bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forme et valeur de la théorie des miroirs chez Lucrèce (De rerum natura, IV, 269-323)
Authors: Dumont Samuel
Published: March 2021

En s’intéressant au cas particulier du miroir, Lucrèce trouve l’occasion de combiner la démonstration de la théorie épicurienne de la sensation vraie avec une éducation de l’esprit aux procédures de raisonnement de l’école. Bien loin d’être seulement un appendice à une conception matérialiste générale de l’ombre et de la lumière, le motif du miroir ne cesse de s’enrichir à mesure que le poète s’attarde sur ses spécificités et vient à bout des difficultés que cet objet d’étude devrait naturellement susciter. Lucrèce fait preuve ici d’une grande maîtrise rhétorique consistant moins à écarter ou à dissoudre les objections qu’à les assumer pleinement, y compris dans ce qu’elles peuvent avoir de plus problématique, pour les creuser encore et encore et montrer qu’elles prouvent en réalité la validité de la doctrine d’Épicure. À cet égard, Lucrèce ne se contente pas d’un austère exposé dogmatique et physique, mais cherche au contraire à donner véritablement à voir et à sentir cette vie des images que permet le modèle des simulacres. Tout à la fois, il expose cette théorie, fournit à son lecteur un exercice de pensée, et prépare déjà ses armes pour la controverse contre les sceptiques qui apparaît plus loin dans le chant IV, faisant ainsi passer le miroir de curiosité scientifique à un statut de véritable instrument.
Big Data in Cloud Computing
Authors: K. Jayashree , B. Swaminathan
Published: March 2021

The huge size of data that has been produced by applications that spans from social network to scientific computing is termed big data. Cloud computing as a delivery model for IT services enhances business productivity by reducing cost. It has the intention of achieving solution for managing big data such as high dimensional data sets. Thus, this chapter discusses the background of big data and cloud computing. It also discusses the various application of big data in detail. The various related work, research challenges of big data in cloud computing, and the future direction are addressed in this chapter.
Application of Econometrics in Business Research
Authors: Sengupta Jhumur
Published: March 2021

The last few years have seen great developments in econometrics for a better understanding of economic phenomena. The range of areas in which econometric models are successfully applied has steadily widened including finance and business management. Econometric analysis is concerned with the quantitative relationships between economic variables and it can provide an important input into the decision-making process. The range of areas in which econometric models are successfully applied has steadily widened including finance and business management. Econometrics has enhanced our understanding of the way the managerial decision works. Econometrics is used in doing quantitative analysis of actual economic phenomena based on theory and observations. An economic model is based on a set of assumptions to simplify the complex economic phenomena. This chapter is an attempt to review the application of econometrics using business data. The main objective of this chapter is to chart the application of this science in various fields of business management.
Exploratory and Exploitative Entrepreneurship
Authors: Özsungur Fahri
Published: March 2021

Entrepreneurship is a developing issue that provides sectoral and economic development of today's world. New entrepreneurship ideas are constantly developing with digital innovations, technology, social, and political influences. The introduction of the entrepreneurship thought with an existing and beyond idea along with these effects will give a different perspective to this field. Sustainability problems that arise after the implementation of existing enterprise ideas reveal two important types of entrepreneurship introduced into the literature: exploratory and exploitative entrepreneurship. This chapter describes exploitative entrepreneurship, which focuses on the development and improvement of existing initiatives, and the types of exploratory entrepreneurship that are revolutionary beyond existing initiatives. The chapter that starts with the introduction section continues with the theoretical and conceptual framework, methodology, discussion, and conclusion sections.
The Rhetoric of Mass Communication and Media in the Contrastive Sociolinguistics
Authors: Pham Duc Huu
Published: March 2021

In the field of mass communication and media, the use of language has become so versatile that it can help to improve relationship between peoples, but it can somehow have a negative effect on the mutual understanding. Rhetoric makes it clear and persuasive to communicate to make language work for their purposes. Sociolinguistics in the contrastive analysis deals with speech communities and the language use in particular contexts such as dialects or bilingualism in society and language variation and change over time, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. This chapter presents Kenneth Burke's rhetorical theory and William Labov's sociolinguistic method, analyzing genres and registers in the systemic functional linguistics perspective to derive a conceptual framework for the study of news report. The resulting framework provides for the identification of news writing style in mass media and other social networks and its performance in language use regarding the power of words to avoid the ambiguity in situational contexts and to better interpersonal and intercultural communication.
Managerial Decision Support in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Kalina Jan
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends to digitalization and automation, which allow us to acquire massive datasets useful for managerial decision making. The expected increase of available data (including big data) will represent a potential for an increasing deployment of management decision support systems for more general and more complex tasks. Sophisticated decision support systems have been proposed already in the pre-pandemic times either to assist managers in specific decision-making processes or to perform the decision making fully automatically. Decision support systems are presented in this chapter as perspective artificial intelligence tools contributing to a deep transform of everyday management practices. Attention is paid here to their new development in the quickly transforming post-COVID-19 era and to their role under the post-pandemic conditions. As an original contribution, this chapter presents a vision of information-based management, which far exceed the rather limited pre-pandemic visions of evidence-based management focused primarily on critical thinking.
Surviving COVID-19 Crisis by New Business Models
Authors: Sufi Tahir , Ahmed Selim
Published: March 2021

