controlling fluid intake in the tissue via transporting the excess fluid out to the aqueous humor. A damaged corneal endothelial layer leads to perturbations in tissue hydration and edema, which can impact corneal transparency and visual acuity. We utilized a non-contact terahertz (THz) scanner designed for imaging spherical targets to discriminate between ex vivo corneal samples with intact and damaged endothelial layers. To create varying grades of corneal edema, the intraocular pressures of the whole porcine eye globe samples were increased to either 25, 35 or 45 mmHg for 4 hours before returning to normal pressure levels at 15 mmHg for the remaining 4 hours. Changes in tissue hydration were assessed by differences in spectral slopes between 0.4 to 0.8 THz. Our results indicate that the THz response of corneal samples is varied according to the differences in the endothelial cell density. We show that this spectroscopic difference is statistically significant and can be used to assess the intactness of the endothelial layer.
A systematic review of climate change and water resources in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: TURYASINGURA Benson , Chavula Petros , Hirwa Hubert , Mohammed Fatima Sule , Ayiga Natal , Bojago Elias ,   Brahim Benzougagh7, Ngabirano Hannington
Published: November 2022

Variations in precipitation that affect water resources have drawn a lot of attention to climate change-related water quality issues in recent years. Point and non-point source contaminants have an impact on water quality due to seasonal rainfall variability, and rainfall events are crucial in spreading these pollutants. Sub-Saharan Africa has the least stable access to freshwater supplies. Numerous academics have undertaken extensive research on the connection between climate change and water resources, yielding significant research findings. However, there is a dearth of quantitative analysis and thorough evaluation of research accomplishments. The purpose of the study was to undertake an organized literature review on the topic of examining the relationship between Sub-Saharan Africa's water resources and climate change. In the first segment, Vos-Viewer was used to map, study the literature, and identify any gaps in order to evaluate the impact of rainfall variability on water quality. The adaptation and mitigation strategies for water availability were described in the second section. This report utilizes the VOS-Viewer bibliometric software to create a combative network and keyword co-occurrence map based on the pertinent literature on the topics of climate change and water resources in the core collection of the Web of Science database and dimension. According to the study's findings, cooperation networks are not as prominent as research networks between developed and developing nations. It was also shown that irregular rainfall affects water quality by giving the water a muddy, acidic, and turbid appearance. According to the assessment, the study's conclusions suggest that involving all significant parties and adopting strong rules can facilitate prudent water usage and management. This is crucial for the 884 million people whose survival depends on surface water resources.
Climate Change, Flood Disaster, and Food Insecurity in Pakistan.
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Majeed Yaqoob , Nadeem Tayyaba , Naqvi Laraib Haider , Khalid Muhammad Arslan , Shafiq Muzammal , Sajjad Muhammad Muzzammil
Published: November 2022

Climate change is bringing an inevitable change to planet earth. One of the recent victims of climate change is Pakistan, in the form of a disastrous flood that leads to severe food insecurity throughout the country. Recent food insecurity results from damage done by the flood to agricultural land, which have an extreme effect on districts marked by highly malnourished populations.
A numerical study on the effect of local cohesive property variation to single mode fracture models
Authors: Linke Max , Lammering Rolf
Published: November 2022

In this work, the effect of local cohesive property variation on the fracture behavior of single mode fracture models is numerically investigated. In this context, 3D models for the double cantilever beam test and the end-notched flexure test are built. The bonded interface is considered in two variants: a) homogeneous and b) heterogeneous with a local patch of varying cohesive properties. In order to evaluate the effect of the patch to the fracture behavior, the cumulative damage is introduced as a criterion. Parameters of the patch, i.e. material properties, geometry and position, are varied in a parametric study. Conclusions about their effect on the cumulative damage are drawn and justified. Different conditions of the crack growth are considered, i.e. crack onset and propagation. The results of the study outline the importance of the geometrical design of the patch. Especially the orientation of non-squared patches has a large, disproportional effect on the cumulative damage. Also the fracture mode plays an important role. The obtained information can be used to optimize interlaminar integrated sensors as a mean of structural health monitoring.
Methodology for optimising costs of the construction company for the management of the general object construction technology
Authors:   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Velichkin Victor Z. , Petrochenko Marina V. ,   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Ptukhina Irina S. ,   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Gorodishenina Anna Yu. ,   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Published: November 2022