The foodservice sector is one of the three leading sectors in India, with a market size of 152 billion USD. There are over 500,000 organized and unorganized restaurants in India, and the sector has seen exceptional growth during the past decade. A high percentage of the young and working population is driving the India foodservice market, which is further fuelled by organized retail space that is encouraging the growth of local and international brands across different formats. This study explores how the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to adapting to the new business model by the food service sector in India.
Designing E-Government Legal Institutions
Authors: Duhamel Francois , Sandoval-Almazán Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

The aim of this article is to understand the way digital government laws are designed through the analysis and comparison of general objectives, governance mechanisms and roles assigned to stakeholders of six local state digital government laws in Mexico. Our findings reveal a strong degree of similarity between general objectives and implementation mechanisms in those six laws, showing a mix of traditional bureaucratic features and new public management features. We also find significant differences between those laws in the mobilization of behavior-constraining rules to fulfill e-government processes and solution-guiding mechanisms to foster innovation.
Predicting Customers Use of Electronic Government Services in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunsola Kemi , Tiamiyu Mutawakilu A.
Published: March 2021

This study examined how customers’ use of electronic government services in Nigeria were being predicted by supply- and demand-side variables such as; ICT deployment, customer readiness, perceived quality of e-government services, perceived satisfaction with e-government services, web readiness, and web presence quality. The results showed that for business organizations, only web presence quality of government websites, perceived satisfaction with the use of e-government services, and perceived quality of e-government services had predictive relationships with the use of e-government services. For the citizens, all the independent variables significantly predicted the use of e-government services, although ICT deployment predicted negatively citizens’ use of e-government services. The study recommends among others that government agencies should deploy e-government services and channels that will improve the satisfaction to customers rather than providing only sophisticated services.
Evaluating Post Machining Process of 3D Printing Topology Optimization
Authors: Al Hameir Nouf , Al Shamsi Maitha , Ahmed Waleed
Published: March 2021

There is significant interest today in additive manufacturing which is automatically producing 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material. Additive manufacturing offers a revolutionary way of creating parts despite their geometric complexity compared to conventional manufacturing methods. Today, both the number of additive manufacturing processes and the materials available has developed rapidly which leads to the easy integration of topology optimization with it to improve structural performance in engineering fields such as in an automobile, aerospace, medical and biomechanical industries. The principal aim of this paper is to study the post-machining process of topology optimized parts. Topology optimization is an intelligent approach to get the best reduce weight design and achieve optimal performance at the same time in many fields. Yet unfortunately, it still faces some post-machining issues.
Experimental Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Columns with Steel Embedded Tubes
Authors: H. Hameed Mohammed , Al-Ahmed Ali Hussein Ali , Abbas Zena K.
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to investigate the influence of longitudinal steel embedded tubes located at the center of the column cross-section on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns. The experimental program consisted of 8 testing pin-ended square sectional columns of 150×150 mm, having a total height of 1400 mm, subjected to eccentric load. The considered variables were the steel square tube sizes of 25, 51 and 68 mm side dimensions and the load eccentricity (50 and 150) mm. RC columns were concealed steel tubes with hollow ratios of 3%, 12% and 20% depending on tube sizes used. The experimental results indicated an improvement in the overall behavior of eccentric columns when steel embedded tubes are used. The maximum gain in strength was about 59% for the hollow ratio of 20% with e/h=1. The test results show that the inserted steel pipe improves strength, ductility and enables these columns to absorb more energy than a similar solid column.
Synthesis and Characterization of Electrospun Carbon Quantum Dots – Polyacrylonitrile/Polycaprolactone Composite Nanofiber Membranes for Copper (II) Adsorption
Authors: Mabborang Christian Matthew P. , Padrigo Joshua Nathaniel B. , Quiachon Gerald Mari , de Yro Persia Ada N.
Published: March 2021

Heavy metal adsorption (HMA) is one of the remediation techniques used to remove heavy metals from water/wastewater. Composite membranes with functionalized additives for selective adsorption are being investigated. In this study, Carbon Quantum Dots – Polyacrylonitrile/Polycaprolactone nanocomposite membranes are synthesized by electrospinning which is intended for HMA of Cu2+. The nanofiber mats were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and Contact Angle. Batch adsorption process were performed and to utilize the AAS for kinetic adsorption behavior analysis. SEM micrographs revealed the addition of CQD in PAN and PAN/PCL membrane matrix shifted the fiber size distribution from 50 – 100 nm to 150 – 250 nm indicates the decrease in effective surface area. FTIR analysis exhibited vibrational peaks and binding of distinct functional groups such as amine, nitrile, carboxylic, hydroxyl, and carbonyl for CQD, PAN and PCL, respectively. CQD in aqueous form further increases the hydrophilicity of PAN/PCL membrane matrix which is essential for HMA of Cu2+ions. The increase of nanofiber mat’s adsorption capacity with respect to contact time obtained a maximum at 63.45 mg/g with a maximum efficiency of adsorption at 90.74%. Kinetic adsorption studies show that the pseudo – first order kinetic model best fits the data for CQD – PAN/PCL nanofiber mat in Cu2+ions obtaining a correlation value of R2= 0.9418 and a rate constant k = 0.0172 min1indicating the adsorption behavior follows the physical adsorption process involving Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding between the adsorbent and adsorbate.
Mental well-being in patients with transfusion-dependent anemias and hemochromatosis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Piperno Rachele , Bertazioli Gabriella , Giulia Ravasi , Mariani Raffaella , Piperno Alberto
Published: March 2021

Since February 2020 the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic caused the reduction of spaces and medical and nurse staff dedicated to outpatients because of the urgent needs in the intensive, sub-intensive, and ward units in Lombardia region in Italy. In our Centre we regularly follow patients with hereditary anemias (ThSA), and hemochromatosis (HH). We aimed to evaluate these patients’ emotional responses during the pandemic through online survey. 44 ThSA (55%) and 54 HH (54%) answered the questionnaire. Both ThSA and HH reported high level of anxiety, worries and concern regarding SARS-Cov-2 pandemic that was the sum of several components: i. general fear for a new and potentially lethal disorder; ii. additional disease-related risk; iii. decreased standard care. About 40% of ThSA and more than half HH asked for more attention, information and protection regarding SARS-Cov-2 infection. These findings indicate: i. the need to guarantee adequate management of patients with rare diseases even in the case of an emergency as SARS-Cov-2 was and could be in the next future; ii. the need for exhaustive information to develop “healthy concern” in patients in order to contain both their anxiety and defensive attitude, thus preventing them from denial with ensuing greater exposure to risk.
Temporary spanning internal fixation for management of complex upper cervical spine fractures
Authors: AlSaleh Khalid , Abulras Muteb , Alrehaili Osama
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Fractures of the upper cervical spine are often but not always amenable to either internal fixation or conservative management using a rigid cervical collar. For all other fractures in this area, management with a halo-vest orthosis is indicated, but it also has limitations. Here, we present an operative alternative to the halo-vest orthosis that provides more secure stability and less complications.

Methods:

Three patients presented to our hospital with atypical fractures of C1 and C2 and were given the choice of either a halo-vest orthosis or secure internal fixation without fusion and accepted the latter. Internal fixation without fusion from occiput to the subaxial spine was performed for all three and then removed-6 months later -after radiologic confirmation of healing.

Results:

All three patients underwent the procedure successfully and achieved and maintained acceptable alignment. Range of motion was preserved, and no intermediate-term issues were observed.

Conclusion:

Spanning internal fixation provides a safe and effective technique in the management of complex upper cervical spine injuries without the drawbacks of using a halo-vest orthosis.
Effect of age-adjusted alignment goals and distal inclination angle on the fate of distal junctional kyphosis in cervical deformity surgery
Authors: Passias Peter Gust , Horn Samantha R , Lafage Virginie , Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S , Line Breton G , Protopsaltis Themistocles S , Soroceanu Alex , Bortz Cole , Segreto Frank A , Ahmad Waleed , Naessig Sara , Pierce Katherine E , Brown Avery E , Alas Haddy , Kim Han Jo , Daniels Alan H , Klineberg Eric O , Burton Douglas C , Hart Robert A , Schwab Frank J , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I , Ames Christopher P
Published: March 2021

Background:

Age-adjusted alignment targets in the context of distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) development have yet to be investigated. Our aim was to assess age-adjusted alignment targets, reciprocal changes, and role of lowest instrumented level orientation in DJK development in cervical deformity (CD) patients.

Methods:

CD patients were evaluated based on lowest fused level: cervical (C7 or above), upper thoracic (UT: T1–T6), and lower thoracic (LT: T7–T12). Age-adjusted alignment targets were calculated using published formulas for sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), and LL-thoracic kyphosis (TK). Outcome measures were cervical and global alignment parameters: Cervical SVA (cSVA), cervical lordosis, C2 slope, C2–T3 angle, C2–T3 SVA, TS-CL, PI-LL, PT, and SVA. Subanalysis matched baseline PI to assess age-adjusted alignment between DJK and non-DJK.