Abstract. The article describes a methodology for optimising the costs associated with managing the process of civil engineering construction during the design and implementation of the construction management plan (CMP). The general construction technology is determined by a sequence of partic-ular activities using construction equipment and qualified executive specialists. The costs of the work performed by technical and labour resources, together with the costs for enabling these works at the construction site, compose the total costs of construction companies. These costs are covered by the cost estimation documentation of a constructed facility. This article proposes an economic and mathe-matical model for optimising the volume of these costs during the development and implementation of CMP sections. The developed model is used for assessing the costs associated with constructing a residential building, considering various patterns of the used technical and labour resources. Conclu-sions on the dynamics of changes in the costs for this building are formulated, along with the effect of construction period on the volume of construction costs.
Approaches to enhancing the efficiency of research into accidents of steel structures
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Dmitrieva Tat'yana L. , Kudrin Viktor G. ,   Siberian Federal University, Deordiev Sergei V. ,   Siberian Federal University
Published: November 2022

Abstract. This article reviews publications investigating accidents at buildings and civil engineering structures. According to the conducted analysis, such publications commonly describe the circum-stances of specific accidents, rather than identify their causes. Classifications of accident causes are often published without disclosing the information sources. No publications have been found on as-sessing the impact of the human factor, including design errors, rolled metal defects, poor-quality manufacturing or installation, as well as violations of the operational rules. In the majority of publica-tions, outdated methods are used for analysing and processing data on accidents. In order to improve the current situation, organizational and methodological measures are proposed. The importance of using the methods of systems analysis and content analysis for searching and processing information is substantiated. It is shown that the main conditions for accident prevention involve strict compliance with reliability requirements at the design, constructional, and operational stages, organization of the maintenance service of structures, their timely inspection, as well as preventive and overhaul repairs. In this regard, the accumulation of statistical data on damages and accidents, grouped according to a unified scientifically-based methodology, appears to be of great importance. It is proposed to create a unified form for data representation on accidents that should be placed on web portals in open access for the purpose of its continuous replenishment.
Forensic construction and technical audit of infrastructural facilities
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Zhuravlev Evgenii G. , Mikhalev Mikhail P. ,   Absolut LLC, Zhuravlev Aleksandr E. ,   SV-Studiya LLC
Published: November 2022

Abstract. The article considers the forensic construction and technical audit of infrastructural facilities. Issues related to utilities, as well as the main characteristics of infrastructural facilities and their pur-pose, are analysed. Each construction and technical audit procedure is carried out in certain conditions and locations, taking the regulations of the civil procedural legislation into account. Based on the court ruling, the expert independently conducts a full survey of the case materials and documents, gives reasonable and objective answers to the set questions, and draws up a conclusion in written form. Cases of utilities related both to infrastructural capital construction and auxiliary facilities are consid-ered. It is concluded that the movable or immovable property of the facility plays an important role in determining respective actions. Using the list of characteristics for determining this property, further activities in relation to the infrastructural facility can be affected. Representing the finished infrastruc-tural facility, the utility networks relate to real estate objects, thus having independent functional (eco-nomic) purpose. Their construction is provided for by the design documentation and performed on the basis of properly approved regulatory documents. The provided criteria for considering the infrastruc-tural facility both in terms of a real estate object and an auxiliary facility are recommended for applica-tion in the construction and technical audit of infrastructural facilities.
Environmental risk prevention during the reconstruction of the sewerage system in the Lake Baikal central ecological zone
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Lavygina Olga L. , Grebneva Oksana A. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Alekseev Aleksander V. ,   Energy Systems Institute SB RAS
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Reduction of environmental risks involved with the operation of public utilities in the Baikal natural territory presents a relevant research task. The safety operation of sewerage systems can be ensured by minimising the risk of emergencies related to the volley of sewage. In this study, we assess the rate of possible environmental damage from emergencies in sewerage systems as a result of their high wear and insufficient capacity. We provide a calculation of the prevented environmental damage during the reconstruction of the sewerage system in the territory of Irkutsk. In the conducted numerical investigations, technical indices of the operating sewers are accepted taking into account their capacity and natural-climatic factors of the Baikal natural territory. According to the results obtained, the total indicator of the prevented environmental and economic damage during the reconstruction of the sewerage system comprises 273.24337 thousand roubles (in prices for 2022). The reconstruction of sewers in the territory of Irkutsk will lead to a decrease in the volume of sewage discharges into the water bodies of the Baikal natural territory.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology as a basis for lean construction
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Guevara Rada Leydy T. , Peshkov Vitaliy V. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Mart'yanov Vladimir I. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Radionova Ekaterina A. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Buzheeva Faina G. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Saibatalova Elena V. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Published: November 2022