Results:

Seventy-six CD patients included. By 1Y, 20 patients developed DJK. Non-DJK patients had 27% cervical lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV), 68% UT, and 5% LT. DJK patients had 25% cervical, 50% UT, and 25% LT. There were no baseline or 1Y differences for PI, PI-LL, SVA, TPA, or PT for actual and age-adjusted targets. DJK patients had worse baseline cSVA and more severe 1Y cSVA, C2–T3 SVA, and C2 slope (P < 0.05). The distribution of over/under corrected patients and the offset between actual and ideal alignment for SVA, PT, TPA, PI-LL, and LL-TK were similar between DJK and non-DJK patients. DJK patients requiring reoperation had worse postoperative changes in all cervical parameters and trended toward larger offsets for global parameters.

Conclusion:

CD patients with severe baseline malalignment went on to develop postoperative DJK. Age-adjusted alignment targets did not capture differences in these populations, suggesting the need for cervical-specific goals.
Anatomic, functional, and radiographic review of the ligaments of the craniocervical junction
Authors: Fiester Peter , Rao Dinesh , Soule Erik , Orallo Peaches , Rahmathulla Gazanfar
Published: March 2021

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex and unique osteoligamentous structure that balances maximum stability and protection of vital neurovascular anatomy with ample mobility and range of motion. With the increasing utilization and improved resolution of cervical magnetic resonance imaging, craniocervical injury is being more accurately defined as a spectrum of injury that ranges in severity from overt craniocervical disassociation to isolated injuries of one more of the craniocervical ligaments, which may also lead to craniocervical instability. Thus, it is vital for the radiologist and neurosurgeon to have a thorough understanding of the imaging anatomy and function of the CCJ.
A meta-analyses on the role of IL-6 associated JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway modulation in the inflammatory bowel disease complicated colonic cancer development
Authors: ÜNAL ÇETİN Ece , BEYAZIT Yavuz
Published: March 2021

The signalling pathway of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is suggested to be involved in various pathophysiological processes, including immune function, cell growth, differentiation, hematopoiesis and more importantly oncogenesis of distinct tumoral conditions. Interleukin (IL) 6 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells and non-hematopoietic cells in response to external stimuli and considered to be a key player in the development of the microenvironment of malignancy by promoting tumor growth and metastasis by acting as a bridge between chronic inflammation and cancerous tissue. Recent studies suggest that aberrant interleukin IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway exists in both IBD and inflammation-related gastrointestinal cancers. In the present meta-analysis we aimed to analyze the relationship between IL-6/JAK/STAT3 and IBD associated colorectal carcinogenesis and the effect of the inhibition of this system on disease follow-up and management.In light of the small number of studies able to be included in the meta-analysis evidence strongly proposed that JAK/STAT3 signaling, especially via the IL-6/STAT3 axis is involved in the transition of inflammatory lesions to tumoral diseases and leading to ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer. For this reason, based on the evidence presented in this meta-analysis it is reasonable to suggest that targeting components of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway can inhibit tumour cell growth and relieve immunosuppression in the UC associated colonic tumoral microenvironment.
Doğrusal Fresnel Yansıtıcı Tasarımı ve Optik Analizi; Şanlıurfa Örneği
Authors: YILDIRIM Erdal , AKTACİR Mehmet Azmi
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışmada Mathur metodu kullanılarak değişken ayna aralıklarına sahip bir doğrusal Fresnel yansıtıcı tasarımı yapılmıştır. Belirlenen soğurucu yüksekliğinde ve üç farklı ayna genişliğindeki kuzey-güney doğrultusunda bir Doğrusal Fresnel Yansıtıcının optimum konfigürasyonu bulunmuştur. Her bir ayna genişliğine ait tasarımda aynı alana sahip düz ve silindirik soğurucuların etkisi incelenmiştir. Analizde kullanılan ışınım değerleri ASHRAE metodu kullanılarak Şanlıurfa için hesaplanmıştır. Analiz sonucunda, 42.44 yoğunlaştırma oranında, silindirik soğurucu tipli bir doğrusal Fresnel yansıtıcıyla yaz aylarında ortalama 5.2 kWh, ilkbaharda 3.2 kWh ve kış aylarında 1.2 kWh’lık enerji toplamanın mümkün olduğu görülmüştür.
A Review of Corbin and Strauss’ Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory
Authors: Packer-Muti Barbara
Published: March 2021

In the third edition of the classic text, Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, Juliet Corbin continues to present the basics of grounded theory in the context of an evolving world of qualitative research. In doing so she is able to share the traditional essences of the method as put forth in the first two editions while weaving in contemporary changes resulting from her reflections on emergent method, methodology, theory, and who she has become as a researcher.
Giving Voice to the Results of Your Study: A Review of Authoring Your Life: Developing an Internal Voice to Navigate Life’s Challenges by Marcia B. Baxter Magolda
Authors: Cooper Robin
Published: March 2021

In Authoring Your Life: Developing an Internal Voice to Navigate Life’s Challenges, Marcia B. Baxter Magolda offers a theory and model for building self-authorship through the development of an internal voice. Her primary audience is adults in their twenties and thirties, as well as their parents, peers, and employers. Qualitative researchers will also find the book of interest as a unique example of reporting results of a study in an original format.
Exploring Sheila Keegan’s World of Commercial Qualitative Research
Authors: Chenail Ronald
Published: March 2021

The world of commercial qualitative research reflects an emergent and exciting area of contemporary qualitative research which might not be all that familiar to academic qualitative researchers. Traditionally mentored in an oral and experiential fashion, the next generation of market qualitative researchers are benefiting from new books such as Sheila Keegan’s Qualitative Research: Good Decision Making through Understanding People, Cultures and Markets to learn how to address their clients’ needs for gaining insights into their customers’ perspectives. Academic-oriented qualitative researchers can also benefit from Keegan’s insights into this similar but different realm of qualitative inquiry.
MAHMUDKHOJA BEHBUDIY AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES
Authors: Bahriyev К
Published: March 2021

Мазкур мақолада улуғ маърифатпарвар МаҳмудхўжаБеҳбудийнинг чор Россиясининг мустабидлик тузумида фаолият юритганДавлат думаси фаолиятига оид мақолалари ва чиқишлари, миллийманфаатларнинг ҳимоя қилиши ҳақида сўз боради. Унинг “Ҳуррият”,“Самарқанд” газеталари ва “Ойна” журналида чоп этилган бир қатормақолалари ҳам таҳлил қилинган. Жадидчилик ҳаракатининг етакчилариданбўлган алломанинг миллий тафаккур ва матбуот ривожига, ўзбек сиёсийпублицистикасининг шаклланишига қўшган беҳисоб ҳиссаси манбалар, архивматериаллари асосида тадқиқ этилган.
THE ROLE OF JADIDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEATER ART IN CENTRAL ASIA
Authors: Yakubova Feruza
Published: March 2021

Ushbu maqolada XX asr boshidagi o’zbek adabiyoti, jadidchilikva milliy uyg’onish harakati, Turkistondagi madaniy o’zgarishlar, jumladan, teatrsan’atining tarixiy taraqqiyoti haqida mulohaza yuritilgan. Jadidchilik harakatiningmilliy teatr rivojidagi o’rni, ilk sahna asarlari va ularning millat taraqqiyotida tutganmavqei ilmiy tahlil qilingan.
DISTRIBUTION OF EDUCATIONAL IDEAS IN TURKESTAN IN THE XIX - BEGINNING OF THE XX CENTURY
Authors: Gulyamova Gulnora
Published: March 2021

В статье отражена эпоха, ознаменованная необычайнымрасцветом науки, искусства и литературы. Главной целью статьи являетсявыявление особенностей культурной среды эпохи джадидов и ее влияние настановление и дальнейшее развитие духовного мира молодежи.Изучение богатой национальной культуры, глубокое освоение историидуховной жизни узбекского народа и среднеазиатского народа в целомпозволит нам использовать всё то ценное и лучшее, что было накоплено вкультуре прошлого.
REJTETT GAZDASÁG ÉS A COVID-19 JÁRVÁNY ÖSSZEFÜGGÉSEI
Authors: Hegedűs Mihály
Published: March 2021

Rejtett, fekete, adózatlan vagy árnyékgazdaság, mindegyik kifejezés ugyanazt jelenti, de hiába van több szavunk is a jelenségre, sokan nem tudják mi is az, mekkora a mértéke és nincsenek pontos értékek arról sem, hogy Magyarországon hogyan alakul a fekete gazdaság. Fekete gazdaságnak nevezzük röviden a gazdaság azon részét, amely után nem került befizetésre adó, tehát például nem hivatalos a tevékenység, amely folyik vagy a foglalkoztatás feketén zajlik. Sokat beszélünk arról, illetve a kormány is egyre több törekvést tesz az irányába, hogy kifehérítse a gazdaságot. Számos meghozott intézkedés hatására arról szólnak a hírek, hogy sikerült visszaszorítani az árnyékgazdaságot. Mi is pontosan a rejtett gazdaság? Milyen mértékű az adózatlan gazdaság Magyarországon? Vajon teljes mértékben megszüntethető a fekete gazdaság létezése, teljesen kifehéríthető a gazdaság? Ezekre a kérdésekre keresem a választ ezen tudományos cikk keretein belül. Milyen hatással van a COVID- 19 járvány a rejtett gazdaságra, és a kormánynak milyen válaszai lehetnek?
Body composition in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gorbunova Yu. N. , Kondratyeva L. V. , Popkova T. V. , Demin N. V. , Smirnov A. V. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: March 2021

Aim of the study was to clarify the body composition in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis before starting therapy with synthetic basic anti-inflammatory drugs, genetically engineered biological drugs and glucocorticoids using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and to assess the effect of inflammation and metabolic syndrome on body composition.