Abstract. This article considers the problem of increasing the efficiency of construction companies by implementing new approaches to improving organizational structures and construction management methods, such as building information modelling (BIM) and lean construction (LC). A review of existing LC methods is carried out, describing such specific methodologies, as long-term planning, planning obligations, minimizing resource overruns, workflow reliability and project management. Strategies and supporting mechanisms for the implementation of efficient processes on construction sites for companies with the functions of general contractor are also considered. The application of lean construction, pull planning in particular, increases the efficiency of communication between the participants of the construction process. The concurrent use of LC and BIM methods allows construction costs to be reduced. The LC-based BIM technology can be applied in design, construction and project management throughout the entire life cycle of a construction project.
Optimisation of Curcumin Microemulsions Using Palm Oil
Authors:   Faculty of Pharmacy, SEGi University, Selangor, Malaysia, Muniandy Ghanesh , Shu Xian Chong ,   Faculty of Pharmacy, SEGi University, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

Curcumin is a natural hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the curcuminoids of Curcuma longa. Curcumin is commonly known as turmeric and it gains the interest of scientific and clinical researchers as it exhibits great pharmacological benefits such as anti-cancer, antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Nevertheless, curcumin is still not an approved drug in clinical settings due to its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. Therefore, a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was used as an approach to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. The microemulsion was devised in a pre-formulation phase using a surfactant (Tween 80), a co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol, PEG 400), a lipid phase (palm oil) and an aqueous phase (water). A ternary phase diagram was used to identify the self-microemulsifying region in a formulation. Five of these formulations (F1, F2, F4, F7 and F10) were found to be stable with no phase separation observed upon overnight storage. All of the five formulations (except F4) possessed a high percentage of transmittance (86%–100%), which signified the formation of a stable microemulsion when they were diluted in a 1:100 ratio by water. Curcumin microemulsions were formulated by loading curcumin into F1, F2, F7 and F10. Only F1 and F2 curcumin microemulsions exhibit a clear appearance, however, F7 and F10 form a turbid solution, which indicates the formation of the emulsion. The results indicated that F1 and F2 which contain a high surfactant/co-surfactant-to-oil ratio of 9:1 is optimum to formulate the curcumin microemulsions.
Prevalence of Perceived Depressive Symptoms and Its Association With Stages of Heart Failure among Outpatients in a Public Hospital in Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia, Ng Jing , Abdul Aziz Fatimatuzzahra’ ,   School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

Heart failure (HF) patients with depression usually have poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of perceived depressive symptoms among outpatients with HF and its association with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the Heart Failure Clinic in Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP) over 3 months period starting January 2020 using a convenience sampling method. All patients were included except patients under 18 years old, pregnant patients, diagnosed with psychiatric or depressive disorders and HF inpatients. A validated English and Malay version of Patient-Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used for screening of depressive symptoms. High scorers (≥ 10) were regarded as depressive. Results were reported in percentage (%) or median ± interquartile range (IQR). Fisher’s exact test with a 95% confidence interval was used. A total of 177 patients were recruited. The prevalence of perceived depressive symptoms among HF outpatients in HPP was 14.1%. The NYHA class was significantly associated with depressive status (p = 0.003). Depressive symptoms were common among these outpatients diagnosed with HF. A higher NYHA class suggested a higher depressive symptoms score. Screening for perceived depression especially patients with higher NYHA class was recommended.
Clinical Characteristics of Individuals Died with COVID-19 in Malaysia
Authors:   Clinical Research Center, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Institute for Clinical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, DANIAL MONICA , ARULAPPEN ANN LISA ,   Pharmacy Department, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, SOELAR SHAHRUL AIMAN ,   Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Institute for Clinical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, CH’NG ALAN SWEE HOCK ,   Clinical Research Center, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Institute for Clinical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,   Medical Department Seberang Jaya Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, LOOI IRENE ,   Clinical Research Center, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Institute for Clinical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,   Medical Department Seberang Jaya Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

Battling the COVID-19 pandemic still is the main agenda of many countries in the world today. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related deaths in Malaysia in 2020. Data was obtained from the daily press conference on the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia. Only information on daily deaths were collected for the purpose of this study. A total of 471 COVID-19 deaths reported in Malaysia in 2020. Number of deaths reported for the age categories < 65 years old and ≥ 65 years old were almost equal. Majority of deaths were reported among male (66.2%), Malaysian (82.8%), from the state of Sabah (56.3%) and with comorbidities (75.4%). Commonly reported comorbidities were hypertension (53.1%), diabetes mellitus (37.6%) and heart disease (17.4%). Gout was more prevalent and attributed to significant rate of mortality in individuals ≥ 65 years old (6.1%; p = 0.011), whereas obesity (5.8%; p = 0.003) and asthma (4.5%; p = 0.040) were more prevalent and attributed to significant rate of mortality in individuals < 65 years old. Heart disease was more prevalent among males (n = 64, 20.5%; p = 0.013) and obesity was more prevalent among women (n = 11, 6.9%; p = 0.003). Furthermore, presence of comorbidities was significantly higher in Malaysians (p < 0.001) with two and more comorbidities (p = 0.007). Early detection of risk factors for critical conditions is urgently required to provide adequate supportive treatment.
The Effect of formative assessment on reading comprehension
Authors: SÖNMEZ Muhammet , ÇETİNKAYA Fatih Çetin
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research is to set forth the effects of formative assessment methods on reading comprehension. To this end, reading status of a group of students was assessed with formative assessment methods, while that of another group was evaluated with traditional ones. The research was carried out by using unequalised quasi-experimental design. The experimental and control groups of the research were randomly assigned. The study group consisted of 50 3rd grade students of a primary school in the Dilovası district of Kocaeli city, Türkiye. The data of the study were obtained from the texts within 3rd grade curriculum and from the comprehension questions prepared for these texts. The data were analyzed via SPSS 22 program. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used during analyses. In the findings of the research, a highly significant difference was observed in favor of the experimental group. As a result of the findings of the research, it was observed that formative assessment methods contributed to reading comprehension success positively.
Examination of map reading skills with orienteering activity: An example of Many Facet Rasch Model
Authors: UYAR Şeyma , YAYLA Onur , ZÜNBER Hidayet
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the current study is to examine the map reading skills of Social Studies pre-service teachers with orienteering, which is an activity-based and more active practice. To this end, a total of 10 students attending the Department of Social Studies Teaching in the Education Faculty of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University and taking the course of Map Skills and Applications were selected. An analytical rubric consisting of four criteria and scored in four categories was used to collect data in the study. The content validity of the developed rubric was calculated with the Davis Technique and it was thought that sufficient evidence was obtained for the content validity. During the orienteering activity, the map reading skills of the students were scored by 5 raters with this rubric in terms of four criteria, direction/location, recognizing signs/symbols, using landforms and managing time. They were examined with the many-facet Rasch model (MFRM). Map reading skills were evaluated according to the severity/leniency of the raters and the difficulty of the students in exhibiting the behavior. The results of the analysis showed that the agreement between the raters was found to be good. It was also concluded that the most difficult skill is determining direction/location and the easiest skill is using landforms.
Examining the effectiveness of discussion-oriented flipped learning environments
Authors: YILMAZ Erdi Okan , ŞİMŞEK Nurettin
Published: November 2022