Material and methods. The study included 37 patients (31 women and 6 men) with early rheumatoid arthritis. The control group consisted of 19 healthy donors without rheumatic diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the control group were measured by waist size, height and weight, and body mass index was calculated. Body composition was determined by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using the “Whole Body” program on the HOLOGIC device (USA). The presence of metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Results. Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis had less lean tissue mass, which was negatively correlated with inflammatory markers (ESR and C-reactive protein levels). Overweight and obesity were diagnosed in 24% and 27% of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic syndrome had a higher body weight, body mass index, waist size, and adipose tissue mass than patients without metabolic syndrome. With the help of instrumental methods, it is shown that in rheumatoid arthritis there is a redistribution of fat mass in the body, its predominant accumulation in the trunk area and a parallel decrease in the volume of muscle tissue.

Conclusion. Rheumatoid inflammation and metabolic syndrome affect body composition of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis before the start of antirheumatic therapy.
Developing student writing in science and engineering: the Write Reports in Science and Engineering (WRiSE) project
Authors: Drury Helen , Mort Pam
Published: March 2021

This paper reports on the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a discipline-specific online report writing resource for undergraduate science and engineering students, known as Ã¢â¬ËWrite Reports in Science and EngineeringÃ¢â¬â¢ (WRiSE). WRiSE was developed by a cross-institutional and cross-discipline collaborative team made up of subject specialists, learning advisors and eLearning specialists. Its conceptual design is based on research and pedagogy in Ã¢â¬ËLearning to WriteÃ¢â¬â¢ and Ã¢â¬ËWriting to LearnÃ¢â¬â¢. Genre analysis and genre pedagogy in the Sydney School tradition underpin the Ã¢â¬ËLearning to WriteÃ¢â¬â¢ resources. WRiSE contains nine modules from eight disciplines. Each module brings together resources to support student learning of both report writing and discipline content relevant to reporting experimental or field work. The site addresses student learning about the product of writing, namely the report genre, as well as the writing process. Evaluations post-project have shown that WRiSE users attained higher marks than non-users in their report assignments. Users also rated WRiSE highly for: developing understanding of the report writing requirements in their discipline; increasing awareness of strengths and weaknesses in their report writing; and, for deciding what changes to make to their report. WRiSE works best when integrated into the curriculum and when it is regularly promoted and demonstrated by lecturers, tutors and learning advisors.
Case Study: The 24/7 Study Advice Workshop
Authors: Reid Michelle , Shahabudin Kim , Hood Sonia
Published: March 2021

With a rise in demand for learning development services, coupled with an increasinglydivergent cohort of students (part-time; international; distance learners and students withextra commitments), there is a clear need to look for creative ways to meet the challengesof this growing and changing need. To meet this challenge the Study Advice team at the University of Reading embarked on a project using screencasting to create a suite of videotutorials that focused on key aspects of study. This paper discusses the inspiration for theproject, the development process undertaken and the impact and effectiveness of theresources created. The content was developed through a process of experimentation andextensive team reviewing and refinement, through which we (the Study Advice team)learnt how to effectively create, record and disseminate our resources. The benefits werefar wider reaching than the initial project scope, with implications for capacity building;recognition; profile-raising and student engagement.
Peer learning leaders: developing employability through facilitating the learning of other students
Authors: Ford Neil , Thackeray Charlotte , Barnes Paul , Hendrickx Katharina
Published: March 2021

Employability is a key theme in higher education and attitudes towards its development have shifted from a focus on technical skills development to a broader focus on values, intellect, social engagement and performance contributing to graduate identity (Hager and Hodkinson, 2009). Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) and Language Conversation Clubs are both examples of student-led peer learning schemes at Bournemouth University (BU), and are reviewed to explore the development of students employed to lead and facilitate group learning sessions. Data from four annual evaluation surveys (n=239) is reviewed in addition to qualitative comments and reflective writing. Peer leaders were found to have developed employability attributes including: leadership, time management and organisation, communication, and cultural awareness. Above all, peer leaders identified with developing confidence in their roles. Comments provided examples of student leaders who had actively selected peer learning as an opportunity to develop their confidence and were able to transfer this to other academic and employment contexts.
A learner developer perspective: critiquing dominant practices and cultures within university spaces
Authors: Parkes Sarah
Published: March 2021

This commentary reflects my evolving understanding of the problematic nature of identity and how this relates to notions of professional identity for those in learning development (LD) roles who engage with and produce research. If identity is, as Quinn (2010) asserts, boundary-less, and experienced as a perpetual becoming between multiplicities, what does this mean for questions of identity? This paper suggests that perpetual becoming is reflected in LD roles that operate within a third space, crossing or spanning the boundaries of traditional institutional sites of research, teaching or services, administration or knowledge transfer (Whitchurch, 2013). From such a place, LD practitioners can become what Ball (2007) calls cultural critics, who through their experiences and knowledge of the variety of institutional practices and cultures, are in an enviable place to critique them.LD practitioners need to maintain a dialogical position that enables reflection-in-action (Schön, 2001) to understand and respond to the multiplicities present in competing individual, institutional and societal discourses. By way of an example, consider the contrast between the pervasive neo-liberal drive for quantification and performance, set against the complex and often messy realities (Biesta, 2010) of LD issues that we, along with our students, often experience.Learning developers cannot however ignore the current political and social contexts that represent the environment within which our work exists. Nonetheless, LD practitioners must maintain their access to, engagement with, and production of a disparate range of research from across varied institutional and sectoral domains that go beyond seeking evidence of effectiveness. Hence, the need for and purpose of LD practitioner research is to create knowledge-of-practice (Cochrane-Smith and Lytle, 1999) that generates ontological understanding of, and exposure to, the epistemological bases of LD practices.
Developing students as learners - varied phenomena, varied contexts and a developmental trajectory for the whole endeavour
Authors: Gibbs Graham
Published: March 2021