The overall aim of the study was to examine the effects of the discussion-oriented flipped learning environments on the achievements, satisfaction levels, and high-ordered thinking skills of students. This semi-experimentally planned research was prepared in accordance with the 3x2 factorial design and conducted with a group of 190 second-year coeducational students attending their undergraduate education at Uşak University. A six-week application was conducted with three groups of students, who were classified as participating in discussions in the newly-developed discussion-oriented flipped learning environments with mandatory, voluntary, and non-attendee participation status. As the data collection tool of the research, achievement tests consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions were used together with the satisfaction scales (related to videos, discussions, and general environment) developed by the researcher. As a result of the posttests applied after the application, it was determined that the overall achievement scores of the students, who participated in the discussions in discussion-oriented flipped learning environments, were significantly higher than those who did not participate in the discussions. It was determined that there was statistically no significant difference between the satisfaction levels of students concerning the videos, while the discussion satisfaction levels of students who participated on a mandatory basis were statistically significantly higher compared to those who participated on a voluntary basis. In terms of high-ordered thinking skill scores, it was determined that mandatory or voluntary participation in discussions in flipped learning environments have a significant and positive impact on high-ordered thinking skills, in comparison to the non-participation.
Examining the Effect of Peer and Self Assessment Practices on Writing Skills
Authors: ERMAN ASLANOĞLU Aslıhan
Published: November 2022

This study aims to reveal how peer- and self-assessment practices influence the writing skills of 9th grade students. The study adopted mixed-methods explanatory design. The participants were 102 students attending a public school in Ankara. The quantitative data were collected through a quasi-experimental method, and qualitative data were collected through a case study. There were three groups of participants in this study: the 1st experimental group in which peer-assessment was carried out with 34 participants; the 2nd experimental group in which self-assessment was conducted with 34 students, and 34 students in the control group. The interventions lasted 7 weeks. Writing performance tasks and rubrics were used to gather quantitative data while a Semi-Structured Interview Form was used to collect the qualitative data. For the analysis, paired samples t-test, ANOVA, and content analysis were used. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores of experimental groups in which peer and self-assessments were conducted whereas there was not a significant difference between the scores of the control group. The findings of ANOVA, the post-test results of the experimental and control groups showed that there was a significant difference between all groups in favor of the 1st experimental group in which peer assessment was applied. The qualitative findings of the study corroborate the quantitative findings. Hence, we can conclude that peer and self-assessment practices were effective both in the development of students' writing skills and on their attitudes and interests towards writing.
The use of open-ended items for giving feedback during the formative assessment process
Authors: ALTINTAŞ Özge
Published: November 2022

Feedback plays an important role in classroom learning and teaching process. This study focuses on how feedback can be more effectively used in the formative assessment process. According to this purpose, the study first discusses the concept of student achievement and presents its changing nature in the 21st century. Subsequently, the study addresses higher-order thinking skills, the use of open-ended items in improving student achievement in the classroom, rubrics, formative assessment, and feedback. The study aims to present an exemplary measurement and assessment model that will contribute to the development of student achievement. Additionally, it examines the use of a feedback approach that will improve the power of using the knowledge of the students learned in lessons in daily life by associating it with basic life skills in the formative assessment process. Accordingly, teachers are provided with a unique means that they can easily use in improving classroom success. In the study, an open-ended item has been developed that has a real-life counterpart is used to provide information on the improving of student achievement, while a rubric used in scoring the answers to the item is also developed. The answer categories in the rubric show the place of the student in the distribution of success. Thus, teachers will be able to see what students can and cannot do, as well as be able to give accurate and realistic feedback on what needs to be done for the development of student achievement.
Creating multiple-choice items for testing student learning
Authors: HALADYNA Thomas
Published: November 2022

The use of multiple-choice items for classroom testing is firmly established for many good reasons. The content any unit or course of study can be well sampled. Test scores can be reliable (trusted). And time spent administering and scoring can be minimized. This article provides a current review of best practices in the design and use of a variety of multiple-choice formats for classroom assessment of student learning. One of the most serious problems facing current educators is developing test items that measure more than simple factual recall. It is important to measure understanding, comprehension, critical thinking, and problem solving. Not only are these types of higher-level thinking described, but items are presented that illustrate how this is done. These best practices are continually evolving. The objective is always to use tests to measure validly what students have learned as well as help students learn what they have not yet learned. We call this formative and summative assessment. Guidelines are presented showing good and bad practices. What may be surprising to readers is the extensive variety of formats and methods for gathering or generating new test items. Readers are encouraged to experiment with these formats. Some formats can very efficiently measure what students were supposed to learn.
Parity effects and universal terms of $\mathcal{O}(1)$ in the entanglement near a boundary
Authors: Schloemer Henning , Tan Chunyu , Haas Stephan , Saleur Hubert
Published: November 2022

In the presence of boundaries, the entanglement entropy in lattice
models is known to exhibit oscillations with the (parity of the) length
of the subsystem, which however decay to zero with increasing distance
from the edge. We point out in this article that, when the subsystem
starts at the boundary and ends at an impurity, oscillations of the
entanglement (as well as of charge fluctuations) appear which do not
decay with distance, and which exhibit universal features. We study
these oscillations in detail for the case of the XX chain with one
modified link (a conformal defect) or two successive modified links (a
relevant defect), both numerically and analytically. We then generalize
our analysis to the case of extended (conformal) impurities, which we
interpret as SSH models coupled to metallic leads. In this context, the
parity effects can be interpreted in terms of the existence of
non-trivial topological phases.
Social entrepreneurship and networking challenges: Impact on sustainable development in South Africa
Authors: Inalegwu Akoh Emmanuel , Mpele Lekhanya Lawrence
Published: November 2022

The overwhelming complexity of achieving sustainable development globally, including in South Africa, requires the networking and partnerships of all stakeholders. This paper reports networking challenges affecting social entrepreneurship’s contribution to sustainable development. The study aimed to investigate and analyze the impact of networking challenges on social entrepreneurship contribution to sustainable development in the townships in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. The study is quantitative and was conducted in three KZN township communities. The sample consisted of 90 social entrepreneurs selected using a snowball sampling technique. The respondents completed a self-administered close-ended questionnaire (employing a five-point Likert scale). The data were analyzed using SPSS (27.0 version). Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.808 indicated the reliability of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument for this study. The study revealed that lack of partnerships and networking with other social entrepreneurs, insufficient networking and partnership with corporate organizations, absence of networking and partnerships with government, and lack of platform use for social networking, affect social entrepreneurs’ activities. A chi-square test also revealed that all the tested variables were statistically significant, with a p-value = .000.
Digital social protection in Ukraine: prerequisites and strategic challenges
Authors: Fedirko Nataliia
Published: November 2022

According to the current trends of the ICT development, digital transformation is becoming a key requirement in many social spheres. Digital technologies have proven their importance not only by significantly increasing efficiency of activities, but also by their general convenience and broad opportunities for users. The transition to digital principles is especially important in the field of social protection as it determines the welfare of the popula- tion, social security and social stability of the country, especially in crisis conditions. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the strategic foundations of the formation of digital social protection of the population in Ukraine, and its object is the system of social protection. The research methodology is based on a comparative analysis of the global and domestic practices of social protection on a digital basis and content analysis of the legal framework for the digital transformation of the social sphere in Ukraine. The study showed that the global prerequisites for the digitalization of social protection, as well as national factors, on the one hand, accelerated the implementa- tion of digital technologies for the provision of social assistance in Ukraine, and on the other hand, inhibited and underestimated the possibilities of their successful use. Digital technologies, which are widely used in the provi- sion of public services, also prove their effectiveness in the practice of social protection and have significant ad- vantages compared to its traditional form. However, the processes of digitalization of financial and non-financial components of social protection – social payments and social services – have certain differences due to different organizational procedures and technological processes. Social e-services created in Ukraine only partially cover the components of the social protection system that exist in Ukraine. Therefore, the results of the study are aimed at building a successful social protection system based on a single digital system.
An experimental approach to treat salt and dye contaminated water via capacitive deionization
Authors: Maheshwari Karishma , Dohare Rajeev , Agarwal Madhu
Published: November 2022