This paper is offered as a conceptual map to help 'learning development' to distinguish its various activities and to locate these activities and approaches in relation to pedagogic theory and empirical evidence. It highlights variations in context that have profound implications for what 'learning development' might realistically focus on. The paper also examines parallel developments in 'educational development' over the past 30 years to see if that offers pointers to how 'learning development' might evolve.
Using two languages to inform and inspire: a case study using bilingual digital technology to educate healthcare students demonstrating the importance of language choice in enhancing communication and patient care in Wales
Authors: Cooledge Beryl , Murphy Peggy
Published: March 2021

Welsh is the indigenous language of Wales, the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure (2011) means that English and Welsh have equal parity in Wales. Many nursing students are now embarking on their studies having completed their formal education throughout the medium of Welsh and thus feel more comfortable studying in their mother tongue. Therefore, Bangor University aims to teach Welsh speakers alongside English speakers and offers a choice to their students so they can study in their preferred language. This case study examines how a bilingual ethos can be incorporated to provide a dynamic approach to teaching using pre-recorded lectures and innovative group work.  Presentations are recorded in two different languages and are supported by a gapped handbook, ensuring that students focus on the most important aspects of the lecture. The pre-recorded lecture capture is available for students to access after the lecture to reinforce the learning. Crossover group work (Mortiboys, 2010) was included to ensure that each member of the class contributed to discussions and fully understood the topic of managing pain in various scenarios.This resulted in a stimulating session which increased students' motivation and fostered ownership and interest in digital technology, but at the same time met the language and educational needs of a diverse population of students.
Holiploigy - Navigating the complexity of teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Wood Phil
Published: March 2021

The processes involved in teaching in higher education, as with schools, have on occasion become simplified to a dichotomy of being either 'transmission' or 'discovery' led. Such characterisations of teaching fail to engage with the context driven complexities of teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment. This opinion piece reflects upon the complexities involved and how they might be characterised and explained without reducing teaching and allied processes to simplistic frameworks. I argue that we need to develop holistic, process-led models of teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment, and associated systems for module and programme development and execution, a combined set of processes and principles that I refer to here as holiploigy.
The person-centred approach in maths skills development: examining a case of good practice
Authors: Delderfield Russell , McHattie Helen
Published: March 2021

The development of students' mathematics skills in Higher Education is often the topic of professional debate in learning development circles. Less prevalent are discussions taking place around the interpersonal dynamics that occur during one-to-one (tutorial) sessions. This case study explores these dynamics. It arose from the continuing professional development activities of an adviser (learning developer) at a UK university. As a result of recording one-to-one mathematics sessions it was found that the adviser was unconsciously competent and that, although she was adept at identifying her areas for development, she struggled to articulate the considerable strengths of her practice. We wanted to find a way of describing, analysing and evaluating her competence and alighted upon the person-centred approach.The aim of this paper, therefore, is to present the synthesis of maths skills practice with this approach in the hope of stimulating further research and professional conversation in the learning development community. The report offers novel idiographic findings through the application of person-centred theory to one practitioner's experience of delivering maths skills development. We conclude by suggesting that focusing on the relationship between adviser and student can help to create conditions conducive to successful one-to-one education.
Academic literacies twenty years on: a community-sourced literature review
Authors: Hilsdon John , Malone Cathy , Syska Alicja
Published: March 2021

In 1998, the paper ‘Student writing in higher education: an academic literacies approach’ by Mary Lea and Brian Street reinvigorated debate concerning ‘what it means to be academically literate’ (1998, p.158). It proposed a new way of examining how students learn at university and introduced the term ‘academic literacies’. Subsequently, a body of literature has emerged reflecting the significant theoretical and practical impact Lea and Street’s paper has had on a range of academic and professional fields. This literature review covers articles selected by colleagues in our professional communities of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education (ALDinHE), the association for lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), and the European Association of Teachers of Academic Writing (EATAW). As a community-sourced literature review, this text brings together reviews of wide range of texts and a diverse range of voices reflecting a multiplicity of perspectives and understandings of academic literacies. We have organised the material according to the themes: Modality, Identity, Focus on text, Implications for research, and Implications for practice. We conclude with observations relevant to these themes, which we hope will stimulate further debate, research and professional collaborations between our members and subscribers.
Creating learning communities: three social software tools
Authors: Tinker Amanda , Byrne Gillian , Cattermole Christine
Published: March 2021