This article is intended to provide the versatility of the CDI process for an application covering various pollutants, namely, dye and salt contaminated stream treatment. It was observed that tailoring the base material enhances stated properties revealing proficiency in desalting and dye removal performance. Further, the experimental investigations were performed by modifying the surface of agro-waste developed electrodes to improve the sorption of contaminants over bio-based activated carbon (B-AC). The chemical activation was with potassium hydroxide (KOH-BAC) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4-BAC). The study indicates the best electrochemical and sorption properties with H3PO4-BAC incorporated electrode of the electrode 76.97 F/g specific capacitance. Moreover, these fabricated electrodes were implemented for dye effluent treatment and desalting the concentrated stream from RO reject. It was evaluated that a strong sorption capacity for 18.4 mg/g in the case of salt stream was observed for H3PO4-BAC electrode whereas 0.12 mg/g was reported for dye removal. The equilibrium data was fitted into the isotherm and kinetic model of adsorption. Lastly, the study reveals that the fabricated electrode has huge potential to treat contaminated water.
Percepção de Residentes de Enfermagem e Medicina acerca do Telemonitoramento em Saúde
Authors: Pereira Adriana Matos , Silva Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade , Pereira Eliane Ramos , Fabri Janaina Mengal Gomes
Published: November 2022

Trata-se de um estudo que pretende compreender a percepção dos residentes sobre o telemonitoramento como ferramenta capaz identificar necessidade de ações em saúde ao paciente em pré-operatório de Artroplastia total de Joelho (ATJ). Considerando que a integralidade da assistência é o recurso que auxilia o permeio das ações entre os níveis assistenciais (primário, secundário e terciário) para um mesmo indivíduo, identificamos ser de fundamental importância que os agentes de saúde envolvidos na assistência sejam capazes de reconhecer a necessidade de articular interfaces de atendimento com os diferentes níveis de atenção, para garantir a eficiência e eficácia dos tratamentos. Nesta perspectiva, pretende-se analisar a percepção dos residentes de enfermagem e medicina acerca da possibilidade de acompanhar as condições de saúde e as comorbidades de pacientes na fila de espera da cirurgia de ATJ, segundo Merleau-Ponty. O filósofo descreve a percepção enquanto acontecimento que origina a vida subjetiva apoiada no mundo percebido (realidade originária). Neste modo, as reflexões sobre a vida subjetiva transformam-se no local em que se situam e ocorrem as análises específicas a respeito da percepção e da noção do próprio corpo. Entender a percepção dos residentes de ortopedia sobre a prevenção e promoção à saúde impactará na formação de profissionais mais qualificados a prestar um cuidado mais amplo e qualificado que atenda às necessidades dos pacientes. Tendo como objetivo geral Identificar a percepção dos residentes de enfermagem e medicina ortopédica acerca de estratégias de telemonitoramento em saúde a pacientes na fila de espera de Artroplastia Total de Joelho.
Palavras-Chave: Residência não Médica não Odontológica; Residência Médica; Telemonitoramento
Horizontal Collaboration among SMEs through a Supply and Distribution Cooperative
Authors: Soysal Mehmet , Belbağ Sedat , Erişkan Sibel
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages the governments of low and middle-income countries to support specifically small and medium enterprises to reach sustainable economic conditions. Strategic collaborative alliances among small and medium enterprises help these companies to overcome difficulties confronted in supply chain processes, such as procurement and transportation. This study describes a horizontal collaboration among small and medium enterprises (i.e., customers) where the demands are satisfied by a supply and distribution cooperative in Turkey. The cooperative is responsible for making bulk purchases with a discounted price that is not attainable for individual customers and making product deliveries to the customers. The benefits of establishing a supply and distribution cooperative that involves horizontally collaborating customers are assessed through a proposed decision support model.

Methods:

The model comprises a dynamic programming-based heuristic to determine a distribution plan and simulation to calculate total cooperative profit and customer profit shares. The model incorporates a comprehensive energy estimation approach for conventional vehicles that allows decision-makers to better estimate fuel consumption and, therefore, transportation emissions.

Results and Discussion:

The results show that horizontal collaboration among customers does not always guarantee profit. The amount of financial gain is dependent on many factors, such as logistics network, monetary demands, or discount rate observed due to the bulk purchase of the cooperative. Furthermore, such strategic alliances could allow companies to improve the efficient use of resources to have sustainable logistics systems.

Conclusion:

The proposed model can be used (i) to provide a detailed evaluation of the related costs and revenues, (ii) to provide analyses of the effects of the discount rate and the sector demand rate changes on the total cooperative profit, and (iii) to analyse the effects of uncertainties in several parameters on the total cooperative profit and customer profit shares.
Pranto de Gaia nas canções ecológicas de Roberto e Erasmo Carlos
Authors: Meira Liebig Sueli
Published: November 2022

Este artigo tem o propósito geral de mostrar como a preocupação com a má preservação do meio ambiente motivada pelo comportamento destrutivo dos seres humanos perante a Natureza reverbera nas canções dos cantores e compositores brasileiros Roberto e Erasmo Carlos. Procura fazê-lo, mais especificamente, através da análise das letras de nove das suas composições, de 1976 a 2002, que revelam uma mudança no estilo que caracterizou os sucessos da “Jovem Guarda” ou as canções eminentemente românticas que haviam assinalado as duas décadas anteriores das suas carreiras artísticas. Abordando a questão sob a luz da Ecologia Profunda, analisa-se aqui como estes músicos iniciaram uma onda de protesto contra a extinção iminente do Planeta Terra, em que sobressai o tom de revolta contra os crimes cometidos pela Humanidade contra Gaia, o seu próprio lar.
Latour, Bruno (2021). Où suis-je? Leçons du confinement à l'usage des terrestres
Authors: António Fernando José
Published: November 2022

Recensão do livro de Bruno Latour, Où suis-je? Leçons du confinement à l'usage des terrestres (2021).
Vers une paysance nouvelle – transition écologique et démocratie
Authors: Berque Augustin
Published: November 2022

Le paradigme occidental moderne, dont le foyer politique est la démocratie, est remis en cause à des titres multiples, jusque dans ses fondements logiques et ontologiques. Cela concerne en particulier l’écologie et la territorialité humaine, ce paradigme ayant conduit à la Sixième Extinction massive de la vie sur Terre et à « la fin de l’homme habitant » (Le Lannou). L’article propose une perspective mésologique qui permettrait, en « repaysant » l’humain, d’assurer démocratiquement la transition écologique qui s’impose à nous de toute façon.
On social practices which Donna Haraway calls "Teddy Bear Patriarchy"
Authors: Juresa Jelena , Mendelsohn Asa
Published: November 2022

Jelena Jureša’s video installation Aphasia consists of three chapters, each focusing on the absurdity arising from the collective silence surrounding crime and the compartmentalization of historical events, tracing the line between Belgian colonialism, Austrian antisemitism and the war in Yugoslavia. The film borrows the term 'aphasia' not exclusively from medical vocabulary—where it refers to trouble finding words or losing the ability to speak—but also from the writing of scholar Ann L. Stoler, who coined the term 'colonial aphasia', referring to the occlusion of knowledge in addition to collective amnesia, and the difficulty of generating a vocabulary that associates appropriate words, or concepts with appropriate things. Aphasia brings together compartmentalized historical events, through the history of racism and eugenics, focusing on the blind spots of history and the difficulty of speaking about the troubled past. The film charts the line starting with museum dioramas through photography to film, and sees them as deeply interwoven with imperialism and colonialism, used in order to produce a template for the blooming science of biological or physical anthropology.