Use of the web today, particularly amongst young people, is now more social and participative. Collectively known as Web 2.0, freely available tools have emerged that facilitate communication, user-generated content and social connectivity. Facebook and MySpace have become the most popular forms of this kind of online activity and networks are formed around all kind of interest and issues whether they are political, educational, professional or hobbies. In a recent survey of 500 students, 80% claimed that they regularly use social networking tools to communicate with peers (JISC, 2008). This pervasive use of Web 2.0 technology for everyday interaction has yet to see its potential fully recognised and integrated into Higher Education pedagogy. Despite 73% of students using such tools to 'discuss coursework' and 75% of these students recognising their value for enhancing learning, only 25% were encouraged to use such social software by academic staff (JISC, 2008). This raises the question as to whether Web 2.0 technology can promote social learning within educational contexts and how this might be realised in practice. In a bid to harness this creativity, energy and sociability, the Academic Skills Tutors (ASTs) at the University of Huddersfield have been exploring Web 2.0 technologies to investigate how such tools might enhance teaching and learning. This paper introduces practical examples of social software tools; how these are currently used to foster learning communities and promote academic development. Three distinct social software tools are discussed (del.icio.us, PBwiki - now PBworks - and Ning), illustrating current use of these with students and their initial evaluation.
Preparation for Higher Education: A study of collaborative partnerships in easing the transition to HE
Authors: Bussell Helen
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the second stage of a longitudinal study examining a successful collaborative project delivered through a partnership between institutions. The study evaluates a Level 4 module for FE students delivered jointly by Teesside University and a number of partner Colleges of Further Education as a 'spiky profile'. The first phase of the study concentrated on 2006/07 and 2007/08. The research reported here continued the evaluation of the module looking at staff, students and curriculum content for 2008/09. It followed the progression of students from previous cohorts and also examined the scheme's expansion across the region resulting from the success of the original programme.
Telling Tales: Students' Learning Stories
Authors: Harrett Jacqueline , Fitzgibbon Karen
Published: March 2021

This paper outlines research conducted with undergraduate students. By listening to students' learning experiences the authors were able to support them and develop ways to enable them to become more effective learners. Sharing their learning stories helped students establish a sense of community as they realised the commonality of many experiences. Reflection on learning also helped them to resolve issues from the past and move forward in a more positive spirit. Through talking and telling, thinking and reflecting the student voice becomes more audible and the tutor/student relationship more conducive to successful learning.
Engaging Blended Learning Students: An evolving approach to engaging students through the VLE
Authors: Doig Andrew , Hogg Steve
Published: March 2021

Students taking part-time, distance or blended learning units who are also in employment face high commitment demands of work, life and family in addition to their study. They do not have time to face the additional challenge of making sense of difficult to access learning materials. These students are also often highly discerning, and will talk with their feet Ã¢â¬â failing to complete units that donÃ¢â¬â¢t engage. At Southampton Solent University, we recognise the need to make online or blended units accessible and supportive. In order to engage students on these, we have developed a set of institutional standards for online course development that aim to make materials intuitive, easy access, clearly introduced and well signposted. The standards also identify levels of support and collaboration in order for students to feel both engaged in and to gain maximum benefit from the learning processes. At the same time we have established a Flexible Delivery Development and Support Team which collaborates with academic staff in course planning, writing and delivery. This team works with tutors to achieve the standards while aligning learning outcomes and assessment with online and blended learning activity. This workshop explores the stages that led to establishing our institutional standards for online course development and the scope of activities for the FDDST. We shall explore ways in which the activities of the team have been responsive and adaptive to student experiences, and illustrate some of the impact of these developments on both actual an anticipated student engagement, achievement and retention.
Making a case for behaviour based learning strategies in supporting students' academic performance
Authors: Gallagher Maeve Ann , Flynn Niamh
Published: March 2021

The aim of this article is to raise the profile of time and resource management interventions, not just as part of the delivery of Student Learning Development Services but as a core strategy, supported with interventions and resources that can be systematically evaluated, to help students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) maximise academic and employment potential. This opinion piece puts forward a case for Student Learning Development practitioners to design and deliver interventions aimed at improving students' self-regulated learning skills. The case is illustrated by examples from research on self-regulated learning (e.g. Pintrich, 2004) and from reports on graduate employment figures (e.g. OECD Heckmann, 2013) and employers' perceptions of graduates' employability skills (e.g. Council for Industry and Higher Education, Archer and Davison, 2008). There are also examples of interventions delivered by the Student Learning Development Service, Trinity College Dublin Ireland to help students improve self-efficacy and time management skills. The aim of this opinion piece is to stimulate discussion and ideas as to how educationalists and, in particular, professionals working in Student Learning Development Services in third level environments, can help students to develop these behavioural skills to enhance both their academic and employment potential.